Chapter 15 The next morning , Allison left for an overseas conference . When Ella called , Stephanie couldnt help but smirk . Tell your cousin to stay fat for a little longer . Allisons gone . Shell be out of town for about a month . Ella sounded surprised . How do you know that ? Did she call you ? Stephanie : Yeah , she called me at 1 AM last night . Ella let out a small laugh . She called you at 1 AM to tell you her schedule ? Is she crazy ? She knew doctors had weird hours , but 1 AM ? That was a new level of bizarre for Allison . Stephanie laughed , Actually , she called about Olivia . Ella was intrigued . Olivia ? What happened to her ? Stephanie paused , and then she replied , She got admitted to the hospital last night . Apparently , shes got a bunch of diseases . Ellas voice immediately shifted , a mix of shock and confusion . A bunch ? How many ? What kind of diseases ? Stephanie filled her in on everything she knew , and Ella was stunned . Just yesterday , shed seen Olivia and Chris at a gynecology clinic , and shed assumed it was because Olivia was pregnant . Turns out , it was because she was seriously sick . Stephanie recalled what Allison told her yesterday . Uterine cancer , heart disease , and I think liver cancer too . Ella gasped , her voice shaky . What … how does she have so many diseases ? And uterine cancer ? How does that even happen ? Like Stephanie , Ella seemed to think uterine cancer was something that came with an indulgent lifestyle . When Ella heard about the uterine cancer , her tone shifted . Stephanie added , How would I know ? Allison said shes an ethical doctor , so she wouldnt gossip with me . And were not gossiping , right ? Ella calmed herself down and said , Okay , no gossip . But seriously theres no way Chris and Olivia have a future . I mean , what kind of family would want a daughter in law with so many problems ? Especially Chriss family . Theyre super conservative . The Ashford family had always looked down on Olivia . They knew she was the daughter of a nanny , and that was enough for them to disapprove . If they found out about her serious health problems , there was no way theyd ever accept her as Chriss wife . Ella paused , her tone turning serious . You need to watch out . With all Olivias health issues , the older members of the Ashford family are gonna do whatever it takes to stop Chris from getting back together with her . She then added , I wouldnt be surprised if they start pushing for you and Chris to get married instead . Ella had a feeling the Ashfords would be desperate to lock Stephanie down now especially since she was from the Hart family . 1/3 2 M Chapter 15 To them , Stephanie was the perfect replacement for Olivia . Ella wasnt wrong . The Ashford family was already keeping a close eye on Olivias condition . They knew about her hospitalization the night before and were especially concerned about the one thing they could never accept uterine cancer . Stephanie had a quick breakfast before heading to the studio . On her way there , she got a call from Chriss mom . Stefi , come by for lunch today . Ill cook your favorite dishes . Chris will pick you up . Stephanie immediately shook her head , even though Grace couldnt see it . Thanks , but Ive got a lot going on this afternoon . I wont be able to make it . She wasnt lying Skyriver had given her a massive project , and she wasnt about to leave it to the designers . She needed to be hands on . Grace Hart sighed heavily . Is this about Olivia ? And youre avoiding me now ? Stephanie wasnt sure how to respond . She didnt want to be rude , but Grace was pushing hard . Grace continued , Or should I come find you ? Stephanie hesitated but finally gave in , mostly out of respect . Okay , Ill come by at noon . Grace wasnt letting up , so it seemed easier to just go and deal with it in person . Plus , meeting face to face might give her a chance to clear up whatever hope the Hart family had about her and Chris . Right after hanging up , a strange number flashed on her screen . She answered , Hello ? Its me . It was Chriss voice , low and tired . Stephanie almost hung up right away . The sound of his voice already had her blood boiling . She was tempted to block him . Stephanie had blocked Kevins number yesterday , and she was determined to block this unknown number as soon as this call was over . Chris , though , went straight to the point . Mom wants me to pick you up . Did you agree to go back ? His voice sounded drained , and Stephanie immediately guessed hed spent the whole night at the hospital with Olivia . She didnt bother to give him a real response , just a short , Mhm . Chris asked again . Where should I pick you up ? Stephanie felt suffocated just thinking about being around him . She quickly shot back , Dont bother . Ill get myself a ride . Chris could hear the coldness in her voice , and it hit him harder than he expected . His head throbbed with frustration . Ill come pick you up . Wait for me at Cloudridge Valley . 2/3 12:44 Sun , 2 Mar Chapter 15 Stephanie didnt say another word and hung up . Chris sat there , fuming . Just as she guessed , hed spent the whole night with Olivia . And now , hearing her refuse to even talk to him was making his temper flare . Kevin , who was driving , shot him a quick look . The more a woman cares , the angrier she gets . Chris raised an eyebrow . Really ? Kevin nodded , looking amused . If she didnt care , she wouldnt be making a scene . 气 : 89 % Chris let out a frustrated breath , his mood lightening just a little . He could let Stephanies behavior slide , but her tantrums were starting to get under his skin . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!