The moment Max discovered that Estrella was the owner of the district, his attitude became overbearing. Before Estrella could do anything, he had already done it for her. He practically worshipped her like a god.
Eventually, Estrella found a chance to escape him and immediately left for the hospital. She had an appointment with the doctor.
By the time she arrived, there were still ten minutes left before her appointment.
She sat in the waiting area, still unable to believe she had become someone who went for regular medical checkups.
She had always hated hospitals.
After all, her family had died on their way to one.
She still remembered that fateful day. It was the last Saturday of the month—the day her family had set aside for routine checkups.
They had left the house in her father's car, driving along the streets of France.
Little Estrella had smiled brightly, pointing at random things outside and calling her mother's attention.
Her mother had only smiled and patted her head.
Then—
It happened.
A truck crashed into their car head-on.
She could still remember how her father had used his body to block her view… and how her mother had wrapped her tightly in her arms.
Both of them had disregarded their own lives to save hers.
"Miss Vale?"
Estrella snapped out of her thoughts.
A nurse stood before her.
"It's time."
She took a deep breath and stood up, walking into the doctor's office.
The doctor looked up and smiled. "Welcome, Miss Vale."
Since Estrella's face hadn't been clearly captured in the news, her identity remained mostly undisclosed. No one recognized her as Mrs. Banks.
She sat down and returned the smile politely.
The doctor got straight to the point. "How have you been feeling these past few days?"
Estrella replied calmly, "Nothing too serious. I just get tired easily… and I don't have much appetite."
The doctor nodded. "Any other symptoms?"
She shook her head.
"Well, that's expected," the doctor said. "I explained this to you before, but it seems you're only now coming to terms with your condition."
Do I even have a choice? Estrella thought.
The doctor stood. "We'll perform a CT scan to check the progression of the cancer."
Estrella nodded.
She was handed a hospital gown and went to change.
When she stepped out, a nurse led her to the CT scan room.
The machine stood in the center—large, white, and cold.
"Lie down," the technician instructed.
Estrella obeyed, resting on the narrow table.
"We'll use contrast," the technician said, handing her a drink.
She swallowed it, suppressing the unpleasant taste.
A needle slid into her arm. Moments later, warmth spread through her body.
"That's normal."
The machine hummed.
"Stay still."
The table moved, sliding her into the scanner.
"Hold your breath."
She did.
The machine whirred softly.
"Breathe."
Again.
"Hold your breath."
Estrella stared upward, her fingers curling slightly.
Her mind drifted—
A crash.
Shattered glass.
Her parents' arms shielding her.
"Breathe."
She blinked, returning to the present.
Moments later—
"It's done."
Just like that.
Simple.
Too simple.
She sat up and stepped down.
"You can change. Drink plenty of water," the nurse said.
Minutes later, she walked out, fully dressed.
"Your results will be ready soon."
Estrella nodded and returned to the waiting area.
Her steps were steady.
Her face calm.
But deep inside—
Her heart was thudding.
Some minutes later, her results were handed to her.
She glanced down at the scan. It looked like a blur of shadows.
The doctor explained, "The dark spots indicate where the cancer is located."
Estrella stared at the image.
So… this is what my stomach looks like.
The doctor continued, "There's no significant change compared to your last scan. Continue with your medication. Over time, the tumor should shrink, and then we can proceed with surgery."
Estrella nodded. "Okay."
The consultation was over.
She stood to leave.
But stopped at the door.
"Doctor…"
"Theodore," he said with a smile.
"Doctor Theodore… how much will the surgery cost?"
The doctor paused.
Then he told her.
Estrella froze.
That much…?
Even the money Luciano would pay her over the next three months wouldn't be enough.
Her chest tightened.
Her fingers curled into fists.