Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 8

Vivienne handed her medical chart to the doctor.

The more the doctor read, the deeper his frown became.

"This is quite serious," he finally said.

Vivienne managed a faint smile. "I know," she replied softly.

She drew a slow, steadying breath and continued, "Doctor, I'd like to request some strong painkillers."

"My professional advice is that you should be admitted for treatment," the doctor said, studying the chart. "Aggressive therapy might help extend your life."

Vivienne shook her head, a sad, resigned smile playing on her lips.

She wiped away the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes and said quietly, "I don't want to fight it anymore."

Tyler, standing beside her, squeezed her hand tightly. But Vivienne just shook her head again.

"Doctor, I only want to spend what time I have left with some dignity," she said. "Please, just prescribe the painkillers."

The doctor let out a long, heavy sigh, but in the end, he nodded in understanding.

Outside the room, reporters snapped photos and streamed every moment live.

The story exploded online.

"My God, this is a living, breathing person. She's just… letting go."

"I cry over a scraped knee—I can't even imagine the pain of late-stage cancer. Yet she faces it all with a smile. She's so strong."

"The moment she said she was giving up treatment, I sobbed. Only those who've watched themselves or loved ones suffer through illness can understand what she's feeling right now."

Countless people wept for Vivienne, their sympathy for her reaching a fever pitch.

…

Vivienne picked up her medication quickly, and by the time they left the hospital, Emilia was waiting outside on a bench, watching for Joyce to pull the car around.

Before Emilia could even register what was happening, a sharp-eyed paparazzo spotted her and, in a flash, a crowd swarmed around the three of them.

Cameras flashed relentlessly.

Tyler noticed Emilia as well and frowned, his lips parting slightly. "What are you doing here?"

Emilia stood up, glancing at Tyler, then at Vivienne's hand resting in the crook of his arm.

She hadn't even spoken yet when the more provocative tabloids started stirring the pot.

"Ms. Dennis, did you come here after seeing the rumors online? Are you confronting your husband for cheating?"

"Ms. Dennis, how do you feel about your husband being seen in public with another woman?"

She was trying to keep her cool, not wanting to reveal her pregnancy, not wanting to give anyone a reason to question why she was at the hospital.

It was enough of an answer for Tyler.

With that, she turned to leave.

But the reporters weren't about to let her go.

They surged forward, shoving and blocking her path.

"Ms. Dennis, are you aware that most people online think you should step aside and let Mr. Erickson be with Vivienne?"

"Ms. Dennis, Vivienne is dying—don't you feel guilty for making things harder for her at this time?"

"Ms. Dennis—!"

Emilia had no desire to answer any of it. She just wanted out.

But the crowd was relentless, desperate to catch all three of them in a single shot.

Tyler did nothing as the throng pressed in. Suddenly, someone in the crowd gave Emilia a hard shove.

She stumbled—and immediately clutched her stomach, shielding it protectively.