Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 20

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When Aurelia found the attending physician, Connor Walsh, he had just received Ella’s scans. 

The moment he learned Aurelia was the patient’s daughter, he immediately began explaining the results. 

“See this shadow here?” Connor pointed to a dark spot on the image. “That’s the tumor. It’s in a really bad location. The surgery would be extremely difficult and risky.” 

Aurelia’s heart sank. A cold dread spread through her chest. 

“Right now, we can’t tell if it’s benign or malignant,” Connor continued, his tone steady but serious. “We’ll need to wait for the biopsy results tomorrow. That’s all we know for now, but you should be prepared.” 

“Dr. Walsh, if it’s malignant, what can we do?” Aurelia’s voice trembled. 

No matter how strong or composed a person was, sickness and death always made them feel helpless. 

Connor frowned. “Let’s set aside whether it’s malignant for now. Even if it’s benign, removing it from this location would be extremely difficult. And with your mother’s other health issues and what our hospital can currently manage, it might be-” 

He trailed off, adjusting his glasses with a look of quiet apology. 

Aurelia felt a heavy weight on her chest, making it hard to breathe. “What about other hospitals?” she asked immediately, her voice shaking. 

“Calm down,” Connor said. “Ordinarily, I’d suggest transferring her to one of the country’s top cancer centers. But right now, there might be another option–just a little more complicated.” 

“I don’t care how complicated it is,” Aurelia said firmly. She would do anything to save her mother. 

“Tomorrow, a team of medical experts from overseas is coming for an exchange visit,” Connor explained. “Among them are some of the best specialists in this field. If we can get them to take on your mother’s case, the surgery might go well.” 

His words lit a small spark of hope in Aurelia’s heart. “Then how do we get her case chosen?” 

“That depends on luck,” Connor admitted. “When it comes to resources like this, everyone’s fighting for a chance. The competition will be tough.” 

Aurelia knew he was right. She thanked him sincerely. If there was even a tiny chance, she had to prepare everything perfectly. 

Not long after she left, a colleague from Connor’s department walked in. 

Spotting the scans, he said, “What a coincidence–two patients in a row with tumors in the exact same spot.” 

Connor replied, “Yeah. It’s the first time I’ve seen it, too. But Alina’s situation is a lot better than Ella’s. At least hers is benign, and she doesn’t have any other conditions. Her surgery has a much higher success rate.” 

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Chapter 20 

The colleague held up both scans and compared them side by side. If it were me, I’d go with the easier one. The success rate’s higher, and when visiting experts come, they choose cases that will make them shine on their resumes” 

It sounded harsh, but it was the truth. Connor didn’t argue. 

The colleague put Ella’s scan back on the table and patted Connor’s shoulder. “You might want to start deciding which one to push forward.” 

In the hospital room, Daniel was patiently feeding Alina soup. 

She was pale and weak, barely able to finish a few spoonfuls, but Daniel kept coaxing her gently until she finished the whole bowl. 

Afterward, Alina said she wanted some fresh air, so Daniel wheeled her out into the hallway. 

A short distance behind them, Tessa walked with Cassian. Trying to strike up a conversation, she said. “My mom and dad really have a great relationship, don’t they?” 

Cassian grunted but said nothing. 

“My friends say I have a good personality,” Tessa went on with a smile. “It’s because I grew up in a happy home. I don’t have the kind of insecurities people get from broken families. 

“You know, people with bad childhoods tend to be harder to get along with–touchy and defensive.” 

She paused deliberately before adding, “I heard Ms. Corin didn’t come from a great family. Poor thing.” 

Cassian’s tone turned sharp. “Why are you bringing her up?” 

Tessa flashed an innocent smile. “I’m just feeling a little sorry for her, and that’s all.” 

***** 

Since Ella was hospitalized, Aurelia had stayed by her side. 

But because she’d come in such a rush, she hadn’t brought any of her things. She needed to run home to grab a few essentials. 

After informing the nurse, Aurelia hurried toward the elevators. She couldn’t be away for long, so every minute mattered. 

Just as she reached the elevator, the doors were about to close. 

“Wait!” she called, pressing the button quickly. 

The doors slid open again–and when Aurelia saw who was inside, she froze. 

Tessa looked surprised. “Ms. Corin? What are you doing here? Weren’t you back at the office?” 

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Cassian stood beside her, his expression cold and unreadable. He didn’t even blink at the sight of Aurelia, as if she were just another stranger. 

Out of courtesy, Aurelia answered flatly, “Someone in my family is sick.” 

“Oh, what a coincidence,” Tessa said brightly. “My mom’s a patient here as well.” 

Aurelia didn’t have the energy to make small talk. She just wanted to grab her things and get back to her mother before the nurses‘ shift changed. 

Ignoring the tension in the air, she stepped into the elevator. 

Aurelia stood in front of them, staring straight at the elevator doors. 

The ride down was quiet except for Tessa’s cheerful voice. “Cassian, where should we eat later? Blue Bridge again? I really like the food there–and the atmosphere’s great.” 

“Then we’ll go there,” Cassian replied. 

In the seven years she’d known him, Aurelia had never seen him so easygoing with anyone. With Tessa, he seemed endlessly patient–ready to indulge her every whim. 

Aurelia understood why. Tessa was the woman he had kept in his heart for years. 

Thankfully, the elevator was fast. Before their conversation could cut any deeper, the elevator reached the first floor. 

Aurelia stepped out quickly, not looking back. 

But when she reached the hospital’s main entrance, she realized it was pouring outside. The rain was heavy, and people crowded under the eaves, waiting it out. 

Before she could weave through the crowd, Cassian and Tessa caught up to her. 

Tessa looked at the downpour. “Ugh, it’s raining–and it’s rush hour. We’ll never get a cab.” 

Cassian rarely drove himself; usually, his driver–or Aurelia–handled it. 

Judging by Tessa’s tone, his driver wasn’t around. 

Aurelia suddenly felt uneasy. She turned to slip away quietly, but Cassian’s voice stopped her. “Aurelia.” 

She wanted to pretend she hadn’t heard him, but the man blocking her path was too tall. After a few failed attempts to get around him, Aurelia gave up. 

Cassian stepped forward, looking down at her. 

Aurelia lifted her chin, forcing herself to meet his gaze. “Mr. Locke, what do you