Rebel 34

 

Chapter 34 Spill the Truth 

For five years, Jessica kept the old newspaper safely tucked away. She pulled it out occasionally, her eyes always tracing the same image-the man’s back, his profile. She had memorized every detail of it. 

So, when she spotted him in the hospital, there was no doubt what she had to do. If he was at the hospital, then the answer was simple-she would go straight to the source. 

Without a second thought, Jessica grabbed the paper and left for the hospital. 

She found Dr. Chortleheim, the same doctor who had treated her father. She showed him the photo, her hands trembling slightly. “Do you recognize this man?” 

Dr. Chortleheim studied it carefully. His brow furrowed as he paused. “I think I know that face. Let me think…” The photo wasn’t clear enough for a full identification, but he didn’t take long. 

“That’s okay. Take your time,” Jessica said, forcing her voice to stay calm. Inside, she was anything but. 

Then, his face lit up. “Ah, yes! He looks like Dr. Declan Hanson from surgery.” 

Jessica’s heart skipped a beat. “Declan? Are you sure?” 

“Yeah, I’m sure. Go ask over in surgery.” 

11 

“Thanks, Dr. Chortleheim,” she replied quickly, her eyes now burning with determination. 

The doctor hesitated, then added, “It still bothers me … not saving your dad. I feel guilty about it.” 

Jessica caught the way his voice faltered. “Dr. Chortleheim, is there something more to my father’s death?” 

For just a moment, his face changed. “It was beyond our control. Don’t think too much ab out it. Go find the man,” he said briskly. “I’ve got patients to attend to.” 

And with that, he hurried away, leaving Jessica to ponder his words. 

Her mind raced. She was more certain now than ever-her father’s death hadn’t been as straightforward as they’d made it seem. 

But Declan had to come first. 

She headed straight for the surgery department, only to be told that Declan had resigned two days ago. 

It couldn’t be a coincidence. He had left, just like that, right when she wanted to see him. He was connected to Rhea; she could sense it. 

Frustration bubbled inside her. She should’ve acted sooner. 

As she turned to leave, something caught her eye. On the wall, there was a directory of surgeons, each one pictured with a small photo. 

And there it was-Declan. Her eyes locked on the image, her heart hammering in her chest. 

That was him. 

It had to be Rhea’s doing-she had forced him to resign. 

1/3 

Jessica’s lips curled into a cold, calculating smile. Rhea thought she could erase him and hide him away? 

As long as Rhea kept in touch with Declan, they would slip up. It was only a matter of time. 

The weekend arrived, and with it, a message from Charles. He told her to stay home with Arthur; he would pick them up for dinner at the Hensleys. 

Jessica stared at the screen. The day had come. 

But she hadn’t yet told Arthur that Charles was his father. She had hesitated for days, unsure of how to say it. 

Now, she had no choice. She had to tell him. 

XT 

A 

“Arthur, come here. Mommy needs to talk to you.” Jessica set her phone down and called her son. 

Arthur, focused on his model airplane, looked up and shuffled over. “Mommy, why do you look so nervous?” 

He didn’t miss a thing. Arthur’s sharpness was clearly from his dad. 

Jessica cleared her throat. “You’ve been asking about your dad all the time.” 

Arthur’s eyes lit up. “Mommy, do you have news about him?” 

The hope in his eyes tugged at her heart. She didn’t want to disappoint him. “Yeah, Mommy has found your dad.” 

“Really? Who is he? Where is he?” Arthur’s excitement bubbled over. He could hardly wait to meet him. 

Jessica hesitated. Arthur’s eager gaze made it harder. Can he really accept Charles as his father? 

“Mommy? Why aren’t you saying anything? Does that mean Dad doesn’t want to meet us?” Arthur’s voice was soft, tinged with worry. 

“No, it’s not that. He does want to meet us. He he’s planning on taking us to his house.” Jessica quickly reassured him. 

“Is that so? Well, at least he’s got some conscience. So, who is he?” Arthur’s impatience was barely contained. 

Jessica took a deep breath then blurted it out, “It’s … actually, you know him. It’s Mr. Hensley.” 

Arthur froze. “You mean that arrogant Mr. Hensley is my real dad? Mommy, are you kidding me?” 

Jessica nodded, serious as ever. “I’m not kidding.” Her heart raced as she watched him, unsure of what he’d say next. 

Arthur stared at her, processing the news. “No wonder people say we look alike. Guess he really is my dad!” 

“Then, are you going to accept him?” Jessica asked carefully, testing the waters. 

“He’s my dad. Of course, I’ll accept him. Mommy, I think that arrogant mister is probably a rich guy. He can probably take care of us.” 

2/3 

Jessica raised an eyebrow. What was going on in that head of his? 

Before she could reply, her phone rang. It was Charles. He was downstairs, ready to take them to dinner. 

She hung up the phone, and Arthur, his energy infectious, grabbed her hand. “Mommy, let’s go downstairs!” 

Jessica stayed seated, still processing. “Are you really okay with this? We’re going to his house for dinner, meeting his family … Aren’t you nervous?” 

Arthur puffed out his chest. “Why would I be nervous? It’s just dinner. If you’re scared, don’t worry. I’ll protect you.” 

トヨ 

Jessica laughed, a little lighter now. His boldness made her feel better. 

She stood up and allowed him to pull her downstairs. As they reached the bottom, she saw it-the sleek black Maybach parked outside, waiting for them.