Love's Bitter Edge (Eva and Leonard)
Chapter 478 Tough Enough

Just as Jack was about to step forward, Julian pushed him aside.

Even though Julian wore a hat, a mask, and different glasses, I still recognized him immediately. Seeing him again after so long, I suddenly felt tears welling up.

Julian sized me up, then let out a cold huff through his nose. "Congrats, did you meet the Grim Reaper?"

I tried to smile, but the movement pulled at my stitches, making me wince in pain.

"Okay, stop talking for now. You've got a pretty big wound. Don't move too much," Jack said, his eyes full of concern-maybe even a little pity.

I forced a smile, knowing exactly what he was feeling. They had removed my breast tissue.

For any woman, it was a pretty tragic thing.

Considering I was still quite young and that the cancer hadn't spread too much, they opted for a localized surgery. But now, after three relapses, there was really no other option.

Julian sighed. "Enough with the drama. The Grim Reaper probably gets annoyed seeing you always hanging around. As long as you take it easy, you should be fine. You'll still be here for a few decades. Maybe even long enough to help me with my kids one day." He grinned, and I couldn't help but laugh. This time, I really laughed. Julian's eyes crinkled at the corners in a smile.

It was a bit hard to talk after the surgery, but I managed.

After a few more days of rest, I could eat again. Jack brought me three or four meals a day, all of which he had cooked himself. Julian kept a close eye on me, making sure I wasn't sneaking anything I shouldn't eat. But when he saw Jack peel the third shrimp, he couldn't hold back anymore.

"Mr. McLennan, she just had surgery. She can only have three shrimp a day, max. Alright, that's enough shrimp for you today, Eva. I have no choice but to finish the rest for you."

Jack shrugged and then fed me the last shrimp of the day. I reluctantly ate the last bite, feeling ridiculously awkward.

Honestly, I had turned Jack down a few times, but it seemed like he didn't understand me at all.

Julian ate the remaining shrimp as he watched us, amused.

I cleared my throat, trying to change the subject. "How are you so free? Don't you need to go back?"

"I came here for academic research. Your case from back then was a success, so I'm giving a lecture about it," Julian replied nonchalantly.

His phone buzzed, and he showed me the screen. When I saw Alisa's name, my heart skipped a beat. Julian answered the call right in front of me.

"Lisa, don't worry. There aren't any

women around me. You're the only one who can keep me in checke Don't worry, alright? I'll bring whatever you want."

I couldn't hear what Alisa said on the other end, but I saw Julian grow quiet. Finally, he muttered, "Got it."

He hung up and turned back to me. "She said you love the shrimp from here, so she wants me to bring some back to offer you at your 'grave.""

I glanced at the shrimp on the table, and my eyes stung.

Jack immediately handed me a tissue. I sniffled, just managing to hold back my tears.

"You two really are alike. She cries every time she talks about you. You wouldn't believe it, but when she thought you died... she nearly fainted. I almost told her the truth right then." en Narugi

Julian's voice cracked slightly, and he quickly wiped his face.

"You're such a troublemaker. She's been crying non-stop ever since. When she replaces out you're alive, you'd better watch out. She'll have you all to herself, and you'll deal with

QUMS

her. You'll have to toughen up."

His words made me laugh through the tears.

I nodded vigorously.

Life really was beautiful. Of course, I had to live it to the fullest.