Chapter 535


    "Alright," Dr. Harper nodded reassuringly. "We take responsibility for every patient. Try not to worry too much, Natalia. At this


    stage, it''s only a suspicion. As for a definitive diagnosis, we need to run aprehensive set of tests, which can take about a


    month to process. Please,e with me."


    Finishing his words, Dr. Harper guided Natalia through a series of more intricate examinations. She followed him like a ghost,


    feeling as if her world had crumbled.


    "Ms. rkson, I''m prescribing you some medication to help calm your nerves and temporarily manage the symptoms of muscle


    weakness. It''s unfortunate that you might have this condition, but | urge you to stay cooperative and patient until we get the


    results..."


    The doctor''s voice buzzed in Natalia''s head, but she hardly listened, clinging to thest shred of sanity as she bid him goodbye


    and left the hospital.


    The sunshine outside was perfect, yet Natalia felt a bone-deep chill. She wrapped her arms around her slender frame and


    walked slowly towards her car. Reaching it, her hands shook as she pulled the door open and slumped into the driver''s seat,


    burying her face in her hands as she began to sob uncontrobly.


    In this confined space, her emotions shattered, and tears streamed down her face. How could this be happening? She was


    facing a condition as dreadful as cancer. No, it was worse than cancer because she''d have to watch herself gradually lose the


    ability to move, even to breathe.


    She thought of her loving husband, Magnus, her sweet son Jonas, and her daughter Anna, whom she had yet to find. Natalia felt


    trapped in a nightmare. She couldn''t bear to be the person the doctor described, nor could she burden her family.


    Suddenly, the phone rang, piercing her moment of despair. Wiping her tears, she answered, "Hello?"


    "Honey," came the warm voice of Magnus, "What are you up to? | tried calling earlier. I''ve been missing you, darling." As he


    spoke, Magnus pictured Natalia''s blushing face, wishing he could sprout wings and fly straight home.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    "|... |..." Natalia choked back a sob, pinching herself to suppress the sadness. "Oh, I''m painting, just painting.”


    "Ha, are you secretly painting me again?" Magnus chuckled softly. "Don''t miss me too much, I''ll be home by evening. Love you,


    darling.”


    “Love you too," Natalia replied, her voice strained from her previous tears. She quickly changed the subject. "| need to get back


    to my painting. Let''s talk when you get home, okay?”


    “Alright, take care, bye."


    "Bye."


    As soon as the call ended, Natalia''s tears fell like rain once more. Perhaps Magnus had sensed her need, calling her in her most


    vulnerable moment. His affectionate words warmed her, yet she couldn''t reveal her plight.


    She knew Magnus well; learning of her condition would devastate him far more than it did her. All the suffering should be hers


    alone. She pleaded silently to spare her loved ones any grief.


    Natalia wiped away her tears, started the car, and drove home. She steadfastly wiped away the tears that blurred her vision.


    Inside, she felt a relentless anguish but could not share her torment with anyone.


    Arriving home, she trudged upstairs. The maid, Reba, was polishing the banister and smiled in greeting. Natalia couldn''t


    muster a smile in return and just nodded as she made her way to her room. She shut the door behind her, engulfed in silent


    agony.


    Was it her mind ying tricks, or did she feel pitied by everyone? She couldn''t stand the helpless looks that seemed to say they


    knew the pain she would endure, yet could do nothing.


    On the balcony, Natalia sat numbly. Her gaze was lost on the rolling waves, her heart churning like the frothy sea.


    Asad smile crossed her lips as she thought of the story of The Little Mermaid, who traded her voice for legs to be with her


    prince, only to be nothing but sea foam.


    Wasn''t she facing a simr fate?


    Over the years, through all the ups


    and downs, it was the support of


    family and friends athad sastalried


    Bun thiatihs She couldn''t go on.


    She couldn''t bear to watch her life


    slowly consumed, to see Magnus’


    eyes filled with helpless sorrow, to


    witness Jonas'' grief. Please read the


    original content at .


    No, she refused to die a miserable death, to live hopelessly burdened, to be a weight on her loved ones.


    The sea roared, mirroring Natalia''s turmoil. How could she leave without causing them more pain?


    Just then, the bedroom door creaked


    open, and Reba entered vor


    steamin cup of onttéé! But atalia


    Hedin: ppetite. Forcing a smile, she


    said, "Thank you, just set it down."


    Please read the original content at


    .


    However, Reba stood firm, holding the coffee until Natalia took a sip, refusing to leave ady in distress without a little


    comfort.


    Natalia sighed in resignation and took the coffee from Reba''s hands, only to have the steam scald her eyes, causing shiny


    tears to ssh against the delicate porcin mug.


    Reba seemed to sense Natalia''s distress and gestured with concern, asking if she had a row with Magnus.


    Natalia shook her head and took a


    small sip of the coffee. Even though


    she was sure Rebahad col


    teneda,, i Sted bitter to her.


    at was because her heart felt a


    million times more bitter than the


    most unsweetened brew. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    Setting the coffee down beside her, Natalia forced a wistful smile. Looking at Reba, who couldn''t speak, Natalia suddenly felt


    an overwhelming urge to pour her heart out.