The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 840

They were both lost in the moment, savoring the intense pleasure, so much so that Ivy didn't notice the single tear that fell from the corner of her lover’s eye as their souls reached their peak.

But the tear landed on her cheek, wet and warm.

In a daze, she opened her eyes, a flicker of confusion in her intoxicated gaze. She reached up to touch her face. “What’s this…”

Before she could finish her question, Jamison’s voice, low and husky, provided an explanation. “It’s just sweat…”

Ivy smiled and closed her eyes again, a playful curve to her lips. “Dr. Ludwig is working so hard.”

————

The results of the follow-up tests came back quickly.

There was no miracle.

Jamison was diagnosed with liver cancer. The only mercy was that it was still in its early stages, and his liver function had not yet been significantly affected.

When the hospital’s top specialists in the field heard the news, they immediately convened for a consultation and finalized a treatment plan that same day.

Jamison was involved in the entire process. As a surgeon himself, he knew exactly how to treat malignant tumors. His concern wasn't his own battle with cancer, but how—or if—he should tell his wife and family.

He would have to be hospitalized, undergo surgery. There was no way to hide that.

After the consultation ended and the specialists left, he sat alone in the conference room. After more than ten minutes of deliberation, he made up his mind. He took out his phone and called his brother, asking Thad to meet him for lunch.

Thad knew his brother well. A special lunch invitation meant something important was up. “Is something wrong?” he asked on the phone.

“Yes.”

“What is it? Is Mom’s condition worse, or are you in some kind of trouble again?” Those were the only things Thad could think of.

Jamison looked at his test results, his voice low and detached. “Let’s talk when we meet.”

“Alright.”

Just before hanging up, Jamison added, “Don’t tell anyone.”

Jamison smiled but said nothing.

It had been a while since the two brothers had sat down for a meal alone, and Thad was enjoying the rare moment.

Halfway through the meal, he looked at his brother again. “Alright, tell me. What is it? You’re acting like you’re afraid I won’t be able to eat if you tell me.” He knew his brother’s intentions, even if they were unspoken.

Jamison had little appetite, but he knew he had to eat. He continued to eat as he spoke, his voice calm and casual. “I have liver cancer. Early stage. Just found out.”

“What?” Thad had been prepared for bad news, but the words still hit him like a physical blow. His face grew grim as he stared at his brother. “You have liver cancer? How is that possible? You’re so young, and you’ve always been so healthy.” He couldn't believe it. “Are you sure it’s not a mistake? Did you get a second opinion?”

“I’ve had it rechecked. There’s no mistake. The treatment plan was finalized today. I’ll start chemotherapy soon, followed by surgery to remove part of my liver. With current medical technology, it’s still manageable, and the chances of a full recovery are high.”

Jamison continued to eat, looking at his brother with a calm, reassuring expression. “Don’t worry too much. I’m not going to die anytime soon. I just don’t want everyone to know and worry. That’s why I wanted to talk to you, to see if we can figure out a way to keep this from the family.”

Thad understood, but he had one question. “Even if you can hide it from the family, what about Ivy? You’re not going to tell her either?”

Jamison paused, a look of distress on his face. “I really don’t want to. She would be heartbroken…”