A middle–aged woman’s voice said impatiently, “He’s still here. What are you crying for?”
The sobbing immediately ceased.
I knocked lightly on the door, and a few seconds later, it opened.
When Ashton saw me, a brief flicker of light crossed his eyes before he quickly returned to his usual composure. He looked thinner than I remembered from two months ago.
Inside the ward stood Ashton’s mother, Leighton Day, along with Mallory.
Mallory’s eyes were red at the edges, and she kept her head bowed.
I pretended not to notice her and politely greeted them before walking directly to the bedside. Elliott lay there with a breathing machine, and his breaths seemed labored and shallow. His face was also gaunt and frail.
Just a few months ago, he had been a robust and energetic man. Now, he seemed like a completely different
person.
My chest tightened, and tears pricked the corners of my eyes.
Ashton said softly, “Pip, you’ve just landed. Go home and rest. I’ll call you when Grandpa wakes up.”
1/2
Chapter 5
+25 BONUS
I shook my head. “I’ll wait here until he wakes.”
Leighton patted my shoulder kindly. “You’re a good kid. It’s no wonder he cherished you so much.”
When her hand brushed my bony shoulder, she frowned. “p, why have you lost so much weight?”
Both Ashton and Mallory turned to look at me.
My heart skipped a beat, but I kept a neutral expression. “Is nothing. I just haven’t adjusted to the environment in my new home.”
Leighton sighed. “Pip, just come back. Even though you’ve divorced Ashton, I’ll always see you as part of the family.”
Mallory froze for a moment while Ashton’s jaw visibly tensed.
Leighton, seemingly oblivious, continued, “Your sister wouldn’t mind, would she?”
Before Mallory could respond, I quickly said, “It’s fine. I’ve already adjusted to things now.”
Ashton appeared to want to say something, but just then, Elliott let out a faint sound as he slowly regained consciousness.
