Chapter 0788
The moment the doctor was gone, she turned to Maximus.
“Maximus… what’s wrong with Peter? Why did the doctor talk about ‘worse outcomes‘? What aren’t you telling me? Is there something Peter hasn’t told me?” she asked, a mix of fear and frustration on her face.
Maximus looked at her and saw how deeply she cared about his brother.
More than she probably realized herself.
He smiled slightly and said, “Celeste, there’s something you need to know. Peter is probably going to hate me for this, but… given the circumstances, I think it’s time you find out the truth.”
Diana, who had been watching closely, could tell Maximus was torn between respecting Peter’s wishes and doing what was right.
She stepped forward, took his hand, and said, “Celeste, why don’t you sit down? You’ve been standing for too long. I’ll go get you something to eat–you and the babies must be hungry.”
She guided Celeste to a chair and then turned to Maximus.
“Tell her everything,” Diana said firmly, then added in a warning tone, “But remember–she’s pregnant.”
“I know. I’ll be careful,” Maximus assured her.
Diana nodded before leaving to get coffee and food, giving them space to talk.
The moment she was gone, Celeste turned back to Maximus.
“Maximus, what’s going on with Peter? I don’t understand. He’s been living at my house for a week, and he never showed any signs of being sick. What’s wrong with him?” she demanded, her concern growing by the second.
Maximus sat beside her, took a deep breath, and let out a long sigh.
“Celeste… how well do you really know my brother?”
“What do you mean?” she asked, confused.
“Have you ever noticed anything strange about him? Any sudden changes in his mood? I assume you know about his car accident?”
“Yes. He told me about it, and after seeing that video today, I finally understood how serious it was. Does this have something to do with his condition?”
“Unfortunately… yes,” Maximus admitted. “He’s not okay, Celeste.
“I won’t sugarcoat it–he needs surgery. They need to open his skull again and drain the excess fluid that has built up over time.
“The problem is… now that he’s starting to remember things, it’s actually making his condition worse. He’s forcing himself to recall his past, but in doing so, he’s hurting himself.”
Maximus sighed again and looked at her.
“I know he didn’t tell you anything about this because he didn’t want you to worry. But judging by the way things are going… I think it’s clear that wasn’t the best decision.”
Celeste was completely shocked.
1/2
Chapter 0788
Surgery?
Why hadn’t Peter said anything?
And more importantly–why was he refusing to get treated?
“Why won’t Peter have the surgery? If it could save his life, he should do it immediately. He’s only hurting himself,” Celeste said, frustration and worry evident in her voice.
“That’s exactly why I asked how well you know Peter,” Maximus sighed. “He’s stubborn. He was obsessed with this trial, and I know his work was crucial in bringing Frank Levett and my father to justice. That was important. But he refuses the surgery for one major reason.”
Celeste’s heart pounded. “What reason?”
Dr. Wagner had explained it before, but hearing it from Maximus somehow made it more terrifying.
“The doctor told me there’s a good chance the surgery will go well–about 60%. If that happens, Peter will live for many more years, and the memories he has now will remain. Some things from his past may never come back, but overall, he’ll be fine.
“But the other 40%… isn’t so hopeful. There’s a chance he could lose everything. He could forget you, his history, all of us. He wouldn’t have a past or a present–it would be like he was starting life all over again.”
Celeste felt her breath catch in her throat.
“That’s why he won’t do it,” Maximus continued. “He doesn’t want to forget. He doesn’t want to lose the memories of meeting you. He doesn’t want to forget his son or his grandson. But by refusing the surgery, he’s risking everything. If he doesn’t do it, he could have a stroke, or his heart could give out. That’s why Dr. Wagner sedated him–he’s keeping him stable for now. But it won’t last forever.
