Chapter 7

"Although there's no sign of cancer, Ms. Kirk is currently in poor health and severely malnourished," the doctor said, as if sensing Murphy's doubts.

He added calmly, "Has she been dieting to lose weight recently? It's normal for young women to want to look their best, but extreme dieting is harmful—especially for someone like Ms. Kirk. Her health is already seriously affected.

"Look at how pale her face is. No wonder you mistook it for something as serious as cancer."

Murphy's expression darkened immediately.

Gemma had not been eating properly recently, which was not surprising. She was sick, after all, and Murphy was cold and dismissive toward her. She felt unwanted. How could she be in the mood to eat well?

Yet in Murphy's eyes, this painted a very different picture.

"You've gone so far as to destroy your health just to fake an illness and deceive me?" His gaze turned icy, cold enough to freeze the heat of summer.

"What's your goal? To make me pity you and agree to be with you? Gemma, wake up!"

"That's not true…" Tears slipped uncontrollably down her cheeks. She knew he would not believe her, but she still tried to deny it, saying, "I really didn't do that."

Her denial, however, seemed feeble in the face of the evidence.

Murphy looked at her with deep disappointment. "How did I raise you to become like this?"

At that moment, Gemma felt as though her heart had been pierced by a thousand arrows.

Murphy left her alone at the hospital as he walked away with his arm around Evangeline.

For the next week, he did not speak a word to her. Gemma tried several times to mend their relationship, but each attempt ended in failure.

It was not until the day before Murphy and Evangeline's wedding that she spoke to him again.

"Uncle Murphy, you're getting married tomorrow. Are you still unwilling to talk to me?" Gemma's long lashes cast faint shadows under her sorrowful eyes, her expression filled with sadness.

Murphy's gaze remained cold. "Have you given up yet?"

Gemma's eyes reddened as she nodded. "Yes, I have. I swear I'm not lying this time."

This time, she truly was not lying—because she would soon be gone. Once she was gone, surely, her heart would give up too.

Murphy glanced at her tearful eyes, clearly skeptical of her words.

Nonetheless, he softened. After all, she was the rose he had nurtured. How could he truly ignore her forever?

"Come to the wedding tomorrow and sincerely give us your blessing. If you do that, I'll forgive you," Murphy said coldly. "Don't try any tricks. I'm marrying Eva no matter what you do, and nothing will change that!"

Gemma kept her gaze down. "I won't make a scene."

Her calm, submissive demeanor pricked at his heart. An inexplicable irritation swept over him, and he turned his gaze away, unable to look at her any longer.

At that moment, Gemma spoke up again, "Uncle Murphy, I'll attend your wedding, but could I ask for one thing after it's over?"

Murphy and Evangeline's wedding was a garden-style ceremony, with all events expected to conclude by noon.

"Tomorrow is my birthday. You've always spent my birthday with me. Could you celebrate it with me one last time?

"I know it's selfish to ask this on your wedding day, but I won't interfere with the ceremony. Just come by at 4:00 pm when everything's over and have a slice of cake with me. Just wish me a happy birthday—that's all I'm asking for."

Her request was so humble that Murphy could not bring himself to refuse. In a stiff tone, he gave a curt, "Fine."

Gemma barely slept that night. She lay awake until dawn, then got up, dressed carefully, and prepared to attend Murphy's wedding.