Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 359

At Wesley’s signal, Julian caught on instantly and gave a crooked smile. “I’ll keep an eye on her right away.”

The two of them headed downstairs, only to be intercepted by a housekeeper rushing over with urgent news—Mrs. Rayburn had woken up.

Without hesitation, Wesley took Charlotte straight to Vandermere Private Hospital. Inside the hospital room, two specialists and the head physician stood by the bed, and Sean was sitting quietly at his wife’s side.

As the doctors discussed her case using medical jargon, Charlotte listened in, understanding enough to feel her heart sink, though she said nothing.

One of the specialists gave Sean a summary of the situation. Sean’s anxious gaze never left his wife’s face. “Is there really nothing we can do for her?”

The specialist hesitated, then sighed. “Given the accumulation of psychological issues over the years, your wife’s condition has progressed to neurodegeneration. Usually, this kind of onset happens in the elderly, but in her case—”

“What does that mean?” Sean interrupted.

Before the doctor could answer, Charlotte spoke up, her voice steady but subdued. “Alzheimer’s. To put it simply, it’s early-onset dementia.”

Sean stared at her, stunned.

She dropped her gaze. “Mom is already showing early symptoms. Maybe not even early—I think it’s been there for a while.”

Sean shook his head, struggling to accept it. “But she’s not even sixty yet. How can this be happening?”

“My mentor once told me that the youngest diagnosed patient was only nineteen. Aside from hereditary factors or infections, severe psychological trauma or chronic stress can trigger it…” Charlotte trailed off, her chest tightening with every word.

She still hadn’t truly reunited with her mother, terrified that when she finally did, all she’d find was a blank slate.

One of the specialists glanced at Charlotte, then addressed Wesley with interest. “She seems quite knowledgeable about Alzheimer’s.”

“She’s my sister,” Wesley answered, eyes lingering on Charlotte. “And she’s a doctor.”

“That explains it,” the specialist said, nodding.

Sean’s clenched hands gradually relaxed. He looked at his wife, voice trembling. “How long… before she forgets us completely?”

The doctor replied, “If the progression can be managed, it might be held off for a while. At best, five or six years. At worst, one or two.”

Once the doctors left the room, Sean sank into a heavy silence that seemed to stretch on forever.

Wesley stepped up beside him, laying a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Dad, the doctors said we could still have five or six years if we work at it. There’s time.”

“I…”

Suddenly, Mrs. Rayburn reached out, her voice soft but clear. “My daughter.” Her hand trembled as she called out to Charlotte.

Charlotte hurried to her side, her own voice thick with emotion. “Mom…”

“I’m right here,” Mrs. Rayburn whispered, gripping her hand tightly. “My daughter’s all grown up. You’re so beautiful.”

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