Chapter 5

The next morning, for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn’t show up at Brandon’s bedside, carrying a warm breakfast.

Instead, I leisurely went shopping and treated myself to a few beauty treatments.

My once mottled, waist-length hair, streaked with gray, was chopped into a chic, short bob, then dyed a rich chestnut brown. It was sharp and stylish, yet still carried a quiet elegance.

The fine lines around my eyes, once etched by relentless exhaustion, were now gently fading, thanks to a hefty dose of self-care.

Just like my surging love for Brandon, once gone, it would never return.

When I arrived at the hospital entrance, I suddenly didn't want to go in.

Brandon had hurt me too deeply; even seeing him felt superfluous.

Just then, my assistant Chloe called urgently.

"Ms. Vance, for that overseas construction materials deal, should we still have Mr. Davison, the Vice President, handle it as usual?"

In the past, I only wanted to stay by Brandon's side, hoping that the first person he hugged when he stood up would be me.

So, even if sending a VP to sign was unprofessional and would inevitably cost the company almost half its potential profits, I didn't care.

But people grow, don't they? You have to learn to love yourself first before you can truly decide who else is worthy of that love.

This time, I firmly shook my head.

"No need. I'll go myself."

The moment I hung up, I made eye contact with Skylar Reed, who was walking towards me.

The atmosphere was awkward for a few seconds.

She flashed a sickly sweet smile, chirping, "Ellie, what a coincidence! You’re at the hospital too?"

Her feigned surprise was sickening.

I had no intention of making small talk and turned to leave.

But Skylar raised an eyebrow, blocking my path. Then, she deliberately let slip a crumpled ultrasound report from her hand.

"Ellie, I'm pregnant and can't bend over. Could you pick that up for me?"

I remained unmoved, my gaze fixed on her abdomen, my breathing tight.

"Pregnant so soon? And where's the baby's daddy?"

Skylar touched her belly with a blissful expression, smiling sweetly.

"This is our second baby. His dad is overjoyed! Even though he can't always be with me and Leo, his love is always there."

"He bought us several houses, and even set up a trust fund of billions for both kids. Oh, and tonight's city-wide fireworks display? That's what his dad arranged to cheer me up. He always says women are born to be pampered."

Skylar gushed, her hands animated with excitement. She paused for a second, then looked at me with a sympathetic expression.

"I'm so sorry, Ellie, I brought up your sore spot. Brandon's been sick for so long, you must be so lonely, aren't you?"

I forced a smile, my voice flat. "I've arranged a new treatment plan for him recently. He'll be able to stand up soon. I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel."

"Really? Well, congratulations then."

She sneered as she walked past me.

Before boarding the plane, I called Brandon.

"Brandon, I won't be able to stay with you for the next week. Company business needs me."

He’d always been a reserved man, but after his 'illness,' he’d become even more quiet and withdrawn.

Now, though, his voice was filled with joy and excitement.

"Took you long enough to get smart. You should have given up on me and focused on work ages ago, Ellie. Honestly, I always preferred you as a fierce, capable businesswoman."

I chuckled. "Alright, then I'll live up to your expectations—a formidable businesswoman, undisturbed by trivial matters. But you have to promise me one thing."

"What is it?"

His excited tone quickly flattened, morphing back into his familiar, impatient drawl.

"I've arranged the latest treatment plan for you. Next week, will you cooperate with the doctor obediently? There's a pre-surgical agreement; remember to sign it later."