The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife (Joanna)

Chapter 745 Bruce's heart ached as he asked in a deep voice, “When did you find out?” Aria hesitated for a few seconds before whispering, “About two months ago.” He was once again speechless, not knowing how to comfort her.

They fell into silence once more.

After a long while.

She took a deep breath, then she said with a slightly trembling voice, “So, | took this opportunity to come to Greyport, specifically to see you. | wanted to tell you what I've kept buried in my heart for many years. I'm afraid that if | don’t say it now, I'll never get the chance.” She spoke while holding back her sobs.

As he listened, he felt as if his heart was being torn apart. “Aria, with the advancements in medical treatment nowadays, you'll surely be fine. Don’t worry. | will find you the best neurologists in the world. You have to stay positive, eh? I'm sure you'll recover...” She smiled sadly. “I do hope so. Well, that is why | was hoping you can come and see me tomorrow. I'm afraid that we won't see each other ever again.” Hearing this, he had an indescribable feeling.

“Alright, | will definitely come to see you tomorrow.” “Okay... Then it's settled!” After finishing her sentence, she hung up the call without waiting for him to say anything.

Some believed that the most precious things in life were often the ones we could never possess or those we had lost forever.

She wanted to leave a deep imprint on his heart, to make him remember her forever.

Her love and devotion for all these years would find meaning and purpose as long as she continued to reside in his heart.

“Bruce, if | can’t become your wife, then let me be your everlasting memory!” After hanging up.

Restlessness consumed him, prompting him to pace back and forth in the corridor while chain-smoking several cigarettes in succession.

Even though he had quit smoking, the turmoil in his heart now made him crave the relief that cigarettes could provide. He could not believe that Aria had been diagnosed with brain cancer.

He knew how horrifying this condition could be. Even with the best neurologists from around the world, the chances of a complete cure were only 10%.

He never imagined that she would fall seriously ill.

Over the years, although they had not been in touch, they both kept tabs on each other through the organization they worked for.

She had been dedicated to her studies in the field of biology and had achieved considerable success.

Within the organization, there was no hierarchical structure, but she was primarily responsible for coordinating members in different locations. He used to have a handler, through whom all communication about missions and assignments was conducted.

Yet, unfortunately, that handler had tragically lost his life half a year ago. The organization then assigned a new handler to liaise with Bruce.

Upon learning about this, Aria volunteered to take on the role of his new handler.

Therefore, after more than a decade of no communication, they suddenly reconnected.

Of course, other than work, she also had some personal motives.

After spending over half an hour in the corridor, Bruce, who was distraught, finally returned to the hospital ward.

In the ward.

Joanna was laughing and chatting with her children.

The three little ones were exceptionally excited and joyful today since it was a rare occasion for them to visit the hospital.

“Mummy, after you're discharged, we have to re-celebrate Halloween, Davian said with a wide grin.

Irvin chimed in, “Yeah! This year’s Halloween was so boring because Daddy and Mummy didn’t spend it with us.” Joanna gently rubbed the faces of the two little ones, saying, “Alright, I'll get you gifts after | have been discharged.” Lilia remained snuggled in Joanna's arms, blinking her big, bright eyes at her mother. “Mummy, | want to set off fireworks.” “It's so romantic to set off fireworks by the seaside. Unfortunately, Greyport doesn’t allow fireworks on ordinary days.” “Mummy, can we go somewhere to set off fireworks?” Joanna thought for a moment and happily agreed.”Of course, we can. When spring comes, let's reserve a private island in Bali and celebrate there!” “Wow, that's great!” “Lilia, after | have been discharged, | will take you to Gaprington to have the surgery done immediately,” Joanna said as she gently rubbed her daughter’s leg with concern.

Lilia was already seven years old, and it might be too late if she did not proceed with the corrective surgery soon.

Joanna's only hope now was for her daughter to stand up on her feet as soon as possible.

“Mummy, we can’t wait! After Lilias’ treatment, we can go swimming by the sea together!” “Haha, the recovery might take some time though.” The mother and her three children were happily chatting.

The door opened.

Bruce walked in dejectedly.

“Daddy, why did you take so long to make a call?” “Oh?” he replied absentmindedly.

Joanna glanced at him, and she could tell that he was forcing a smile.

“Why did it take so long?” “Oh, it's nothing!” As he spoke, he had already approached the bed, lifting Lilia up into his arms.

As he got closer, Joanna caught a strong smell of smoke, causing her to frown instantly. “Are you smoking again?” He subconsciously sniffed his collar! Whenever he felt stressed, he had the urge to smoke. After all these years, he could not quit the habit.

When he was hospitalized for months after the car accident, he finally managed to kick the habit.

But now, he could not resist the temptation to smoke again.

“Smoking is harmful to you. Didn't you promise me you would quit? Why did you smoke again?” He chuckled nervously, then said, “Honey, I'll try to smoke less, okay?” She furrowed her brows, looking somewhat upset with him.

“I'll try to smoke less often.” She sighed deeply.

In fact, she did not want to be too controlling..

Life for a man who did not smoke, drink, or pursue women could be rather...

“Don’t smoke so often, eh? You know, it's not good for your health, and it's not good for the people around you.” “Right, I understand.” The butler knocked on the door and entered. “Mr. Everett, Mrs. Everett, it's getting late. The little ones have to go to school tomorrow, so we should take them home.” “Okay!” “Sweethearts, it's time to go home.” The three little ones nodded obediently. “Okay, bye, Daddy and Mummy.” “Goodbye, my darlings.” Be careful, eh? Go to sleep early. Don't stay up late.

“Okay, Mommy.” “Let's go!” The butler led the three children out of the ward with a smile.

After the children had left.

Bruce took off his coat as he felt a bit tired. He then lay down beside Joanna.

“Honey...” “What?” He scratched his head but did not say much.

He decided not to tell her about Aria’s matter in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

However, Aria’s words still made him deeply distressed.

It was not that he had any love left for her, but rather a profound sense of pity and sympathy. After all, they had once loved each other, and now, he could not help but worry for her knowing that she had such a serious condition.

He closed his eyes, pretending to sleep.

However, with so much on his mind, there was no way he could fall asleep.

As he kept tossing and turning constantly, Joanna realized that he had something on his mind.

Normally, he would not fidget so much when lying down.

However, she did not want to pry if he did not proactively share what was bothering him.

The next day.

9:30 A.M.

Joanna asked, “What time is Mr. Jameson coming?” “The appointment is scheduled for ten o'clock.” “Oh!” “Let's have breakfast!” Bruce attentively served her breakfast himself.

Just as they were about to have breakfast, the phone rang.

Ring, ring, ring.

His phone began ringing.

“Hello...” On the other end of the line, Mr. Jameson's anxious voice came through, “Mr. Everett, I'm sorry. I'm stuck in traffic, so | might not arrive until eleven o'clock.” Hearing this, Bruce frowned.

Arias flight was scheduled to depart at 11:55.

Originally, he had planned to complete the remarriage procedures early so that he could rush to the airport to send Aria off.

But now, it seemed like he might not make it in time.

“Can you hurry up?” “Mr. Everett, I'm really sorry. I'm stuck on the highway now. There was an accident ahead causing a major traffic jam. I've already gotten out of the car and am going to take the subway. But the staff from Civil Affairs Bureau may not be ready that quickly. It will probably be around eleven o'clock at the earliest.” Hearing this, Bruce felt even more agitated.

“If 'm not present, can the remarriage still be processed?” “I'm afraid not. Both parties must be present.” He contemplated for a moment, and asked, “Is it possible to reschedule for the afternoon?”