I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 180

Lauren’s voice was pitiful and trembling with sobs.

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“You cut your hand?” Carter hadn’t left the hospital yet. “Call a nurse first! I’m coming back now!”

After hanging up, Lauren didn’t call for a nurse. Instead, she let the blood flow freely.

Outside the ward, Peter stepped back a few paces, numb and speechless. He couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed.

The Lauren he remembered had always been bright and cheerful. Yet, her face could actually contort into such a terrifying, feral expression.

She was so delicate and sensitive to pain, but she had shattered a glass and cut her own hand. And she

She had even put on that pitiful act to plead for Carter’s help.

Peter collapsed onto a nearby bench, trying to catch his breath. He even questioned his own vision. He wondered how Lauren could be like this.

“Peter?” Carter hurried back, his brow furrowed with irritation.

Peter snapped out of his daze and looked up at him.

“Lauren cut her hand. Why aren’t you checking on her?” Carter reproached.

Peter stood up. “Oh… I didn’t know.”

The two of them entered the ward together.

On the bed, Lauren clutched her left hand with her right. A deep gash ran across her left palm. A large patch of blood stained the white blanket. It was a jarring sight.

Carter pressed the nurse call button and then asked, “How did this happen?”

Lauren’s eyes were red and glistening with tears. “I was alone and feeling unwell. I tried to go out and find you, but accidentally knocked over a glass. Then, I fell and cut my hand.”

Peter’s gaze fixed on her as he listened to her explanation. He knew that it wasn’t the truth.

He wondered why Lauren was lying. Was she trying to gain Carter’s sympathy and care?

Peter felt incapable of thinking further, so he sat silently to the side.

After a while, Lauren’s hand was bandaged, and Carter left to discuss the surgery with the doctor.

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Chapter 180

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He thought that if David couldn’t perform the operation, another specialist would suffice. With proper post–op care, perhaps no permanent damage would occur.

“Peter, why do you look so pale?” Lauren noticed his unusual expression.

Peter quickly shook his head. “I’m fine. Y–You should contact Sharon. I need to go home now.”

Knowing that his parents didn’t approve of their friendship, Lauren gave a small smile. “Go ahead. Don’t fight with your parents because they don’t like me. If you ever need help, contact me anytime. We’re still friends.”

“Oh, okay.” Peter then stood and left.

Lauren found his behavior odd but didn’t think much of it.

When Carter returned, Lauren learned about the surgical plan and frowned. “Carter, I–I’m really afraid of permanent damage. Could you contact Rhea for me?”

Lauren had heard that the specialist’s surname was Ravelle.

Carter fell silent.

Lauren bit her lip, her right hand nervously digging into her left palm. “Honestly, I understand everything you said earlier. Rhea clearly loves you deeply and has sacrificed so much for you. If you want to preserve your marriage, I can accept that. I’ve always said that I’ll support whatever you decide.”

“Lauren…”

Carter felt guilty toward Lauren, yet he convinced himself he hadn’t done anything wrong. People were naturally selfish, after all.

Lauren forced a smile. “It’s just… I really fear permanent damage. That’s why I was thinking… If you asked her to help find that professor for my surgery, she probably wouldn’t refuse, right? After all,

she loves you so much.”

Carter froze.

Ask Rhea for help?