Craving The Wrong Brother (Sloane and Knox) novel Chapter 227

Chapter 227

“Elaine!” Ryan hisses.

“What?” she says, looking unfazed. “I’m cutting to the chase. No one wants a dramatic buildup, especially not you.”

The doctor clears his throat, adjusting his glasses. “Well, let’s start with the biopsy results, shall we?”

Ryan feels his pulse quicken as the doctor pulls up a file on his computer. The room feels hot. His eye dart like he’s about to offer her stock tips instead of potentially life–altering news.

The doctor’s face is neutral as he scans the screen. Ryan wonders if they can hear his heart pound.

“Alright,” the doctor says, looking up. “The lump we removed was benign.”

Ryan blinks. “What?”

“Benign,” the doctor repeats. “Non–cancerous. No further treatment is required, though we’ll want no changes over time.”

to Elaine, who’s looking at the doctor

+15

For a moment, Ryan doesn’t breathe. The words hang in the air, refusing to sink in. Then the relief hits Falling into his hands. “Oh, thank God.”

to

with Jou with regular check–ups to ensure

his chair, his head

him. He

Elaine claps her hands together, the sound sharp and startling. “Well, isn’t that wonderful?” she says. “I guess

coffins after all.”

Ryan lifts his head to glare at her. “Do you ever stop?”

back in,

don’t hav

to start shopping for

“Not when I’m having this much fun.”

The doctor clears his throat. “I understand this has been a stressful time for you, Mr. O’Brien. If you have them now.”

any further

concerns,

s, we can discuss

Ryan shakes his head, still dazed. “No, I… I just… thank you.”

The doctor nods. “Of course. Take care of yourself.”

“Actually,” Elaine says, “I have a concern.”

Ryan’s head snaps toward her. He doesn’t know why, but he’s suddenly nervous.

Elaine leans forward, her elbows resting on the desk. “I’d like to know what it would take to get a positive diagnosis.”

The room freezes.

“I beg your pardon?” the doctor says.

My LEAR

“You see, my son here is going through a rough time with his wife. It’s gotten to the point of a divorce. The trial is next week. And, well, I really wished he had cancer. You know, something to keep her from leaving him. Nothing too serious, of course. Just enough to pull on those heartstrings.”

Ryan’s jaw drops, but no sound comes out. He feels like he’s been hit by a bus, his brain struggling to catch up with what just came out of her mouth.

Elaine doesn’t even glance at him. She’s too busy giving the doctor her most sympathetic, woe–is–me expression. “If that’s the only thing I can do for him before I die, I’d empty my bank account for it.” She leans in closer, lowering her voice. “You see, I have just three months left on this earth.”

The doctor stares at her, his mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. He finally finds his voice, though it’s strained at best. “I… I don’t think I understand-”

“Oh, come now,” Elaine cuts him off. “Surely there’s a way to tweak those results. A little creative paperwork, maybe? I won’t tell anyone, I promise.” She flashes him a wink that makes Ryan want to crawl under the desk and die.

“Elaine!” Ryan says.

She turns to him. “What? I’m trying to help.”

The doctor clears his throat again, but this time it’s less polite, more like he’s trying to choke down the urge to yell. “Mrs. O’Brien, I’m afraid I must remind you that falsifying medical records is not only unethical but also illegal. And frankly, this suggestion is-”

“Oh, spare me the lecture. You don’t understand. I’m a mother at the end of her rope. My son is falling apart before my very eyes, and if there’s even the slightest chance I can save his marriage, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

N/3

+15

12:19 PM

Chapter 227

Ryan slumps in his chair, his face anyone else.

“Mrs. O’Brien,” the doctor

“Oh, don’t Mrs. O’Brien me,” she

snaps.

in his

this is happening. “Elaine, stop,” he says, though it’s more to himself than

to

his

to

the

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