Noelle hated hospitals. The place always reeked of disinfectant, and everywhere she looked, she saw faces filled with sorrow and despair.

The nurse had just left.

Rosie's veins were still very thin, and it had taken several attempts before the nurse finally succeeded in inserting the IV.

At first, Rosie endured the pain in silence. But eventually, she couldn't hold back her tears and told Noelle how much it hurt.

Noelle didn't say anything, only tightly held Rosie's other hand.

Now that the IV was finally in place, Rosie sniffled and closed her eyes.

"Go to sleep," Noelle whispered softly while gently stroking her hair. "Mommy's here."

Rosie hummed faintly, but after a moment, she opened her eyes again.

Noelle quickly forced a smile. "What's the matter?"

"Mommy, you won't cry, right?" she asked."

The question stumped Noelle.

か

Rosie explained, "It hurt a little earlier, but I'm feeling better now. So, don't be sad, okay?"

Noelle had been maintaining a smile all this time, but hearing those words, her expression faltered. She couldn't bring herself to answer, only nodding vigorously.

Reassured by her response, Rosie finally closed her eyes again.

Noelle remained seated beside her, her gaze fixed on the IV bag hanging nearby.

It was a large bag, and she knew it would take a long time to empty. But she couldn't bring herself to look away, as if afraid she might miss something important.

When Seline walked in and saw Noelle staring intently at the IV bag, she couldn't help but freeze for a moment before walking over to her.

"Why don't you go rest for a bit? I'll stay here and watch over Rosie."

Noelle didn't respond.

Seline took a deep breath and finally said, "The doctor mentioned that Rosie's white blood cell count is very low. They suspect it might be... leukemia."

Her voice was heavy.

Although the doctor had already given Noelle a heads-up earlier, hearing the diagnosis confirmed still made her expression change.

Then, she slowly looked up.

"But don't worry," Seline added quickly. "Cancer treatment has come a long way, so I'm pretty sure there's

a way to treat this. I've already called my dad, and he suggested we transfer Rosie to a hospital in Coppersville. What do you think?"noveldrama

"Okay."

Noelle's reply was immediate, which surprised Seline.

After all, she knew why Noelle had left Coppersville and how she had slowly rebuilt her life in

Stormbridge. So, she had assumed Noelle would never choose to go back there.

Yet, Noelle's answer came without hesitation. She even asked eagerly, "When can we transfer her?"

"I-I'll have my dad arrange it right away. Don't worry. It'll be soon."

Noelle nodded repeatedly.

Seline hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you want to give Hendrix a call?"

The question made Noelle frown.

"I know we don't need his help with the hospital arrangements, but he is Rosie's father, after all. Not to mention, leukemia is largely hereditary.

"I heard that if it came to needing bone marrow transplants, family members are often prioritized. So, don't you think it'll be appropriate to let him know now?"