Wiping Away Traces of You

"Although Mr. Lawrie has no cancer, the test results show that his body is extremely weak, and he's severely malnourished."

Noticing Jessica's doubts, the doctor added calmly, "Has he been dieting recently to lose weight? Dieting for fitness is common, but doing so to this extent is harmful.

"Especially in your case, Mr. Lawrie, where it's already affecting your health. Just look at how pale your face is. It's no wonder your sister thought you might have cancer."

Jessica's expression darkened instantly.

Edgar indeed hadn't been eating well lately, which was understandable. Being sick, coupled with Jessica's coldness and disdain, had left him with no appetite or energy to take care of himself.

But to Jessica, it painted a very different picture.

"You've been starving yourself just to fake being sick and trick me?" she asked.

Her icy gaze bore into him as she scolded, "Are you trying to make me feel sorry for you so I'll agree to be with you? Edgar, can't you stop this ridiculous behavior?"

"I didn't…" He knew she wouldn't believe him, but he still tried desperately to deny it. "I really didn't."

Yet his denial sounded feeble against the cold, hard facts.

Jessica looked at him with profound disappointment. "How did I end up raising you into such a person?"

At that moment, Edgar felt his heart break into pieces.

Moments later, Jessica walked away with Cooper and left him at the hospital.

For the next week, she didn't speak to him at all. Edgar tried several times to mend their relationship, but every attempt failed. It wasn't until the day before Jessica and Cooper's wedding that he finally spoke to her.

"Jess, you're getting married tomorrow. Are you still not willing to talk to me?" Edgar's expression was heart-wrenchingly sorrowful.

Jessica's gaze remained indifferent. "Have you given up yet?"

Edgar's eyes turned redder as he nodded. "Yes, I've given up. I swear I won't lie to you this time."

He wasn't lying because he was about to die. Once his life ended, so would their heart, right?

Jessica glanced at his eyes, clearly unconvinced. Nevertheless, her heart softened in the end. After all, she'd raised him. She couldn't possibly ignore him forever.

"Come to my wedding tomorrow. Give us your sincere blessing, and I'll forgive you. But don't pull any stunts. No matter what you do, I'm marrying Cooper. Nothing will change that."

Edgar lowered his gaze. "I won't cause trouble."

His compliance and calmness tugged at Jessica's heart. A sudden irritation swelled in her chest. She averted her gaze, unable to look at Edgar any longer.

However, Edgar spoke again, "Jess, I'll attend your wedding. But can you join me for dinner after that?"

Jessica and Cooper's wedding was scheduled to conclude before noon.

"Tomorrow is my birthday. You've always spent my birthday with me. Could you do it one last time? I know it's selfish to ask this on your wedding day, but I won't interrupt the ceremony.

"The wedding should be over at 4:00 pm. Just come and have a piece of cake with me and wish me a happy birthday. That's all I ask for."

Jessica couldn't bring herself to refuse such a humble request. So, she answered stiffly, "Fine."

That night, Edgar barely slept. He kept his eyes open until dawn, then carefully prepared himself to attend Jessica's wedding.