“I want you to recover fully as soon as possible. This isn't up for discussion," Mitchel firmly said.

Lauren froze. She sensed the unyielding steel in his voice and knew better than to argue. She would have to play her cards carefully from here on out.

It was not entirely a bad thing, though.

Going abroad with Mitchel for treatment could provide an excellent opportunity to deal with Raegan.

At this realization, she looked up at him and weakly said, "I'll do as you say, Mitchel. Once I'm better, we can start a family. Maybe then, your mother won't be so hard on me."

Truth be told, Lauren had zero desire to have kids. Besides, she never liked children. But if having a child was the golden ticket to earning a man's affection, then so be it.

And didn't Raegan's pregnancy earn Mitchel's attention? Well, she didn't mind that if it worked.

Mitchel was silent. A few moments later, he just frowned and said, "Once you're cured, you should focus on living well."

Lauren assumed he meant living a good life with him.

“When do we leave?" Lauren asked, elated.

"The day after tomorrow. I've already spoken with your father to arrange for someone to pick you up and look after you for the surgery."

Lauren's heart skipped a beat and she panicked.

"What do you mean, Mitchel? Aren't you going to be there with me?"

"You'll be staying in Swynborough from now on, and your family will accompany you there," Mitchel explained, his voice devoid of emotion.

It was like a bolt from the blue. Lauren was utterly stunned. It took her a moment to grasp the weight of Mitchel's words.

Her face drained of color, and she felt Like she had been slapped across the face.

"Mitchel, are you... Are you sending me away?" she stammered.

“Lauren, the arrangement of this surgery is the last thing I'll ever do to take care of you," Mitchel stated flatly.

While Lauren looked like she had seen a ghost, Mitchel was nonchalant.

It was obvious that this was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.