Ida felt like she was caught between a rock and a hard place as she released a sigh of defeat. âMr.
Howard, you should be resting. I didnât mean to disturb you at this time.â
McNeil, with a smile, shook his head. âItâs alright. Itâs nice that Byran has a girlfriend now. My spirits are lifted.â
Ida remained silent, giving a slight nod as a gesture of respect. Iâll take my leave then; Iâll come visit again some other time.â
With that, she turned to leave the ward.
Now that his girlfriend was about to leave, Byran quickly said to his father, âDad, Iâm going to walk her out.â
McNeil nodded with a progressive smile on his face. âSure, go ahead.â
Byran seemed unsure. âDad, youâ¦â
McNeil understood his sonâs concern and shook his head. âDonât worry, I promise I wonât do anything foolish.â
Only then did Byran feel slightly reassured. He stepped out quickly to catch up with Ida.
In the hospital corridor.
Byran caught up with Ida and took her hand. âIda, youâre already here; why leave so soon? Canât you stay with me a bit longer?â
âWe havenât settled the matter of your lies yet, and youâre asking me to stay?â
Byran chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. âIda, didnât I already explain? Canât you see that I lied because I was so eager to see you?â
Ida gave him a cold stare. âA lie is a lie. Donât muddle it up.â
Byran pouted. âThere are different kinds of lies. I wonât lie to you about serious stuff; please donât be angry.â
Ida huffed. âSo you wonât lie about serious stuff, but youâll lie about other things then?â
Byran had an innocent look on his face. âWell⦠like when I want to surprise you after weâre married, I have to build some suspense, right? Sometimes, little white lies can add some spice to our relationship.â
Ida was taken aback. âWho agreed to marry you? Youâre already dreaming about married life? Byran, arenât you getting ahead of yourself?â
Byran grinned. âTo be honest, Iâve even thought about our childrenâs names already.â
Ida squinted at him. âDonât you have anything else on your mind?â
âOf course I do. Iâm working hard because I have to support you. Iâm also figuring out how to propose to you.â
Ida rubbed her temples. âEnough! Stop wasting time here. Go back and take care of your father. Heâs just attempted suicide, so he needs constant attention.â
Byran pouted. âIda, canât you really stay with me? Iâm bored in the hospital, and my dad keeps asking me to tell him about Ellinor. Iâm almost running out of things to say.â
Idaâs expression hardened. âYour dad knows about Ellinor?â
Byran nodded. âYeah, he does. Ellinor even came to the hospital to visit him earlier and fed him some soup. Thatâs why he was so calm when you came. Itâs all thanks to Ellinor.â
Ida furrowed her brow, thinking about when she ran into Sophia on her way up.