Chapter 118

Fortunately, Verena's mind stayed clear, like a candle that refuses to flicker in the wind, able to tell what mattered and what did not.

She clenched her teeth, summoned her strength,and pushed Isaac away once more. Afraid he might try again, she quickly blurted, "Isaac, listen to me.I need to examine your body."

Isaac, dismissive and suspicious, believed she was merely looking for an excuse to spurn his closeness.

Breathing heavily, his voice carried a note of displeasure. "Is this really the moment for a checkup?"

Even as he spoke, he leaned forward again, eager to continue.

Verena, quick on her feet, covered his mouth and sighed, "Don't you see? Your body is responding." Isaac froze, caught off guard. His thoughts stalled,and he looked at her in bafflement.

Seizing that pause, Verena slipped from his grip,rose from his lap, and crouched beside him.

Lifting his shirt, she revealed his lean abdomen and pressed her fingertips against a few pressure points.

As her hands moved, her eyes shifted toward his crotch.

Within moments, the swelling that had been there subsided.

Verena didn't feel let down; instead, her lips curled into a bright grin.

Though brief, that flicker of change was like a light at the end of a long tunnel.

Looking up at Isaac with joy, she declared, "This is wonderful! It proves my revised treatment plan is working. It's a good sign. Stay here a moment-I'll fetch the medicine and apply it again." With that, Verena dashed upstairs, her steps almost dancing.

Isaac sat there, dazed, watching her cheerful figure vanish from sight.

He lowered his gaze, staring at his abdomen, eyes filled with confusion and disbelief.

Had he really responded?

Was it not a trick of his imagination?

Could there truly be hope of recovery-of becoming whole again?

Since that small but telling reaction, Verena devoted herself even more to refining her formulas, working tirelessly to craft a stronger ointment.

Isaac had even arranged a medical room for her within their home.

One day, as usual, Verena locked herself inside,weighing herbs, mixing medicines, and poring over her notes when Rhonda knocked, announcing that Danica had arrived.

Verena froze for a heartbeat.

Isaac's mother?

They had crossed paths only occasionally, and always with others around.

The last time they met alone, the subject had been Isaac.

Why was Danica here now, and by herself?

Verena's brows knitted with faint doubt, and she told Rhonda, "I understand. I'll come down shortly."

After the maid left, Verena went to the bedroom,slipped out of her loungewear, changed into something more formal, and descended the stairs.

As soon as Danica saw her, she quickly put down her coffee.

With a warm smile, she beckoned, saying, "Verena,come over here!" Verena was slightly taken aback by the familiar tone,yet her face betrayed nothing.

Smiling politely, she approached and greeted, "Good day,Danica."

Danica's smile deepened, fine lines showing at the corners of her eyes. "Good day,my dear."

She drew Verena down beside her on the sofa,and then reached into her handbag and produced a red velvet box.

"Verena, I want you to keep this." Danica opened it,revealing a jade bracelet.

"What is..."

Danica gently slipped it onto Verena's wrist as she explained, "This piece has been passed down through three generations. Take it as a blessing from me, as your mother-in-law."

Verena gazed at the lustrous jade. Though she knew little about jewelry, the quality spoke for itself-it was no ordinary piece. Understanding the meaning behind the gesture,she did not refuse. With a warm smile, she said, "Thank you,Danica.It's truly beautiful."

Then, recalling something, she added, "By the way,Isaac isn't home. Shall I call him back?"

Seeing her poised and graceful manner, Danica felt a quiet relief.

She shook her head and smiled faintly. "No need.I came especially for you."

Verena maintained her composure, her tone gentle."Is there anything you want to discuss with me?"

Danica cleared her throat, her gaze carrying a touch of apology. "Verena, I wronged you before.When we first met, you mentioned graduating from Pine Hill University.I assumed you were lying and, if it weren't for the challenges lsaac and the Bennett family were facing, I'd have opposed the marriage. Only now do l realize I misjudged you. I owe you an apology."

Verena blinked in mild surprise, and then smiled softly. "Danica, there's no need. My mother's words created that misunderstanding. Before the truth surfaced, you were only looking out for lsaac. As a mother,you acted out of duty."

Her words were frank yet generous, the kind of response not everyone could manage.

Danica's fondness for her grew deeper.

When she learned Verena had cured Barrie's leg, she had been stunned. Once the truth was confirmed,shame replaced her prejudice, and gratitude filled her heart that Isaac had married Verena.

If only Verena could restore Isaac as well.

Danica placed her hand gently over Verena's."Verena, I know you healed Barrie. You're truly remarkable."

Her voice trembled, emotion catching in her throat."All I ask is that you try to heal lsaac's legs. You can't imagine how much he has endured. When the accident happened, his father died beside him. He spent a month in a hospital bed, and when he finally awoke, he had lost both his father and the use of his legs. From that moment, he changed-withdrawn,silent, shutting himself in his room day after day. And I, in my grief, selfishly blamed him for his father's death. The weight he carried was unbearable. But since you came into his life, he's softened. He no longer hides away; his gaze has light again. He's becoming more like the boy he once was."

By then, tears streamed freely down Danica's face.

Her words painted a picture of lsaac's suffering during the months Verena had not been by his side.

Sorrow welled in Verena's eyes. She clasped Danica's hand and said earnestly, "Isaac is my husband. Even without your request, I would give my all to heal him. Don't burden yourself with guilt. Every heart falters under grief. It is only human to break.I believe Isaac will understand you."

Danica wept until her nose flushed red. Through her tears, she asked in disbelief, "Truly? He won't hold it against me?" Sensing her low spirits, Verena shifted the topic gently. "Danica, I have good news. Isaac's sex function has already shown signs of progress."

Though embarrassed to discuss such matters with her mother-in-law, she chose honesty.

"From the beginning, I realized his problem wasn't just physical but deeply psychological. In the following treatments, I incorporated certain stimulating medicines."

Her fingers brushed her cheek, and her voice dropped slightly. "Yesterday, when we were close, l noticed a reaction. It was fleeting, but it proves the treatment is working."

When her words faded, silence lingered in the room.

Moments later, Danica gripped Verena's shoulders,eyes alight. "Really? Verena, is that true? Has Isaac truly improved?"

Her excitement tumbled out in repeated questions,while Verena smiled and nodded. "Absolutely. I wouldn't deceive you about something so important."

Danica's joy overflowed. When she first arrived, she carried only the faintest glimmer of hope, knowing countless renowned doctors had declared Isaac's chances slim.

Yet now, Verena had given her a gift more precious than anything she could have dreamed.