With resolve, Maggie nodded.
âMr.
Robles, Iâm on board.
Iâll put my all into carving out my path.
â
Britton nodded, observing them seated side by side, a mix of envy and nostalgias wirling within him.
Memories of his own youth flooded back, unstoppable.
Had he been as rebellious in his youth, would life have been more thrilling?
The adage rang true in his mind-personality indeed forges oneâs fate.
Before long, Janiya stirred awake in her hospital bed.
âJaniya, hey, howâre you feeling?â
âHey, Mom.
â
Both father and son addressed her in gentle tones.
Janiyaâs bleary eyes slowly focused.
Spotting Sanford, a blend of affection and frustration washed over her.
âDo you still remember to visit me?â
Sanford remained silent.
Recognizing her desire to sit up, he reached out to assist, slipping a cushion behind her.
Observing her sonâs attentive demeanor, Janiyaâs anger abated slightly.
Yet, a casual glance at Maggie nearby caused her expression to darken abruptly.
âWhatâre you doing here?â
Maggie had stayed quiet, wary that speaking up might upset her.
Now that Janiya had acknowledged her presence, Maggie stepped forward to greet her.
âHello, Mrs.
Robles.
â
Janiyaâs chest rose and fell with agitation.
âWeâre not exactly friends.
Who gave you permission to be here? Leave!â
Her contempt for Maggie was palpable.
Sanford frowned.
âMom, chill out.
Letâs have a chat.
â
âJaniya, the doctor warned us about keeping your emotions in check.
Do you want to risk another surgery?â Britton chimed in from the sidelines.
Janiya battled to compose herself, turning to Sanford.
âSanford, did you invite her? Whatâs the deal? Did you forget youâre engaged to Millie?â
Sanfordâs expression remained stoic.
âMom, if it werenât for your meddling, Iâd be engaged to Maggie.
â