Family members who were related by blood would never ever truly hate each other in this world.
Angeline suddenly remembered something essential and exclaimed, âOh, I almost forgot! I found the child who went missing back then.â
âWhat?â Surprise flashed across Wilfredâs eyes, and his hands started trembling.
Angeline turned over her shoulder to gaze at Sebastian, who was hiding behind her. She gave him a smile and gestured for him to come over.
âDonât be afraid. Come, say hello to your great-grandpa.â
Sebastian stared at her for a moment before slowly walking over to her.
Under Angelineâs encouraging look, Sebastian stretched out a finger to touch Wilfredâs palm.
âHmm?â Wilfred was baffled.
Angeline hung her head in defeat. âWhen I found Sebastian, he had been severely abused by his foster parents and was diagnosed with severe autism. Despite my best efforts, he has yet to utter a single word.â
âOh, I see.â Wilfred exhaled sharply. âThe most important thing is that you found him. Make sure to hire the best doctors to treat him, and donât give up hope.â His voice was full of anguish.
âI know, Grandpa. Donât worry.â
Wilfred hesitated, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. Eventually, he began to speak. âThereâs something Iâve been meaning to tell you, but I was afraid it would make you hate me. However, I feel that itâs important for me to remind you of it.â
Angeline understood the underlying message in Wilfredâs words and glanced over at Floretta. âFloretta, please bring Sebastian out and wait for me. Do not leave my line of sight or wander off.â
âOkay. Donât worry, Angel!â Floretta nodded profusely and led Sebastian out of the ward.
As she watched the two of them leave, Angeline couldnât help but notice how much more relaxed Sebastian seemed when he was with Floretta.
It was clear that Sebastian trusted Floretta, and no one, including Angeline, could ever replace the bond they shared.
After they filed out of the ward, Angeline got up to pour another cup of warm water for Wilfred. She slowly fed him all the water.
Wilfred started coughing. He wiped off the water on his lips and chuckled. His voice wasnât as hoarse as before.
âSebastian is a well-behaved child. I didnât see him earlier, but something tells me he resembles you when you were young.â
Angeline giggled and quipped, âOf course! Heâs my son, so naturally, he takes after me. His eyes look a little like yours, too.â
âIs that so?â Wilfredâs lips curved into a smile, and a spark of hope appeared in his eyes. His smile broadened as if he was picturing Sebastian in his mind.
âMy eyes arenât particularly attractive,â Wilfred said, still smiling. âI hope he has my nose, though. Your father got that from me, and it is his only strong point.â
âGrandpa, youâre handsome.â
Angeline took a towel from the table to wipe the sweat off his face. She felt a deep pang of sorrow for him. âWhy donât you take a nap? Iâll stay here with you.â
Wilfred was gravely ill. He had only spoken for a short time, but it seemed to have drained all of his energy. He was sweating profusely.
âNo need.â He waved weakly and panted. âLet me finish what I want to say. Iâm afraid I wonât wake up if I fall asleep.â
âOkay. Thereâs no rush, Grandpa.â
âAngeline, Iâm glad that you finally found your son. That way, I can rest easier. You wouldnât have lost him if I didnât kick you out of the family when you were pregnant.â
Tears shimmered in her eyes as she fought back the urge to cry.
âNo, Grandpa. That was all Joselineâs doing. It had nothing to do with you,â she reassured him.
âIâm glad you donât blame me.â
Wilfred gripped her hands, looking pained.
A while later, he asked, âAre you dating Evander?â
âHow do you know?â
âThatâs good to hear,â Wilfred said, relieved. âAfter the last surgery, he came to visit me with the nurse, and we talked for a long time. He promised to take care of you and reassured me not to worry.â
Angeline was taken aback by his answer. A complicated look flashed across her eyes.
She couldnât help but wonder if Evander had said that to ease Wilfredâs worries, as they had broken up before the surgery took place.
Not wanting to disappoint Wilfred, she chuckled lightly and responded, âYes, Grandpa. Evander and I started dating recently, and we havenât made it public yet.â
âWhy didnât you tell me about this sooner?â Wilfredâs voice was filled with joy. It was clear he was happy for her. âEvander is a capable man. I used to be worried that you couldnât handle him, but after talking to him, I can tell he truly loves you.â
Angeline didnât know what to say.
âHeâs here for you, so your parents and I wonât have to worry when I die,â Wilfred said sincerely.
âFloretta is a good girl, so take good care of her.â
âDonât worry, Grandpa.â
Angelineâs eyes were watery as she helped Wilfred lie down. She reminded him, âI promise Iâll lead a happy life. Take it easy and get some rest instead of tiring yourself out.â
Wilfred was exhausted, having spoken for so long. He was nearing the end of his life.
âIâm not that fragile. Iâm really happy today.â
âThereâs no rush,â Angeline told him cheerfully. âWe can talk about that when you get better.â
âThereâs no timeâ¦â Wilfred trailed off and stared at the ceiling.
âAngeline, I know you have a lot of resentment toward Joseline, but please try to be reasonable. Donât make the victory come at too great a cost!â
Wilfredâs cheeks flushed red as he coughed violently a few times. It took him a lot of effort to continue, âLet go and spare yourselfâ¦â
With that, he struggled to catch his breath and lost consciousness.
âGrandpa, wake up!â Angeline panicked instantly.
She called out hysterically a few times before informing the caregiver who was outside to get the doctor.
Soon, the initially empty ward was full of medical staff.
Angeline was asked to leave the ward. She squatted down in a corner and hugged herself tightly. Her body was trembling as she sobbed quietly.
She could hear the doctors frantically calling out, âQuick, get the emergency equipment ready! The patientâs condition is critical!â