âJudging by the initial test, the patient seems to have escaped any significant organ damage, which is positive news. However, thereâs a serious concern about his hearing.â
Antoine found it difficult to accept and asked, âDoes that mean heâs lost his hearing. completely?â âWe wonât know for sure until he wakes up. Right now, he needs rest. Weâll also assess his brain and memory when he regains consciousness.â
Antoine felt relieved that Jasper had survived but couldnât shake his worries. As a member of the X Special Forces, having a keen hearing was essential to participate in missions. If Jasper lost his hearing, it could jeopardize his career. Hence, Antoine was determined to restore Jasperâs hearing, no matter what. As for Jasperâs memory, Antoine could only sigh helplessly.
Jasper was his best agent and had never made a mistake on any mission. Antoine knew Jasperâs emotions affected his judgment during the last mission. Just then, Antoineâs phone rang, and he answered, âHello.â
âMr. Wyatt, Itâs Jared Presgrave. I wanted to ask âMr. Presgrave, I assume your sister is awake. Thereâs no need for further discussion on this matter. Please cooperate with me.â
On the other end, Jared reluctantly gave in upon hearing Antoineâs firm response. âUnderstood. I apologize for troubling you.â
Antoine knew he was acting selfishly, but he had his reasons. The following morning, Elliot and Anastasia hurried to the hospital from the airport. Their hearts sank when they saw how fragile Willow appeared, even though they had only been apart for a few days.
âMom,â Willow cried when she saw her mother, who ran over to hug her in tears. On the other hand, Elliot went out to talk with Jared. After hearing Antoineâs wishes, he sighed. He felt guilty as their family matter had nearly cost Jasper his life. Hence, they decided not to pressure Antoine, no matter how much Willow cared for Jasper.
âDad, letâs plan a vacation for Willow once sheâs feeling better.â
âSure. Weâll go as a family,â Elliot agreed. During his time abroad, he had resolved a matter involving someone funding a war against their family. That person was no longer a threat.
âDad, is that matter taken care of?â Jared asked. âYes.â Elliot nodded, and only they knew about the grim details.
Elliot clenched his fist as he watched Willow and Anastasia through the window. He felt helpless as he couldnât do anything about his daughterâs relationship. âIs Antoine really against Willow having any contact with Jasper?â
âI spoke to him. Heâs steadfast in his decision. He doesnât want Willow involved with Jasper anymore.â
âWillow will find someone who loves her in the future,â Elliot said. He only wanted his daughter to be happy.
âRight now, Willow believes Jasper is gone. We just need to handle this carefully, and sheâll eventually recover from the trauma,â Jared said, his gaze fixed on Willow with a heavy heart.
Inside the ward, Anastasia comforted Willow, her own eyes red from shedding tears. She wiped her daughterâs tears and assured her, âWillow, Iâll always be by your side.â
Willow sobbed in her motherâs arms but gradually calmed down, like a newborn baby settling into sleep. However, her heart felt as if it had been repeatedly stabbed, shattering into pieces. She couldnât fathom that Jasper was no longer in this world. How could she accept it when he had been with her just the night before, calling her name and sharing his smile? Yet, at that moment, he was gone.
Afterward, Willow didnât want to undergo more hospital examinations and desperately wanted to leave.
Her parents swiftly brought her home. Back in her room, she carefully gathered every item Jasper had touched, refusing to let anyone take them away.