Chapter867UnspokenGuilt


    Cherise’s eyes shut tightly, her features etched with pain. “Your sister’s ordeal mirrors my mother’s in


    many ways. When I operated on her, I took an extra step… and that’s why she survived.”


    “Five years ago, when my mother passed, she urged me not to shoulder me. She insisted it was her


    choice.”


    “But I couldn’t forgive myself… Because at the time, I entertained the notion of taking that extra step,


    but… I faltered. I was gripped by fear… Fear that one additional step might jeopardize my mother’s


    life.”


    “But it was that one step… and my mother couldn’t hold on…”


    Cherise locked these memories away, never daring to share them with anyone


    In the years following, each midnight reverie would stir her from slumber, tears staining her pillow in


    remembrance of her mother.


    Subsequently, Cherise crossed paths with Dr. Keeples, Lermille Hospital’s director.


    His sage advice resonated deeply with her: the gravest mistake a doctor could make was to operate on


    a loved one without absolute conviction.


    Such a decision, he cautioned, would yield a lifetime of remorse.


    Inspired by his counsel, Cherise made the pivotal choice to join Lermille Hospital’s ranks.


    But her mother’s surgery remained a festering wound, a relentless source of guilt.


    Cherise included this narrative in her paper because of Maeve’s sessful surgery.


    As a medical practitioner, Cherise yearned for guidance on navigating such delicate scenarios.


    Little did she anticipate that her paper would be Gwenn’s weapon of choice against her.


    Gwenn’s relentless actions against Cherise stemmed from a clear understanding of the situation.


    From the onset, she derided Cherise for her reluctance to perform surgery, and now, she mercilessly


    exposed Cherise’s vulnerabilities.


    With each calcted move, Gwenn systematically dismantled Cherise’s aspirations and livelihood,


    shattering her dreams and undermining her existence.


    Damien enfolded Cherise in his arms, his gentle touch a balm to her tormented soul. “It’s all in the past,


    my love. There’s no need to fret.”


    “If I were your mother, I would have made the same decision.”


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    Cherise’s quivering frame stilled momentarily as she wept.


    Gazing up at Damien through tear–blurred eyes, she asked, “Why?”


    “Because she, like me, knows the goodness within your heart.”


    Cherise locked eyes with Damien, her lips trembling in silence.


    Taking a deep breath, Damien tenderly brushed her lips with a kiss. “Zachary informed. me that when


    you operated on your mother, it wasn’t a rash decision.”


    “He recounted how you reached out to numerous experts worldwide, seeking counsel on the feasibility


    of your n. You tirelessly tended to your mother by day and burned the midnight oil alone, sleeping a


    mere few hours a night. It took you over a month to finalize your strategy…”


    “Your intent was solely to grant your loved ones more time, to vanquish their illness.”


    “Before your intervention, this ailment had never been conquered.”


    Damien cupped Cherise’s face. “Truth be told, even without your intervention, your mother would have


    had at most a month left.”


    “If I were her, I would entrust you with the surgery.”


    “Taking a chance outweighs enduring the agony.”


    “Even though youcked practical experience as a doctor, you’re my daughter. I’d sooner ce my


    faith in you than in seasoned professionals.”


    Cherise’s lips quivered, tears pooling as she beheld Damien. “I know, I understand the rationale…”


    Yet, she found herself unable to surmount this inner barrier.


    The notion that her mother’s plight stemmed from her actions…


    It overwhelmed her, evoking an overwhelming wave of self–me and sorrow.


    Witnessing her tears unabated, Damien could only offer a gentle pat on her back. “If you need to cry,


    my dear, let the tears flow.”