On the outskirts of the city, nestled among green fields, stood the Serenity Rehabilitation Center.
The doctors assured that Hanson was not in mortal danger, but his future seemed confined to a bed.
Yet, with rigorous physiotherapy, there was a glimmer of hope for some independence.
Gregory simply checked him into the center, sparing no expense for his care but dismissing the need for rehabilitation.
Hanson found speech difficult now, his words slurred, his face asymmetric. Whenever he opened his mouth, drool would escape.
A caregiver, with a patience saint-like, tied a bib around his neck - reminiscent of those worn by infants.
For Hanson, it was an unparalleled humiliation.
He regretted his past outbursts of temper and pride.
Gregory, observing Hansonâs glare, couldn't help but smirk.
âYou should be grateful for your devoted wife. Without her, I, the so-called ruthless man you despise, wouldn't let you live comfortably.â
âAlways wanted to control me, right? Well, watch closely how I live freely and arrogantly.â
...
Back at Elmwood Villas, Bella announced she would cook dinner herself.
I was surprised. Imagining a celebrity of her stature, I thought her culinary efforts would be limited to baking, avoiding the mess of cooking oils.
Yet, my judgment might have been too narrow.
But, as it turned out, cooking was not her forte.
âOops, this pan wonât do at all.â
Bella almost turned the kitchen into a bonfire before Zoe stepped in to save the day.
I approached, curious, only to see Zoe holding a charred pan, the kitchen enveloped in smoke.
âStay back,â Bella coughed, gesturing for me to keep my distance.
I handed her a wet wipe for the grease on her hands, and we couldn't help but laugh at the moment shared.
âI got ahead of myself,â Bella admitted, taking the wipe and cleaning herself off. âI thought cooking would be similar to baking, but clearly...â
I had always longed for maternal love, pondering if my existence somehow led to my parents' absence.
But now, reunited with my mother, I felt truly blessed.
Embracing Bella, I whispered, âItâs wonderful to have you, Mom.â
She patted my back, âAnd itâs wonderful to have you back with me.â
After dinner, as Bella made work calls, Gregory rang me up.
âHeard youâre home. Also heard about the near-explosion?â
Without guessing, I knew Zoe had filled him in.
Gregory, with his bold and biting wit, could infuriate anyone, even landing his own father in the hospital. Yet, he was surrounded by truly loyal friends.
âWould you dare say that in front of my mom?â
âI wouldnât dare.â
I scoffed, âYeah, you just run to my mom with complaints.â
Gregory chuckled, âHow else am I to win over my future mother-in-law?â
I deflected, âHowâs everything on your end? Everyone at Ramonaâs trustworthy?â
He didnât pry into my change of subject. âDonât worry, they are. Just take care of yourself. Ramona would want to see you well, not sick or in trouble.â
Resting on the couch, I glanced down at my flat stomach, âAre you managing to eat well with all thatâs on your plate?â
âOf course, Iâve wrapped up things with the Ford Group. Now, itâs onto the Myers family. It might get messy, so try to stay indoors at Elmwood Villas if you can.â
I teased, âAnd miss my prenatal checkups? What if something happens to your kid?â
Gregoryâs voice softened, âIâll make time to go with you. Iâve got all the appointments memorized.â
Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)
ï¤Chapter 603 His Charming Wife ï¤Chapter 10 Dominant Boss: Call Me Hubby, My Dear ï¤Chapter 250 Finn Shows up Amidst Many Obstructions At his words, my heart filled with an indescribable warmth.
And as I remained silent, he asked, âWhatâs this? You donât want me to come?â