Marrying the Man in the Dark

Chapter 1204 Lucy's Surgery

The assailant chuckled darkly, his voice laced with a sinister edge. "Don't recall how I look now?"

"Might be wise to check in with that empty skull of yours that you complimented me on my endurance and stamina in bed," he taunted, his words dripping with contempt.

Violet clenched her fist tightly, a flicker of resentment flashing in her eyes as she struggled to contain her emotions. She gestured firmly to the two security guards flanking the assailant.

"Stand down and behave yourself!" the guards commanded with steely resolve.

In a swift display of authority, each security guard delivered a sharp slap to the assailant's face. The blows landed with resounding force, leaving his mouth swollen and rendering him momentarily speechless.

After the altercation, the security guards acted swiftly to escort the assailant away, restoring a semblance of order to the chaotic scene. Meanwhile, the sound of sirens heralded the arrival of an ambulance outside.

Violet watched anxiously as the medical team carefully loaded Lennon onto a stretcher, preparing to transport him to the hospital. Despite her overwhelming relief that Lennon had intervened to shield her from harm, a pang of guilt gnawed at her.

When the knife had been poised to strike, it was Lennon who had acted without hesitation, risking his own safety to protect her. His bravery and selflessness were undeniable, yet doubts lingered in Violet's mind.

After the ambulance left with Lennon inside, Violet immediately dialed her father, the Belcourt family patriarch, on her phone. Her voice, though strained with emotion, carried a note of urgency.

"Dad, there's no reason to doubt him any longer," she began, her words firm and resolute. "Lenn genuinely cares about me; I don't see any doubt in him wanting to tie the knot with me."

"I'm your only daughter, so what do you think..." Her voice trailed off, her words becoming indistinguishable to the onlookers.

As Lucy collapsed, Colin acted swiftly, gently lifting her unconscious form into the waiting ambulance.

Meanwhile, Mandy's hands shook as she dialed Cherise's number, her voice urgent and laden with worry. "Cherise! Something happened to Lulu!"

On the other end of the line, Cherise's voice came through, surprisingly composed yet tinged with fatigue. "I'm aware; I'm currently in the hospital," she responded softly.

Cherise's next words carried a thread of hope. "I...We've identified a compatible liver for Lulu, and they've volunteered to donate some parts of their liver to her."

"Rest assured," Cherise continued, her voice steadying with reassurance, "she'll make a gradual recovery from tonight onwards."

Mandy felt a wave of surprise wash over her as she processed Cherise's unexpected knowledge. She had never disclosed Lucy's condition, her cirrhosis, to Cherise.

The information had been closely guarded, known only to herself, the hospital staff, Colin, and trusted nurses.

The realization left Mandy puzzled. How had Cherise come to know about Lucy's illness and even managed to source a compatible liver donor who was willing? The pieces didn't quite fit together, yet Mandy reasoned it wasn't entirely implausible.

Damien, Cherise's husband, had always possessed extensive connections and was privy to a wealth of information. In his sphere of influence, it wouldn't be surprising for Cherise to eventually learn of Lucy's condition.

During the cab ride to the hospital, Mandy couldn't shake off her thoughts about Cherise and the recent developments. As the city lights blurred outside the window, she reflected on Cherise's recent seclusion at home.

Could it be, Mandy mused silently, that she was preoccupied with thoughts after learning of Lucy's illness?noveldrama

Lucy's surgery lasted until dawn of the next day, a tense and anxious wait for everyone involved.

By five a.m., the doctors escorted her out in a wheelchair, emerging from the operating room. "The surgery went well! The patient is showing stable vital signs. You can breathe easy now."

Mandy, who had been snoozing fitfully in Cherise's comforting embrace, suddenly perked up with a burst of energy. She grasped Cherise's hand tightly, her eyes shining with tears of relief.

"That's wonderful news!" Mandy exclaimed with genuine joy and relief.

"That's wonderful news!" Mandy exclaimed with genuine joy and relief. "Lulu now has a healthy future ahead of her! We no longer have to worry about Alexis growing up without a mother!"

As Mandy celebrated the news of Lucy's successful surgery, she couldn't help but notice that Cherise's demeanor was more subdued than expected.

Concern etched into her features; Mandy watched as Cherise furrowed her brow and posed a direct question to the doctor.

"What of the donor? How's their condition?" Cherise asked, her voice steady but tinged with underlying worry.

The doctor seemed momentarily surprised by the inquiry. After a brief hesitation, he replied cautiously, "He's doing just fine; he just needs some time to recuperate from the operation."

Cherise visibly relaxed, exhaling a sigh of relief. She turned to Mandy with a reassuring smile, the tension in her expression easing slightly. "Go to the ward and check on Lulu," Cherise instructed gently.

"Noted!" Mandy responded eagerly.

As Mandy and Cherise walked towards Lucy's intensive care unit, Mandy couldn't help but furrow her brow in concern. "How come you're here by yourself? I don't see your husband, Mr. Lenoir," she asked, her voice reflecting her curiosity and the lingering worry she felt.

Cherise hesitated briefly before responding, her tone carrying a mix of weariness and concern. "Lennon took a hit for Violet earlier and was injured badly. My husband has gone to check in on him."

"Oh," Mandy responded softly, her memory flashing back to the chaotic events of the wedding and Lennon's heroic act to protect Violet.