The Queen's Back

3

On the way to the hospital, Maxwell sat in furious silence, staring out the window, not saying a word.

Mona wasn't in the best mood either. She didn't bother to engage him. All that mattered was getting him to the hospital. She could only hope that this visit would help him regain his memories.

Perhaps because Christmas was approaching, the hospital wasn't too crowded. Nigel had arranged the appointment in advance, so they went straight to the doctor's office.

Mona tried to keep up with Maxwell's long strides as he walked ahead. No matter how much she stretched her own steps, she couldn't match his pace.

She remembered how Maxwell used to slow down whenever they walked together, so her steps could align with his. But he no longer did that.

All she could do was quicken her pace, hoping to catch up with him.

When they finally reached the doctor's office, Mona felt a bit worn out.

The doctor was already waiting.

Once Maxwell sat across from him, Mona handed the doctor Maxwell's medical records from Welintern.

"Doctor, could you please take a look? These are my husband's medical reports," Mon?

said.

"Of course. Just a moment." The doctor examined the scans carefully and asked Maxwell a few questions.

At first, Maxwell Carter was uncooperative, giving brief answers to every other question. Frustrated, Mona angrily grabbed his arm, glaring at him with a look that warned if he dared to keep resisting, she'd have someone teach him a lesson. Eventually, Maxwell began answering the doctor's questions more seriously.

"Let's run a full examination," the doctor suggested.

"Alright," Mona replied politely.

With the doctor's instructions, Mona led Maxwell for his tests. The results would take two hours to process.

Not planning to go home, Mona thought they might as well grab lunch, especially after a busy morning. She looked at Maxwell, who was lounging on the sofa like he owned the place, and suggested, "Why don't we eat lunch first? By the time we're done, the results should be ready."

"Mona, I can

to the hospital with you as promised. The tests are done, so can you stop holding me hostage? I'm leaving. If you don't mind making a scene, go ahead and have the guards drag me back," Maxwell said.

With that, Maxwell got up and left the doctor's office.

Watching his resolute departure, Mona stayed quiet. They'd consulted the doctor and done the tests. She could wait alone.

Losing her appetite, she waited in the office instead of going for lunch.

Haley and Nigel went out and returned with a packed meal for her.

"Mrs. Carter, try not to worry too much. Mr. Carter's personality changes are due to his memory loss," the doctor said, noticing her downcast expression.

Mona nodded. She understood that Maxwell's behavior stemme from his amnesia, but every time she saw him walk away,

IP

it twisted her heart in pain.

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"Doctor, how likely is it that he'll recover his memory?" Mona asked, fearing that Maxwell might never remember their past.

The thought of her being the sole keeper of their memories felt unbearable.

Reflecting on when she first traveled through time, Mona had been determined to love Maxwell wholeheartedly. But after all they had been through together, she now wanted more than just to love him-she wanted him to love her too.

The doctor, noticing Mona's weary expression, said, "Memory recovery depends on the individual. Some regain it within months, others take years, and some may never recover at all.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

"Mrs. Carter, try not to worry too much. If you want to help your husband regain his memory, you could start with familiar experiences. Revisit memorable moments you've shared to gradually stimulate his mind. His memories might come back on an unexpected day." Mona nodded. "Alright, I'll help him revisit old memories when we return. Thank you, Doctor."

"No problem. It's still early, so I'll go grab lunch. Mrs. Carter, just wait here," the doctor said.

Mona nodded, feeling too tired to move or leave.

After the doctor left, she took out her phone and sent Maxwell a message: [Maxwell, I'm making dinner tonight. I hope you'll come home to eat.]

After sending the message, she reflected on all they'd been through. She thought, 'What might have left the deepest impression on him? Our engagement ceremony, wedding, honeymoon..."

In the end, Mona thought of taking Maxwell back to Nathontown High School for a visit. According to Maxwell, he used to tease her back in high school because he liked her.

That secret crush from those days should be something Maxwell remembers vividly.

Mona sat alone in the doctor's office, lost in thought for a long time, until Haley returned with lunch for her. Seeing Mona sitting there with her arms crossed, staring into space, Haley placed the food on the table, snapping Mona back to reality. "Thank you, Haley." Mona took the fork from Haley.

Haley said, "No need to thank me, Mona. It's well past lunch. Eat something."

Mona smiled but said nothing more.

She opened the meal Haley had brought, two main dishes and a vegetable side. It looked appetizing, but her heavy heart dulled her appetite.

Not wanting Haley to worry, Mona forced herself to take a few bites before closing the container.

Understanding that Mona couldn't eat much, Haley sat by her in silence.

After two hours, the doctor returned with the report, and Mona took the seat Maxwell had occupied earlier.

The doctor examined Maxwell's brain scan closely, pointing out Mrs. Carter, here's a blood clot in the brain, a particularly tricky location. Surgery isn't an option, but it poses no threat to his life. Recovery will have to depend on himself naturally working through it. Medication won't be very effective here. Ultimately, it's up to him." Mona studied the results carefully. After hearing the doctor's words, she let go of the last bit of hope. It was just as the overseas doctors had said: Maxwell's memory recovery dependel on him alone.

Mona said, "Thank you, Doctor. Sorry to have troubled you so much today."

"No trouble at all. It's my duty. Try to stay positive," said the doctor.

Mona nodded and left the hospital with Haley and Nigel.