Chapter 740

“That’s not true,” Norah said firmly. “Active treatment can ease your pain and give you more time, even if it’s not a cure. You’re a doctor—you know that.” She paused, guessing the real reason. “Is it because chemo might make you lose your hair? Change how you look?”

Pharaoh nodded. “I want to go with dignity, not looking like a shell of myself. The kids would be scared.”

“You’re not in your twenties,” Norah said with a half-laugh. “Hair loss is normal at your age. Plenty of older men are bald and still look strong.”

“Losing some hair isn’t the same as losing it all,” Pharaoh said, running a hand over his thinning scalp. “Chemo’s more than that—my whole body might fall apart.”

“So you’re okay with Cooper and Reina losing their only grandpa?” Norah asked. “They don’t have anyone else. They love you. What happens when you’re gone?”

Pharaoh’s eyes flickered. “You really want me to stick around?”