CHAPTER III -Damaged Goods

George Dupont faces the pivotal decision of his life: whether to heed his doctor’s advice, risking his future business and love, or seek a quicker cure for his disease. Rejecting the long treatment duration suggested by his initial doctor, George opts to consult another physician, hoping for a speedy recovery. The second doctor, operating from a dingy office, confidently promises a fast cure, dismissing the need for a lengthy treatment.

With newfound hope, George proposes to his fiancée, Henriette, a delayed marriage, deceitfully attributing the postponement to a minor health issue rather than his true condition. His maneuvering involves a web of lies, including feigning symptoms and crafting a narrative about consulting a lung specialist, to justify the marriage delay without disclosing the real reason. George’s manipulation extends to his interactions with family and friends, constantly fearing the uncovering of his secret and the repercussions it might entail.

Their delayed marriage eventually proceeds, and the couple experiences blissful moments, further sweetened by the anticipation of their first child. However, George’s past discretions and the underlying deceit cast a shadow over these joys. He worries about his wife’s fidelity, prompted by his own history of deceit, and struggles with the guilt and the complexities of maintaining his fabricated stories.

The birth of their child, a seemingly healthy baby girl named Gervaise, temporarily alleviates George’s fears. Yet, the specter of his disease and past lies looms over the family’s happiness, culminating in a distressing revelation about the baby’s health. The narrative captures the tumultuous journey of George Dupont, oscillating between deceit, fear, and the quest for redemption amidst the pursuit of love and familial bliss, underpinned by the societal and personal implications of his health condition.