Chapter 348
For six years, I had given him my whole heart. I believed that sincere love would eventually be reciprocated.
Instead, all I had received were wounds.
When we divorced, Henry’s casual offer to ‘compensate me had reduced six years of heartfelt devotion to nothing. Now, he thought Billy’s illness could also be resolved with money.
Henry hadn’t expected such an intense reaction and fell silent.
“Mr. Harding, I said coldly, “please leave. Otherwise, I’ll take Billy to another hospital.”
I knew he blamed himself, but I couldn’t feel any sympathy for him. I heard the sound of his leather shoes slowly fading away on the corridor
floor.
Night fell again, enveloping the entire city in darkness. Everything seemed eerily quiet. I stayed by Billy’s side the whole time, never taking my eyes off him as he received his IV treatment.
All my tenderness was reserved exclusively for my little boy.
Fortunately, after waking from his nap, Billy’s stomach pain had subsided. “Mommy, I’m so sorry,” he said, his voice still groggy. “It was all baby’s fault for making you worry. I promise I’ll never be greedy again.” He understood his mistake and knew I had been caring for him while he slept, which made him feel even more guilty.
“It doesn’t hurt anymore? All better now?” I asked gently. “Then let’s go home.”
I nodded, bending down to pick up my son.
Suddenly, my vision went black.
From taking Billy to the hospital, through registration, examination, and the IV drip, until the medication was complete–from midday until nightfall–at least seven hours had passed. I had low blood sugar, and having gone without food or water for over seven hours, combined with anxiety and worry, my body had reached its limit.
As soon as I stood up, my vision darkened, and I felt myself falling forward. I wasn’t sure if it was my imagination, but just before I hit the ground, I felt strong, gentle hands catch me around the waist. Henry’s familiar scent filled my nostrils.
“Henry?” I murmured weakly. “Thank you. Just help me to the bed and let me lie down for a minute.”
I was so weak I couldn’t even find the strength to push him away. I lay limply in his arms, like a cat, like a fish out of water, gasping for fresh
air.
He got a bottle of glucose solution from a nurse and helped me drink it. As my condition improved and I realized I was lying in Henry’s arms, I immediately tried to push him away. But he ignored my resistance and continued holding me, whispering: “Billy is watching. If you keep this up, he’ll think we’re flirting.”
Half an hour later, when my face had regained its color and Henry was satisfied I had recovered, he finally helped me up. Without waiting for me to speak, he picked up Billy and escorted us out of the hospital.
As I pushed open the hospital room door and looked at the cigarette butts scattered beneath the corridor window…
I realized that this man might have truly changed; for the first time, he hadn’t abandoned us, mother and child.
He was like a destined lover from a fairy tale, one who couldn’t be driven away, like a steadfast knight.
I could hardly believe I would one day think of Henry Harding this way,
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Chapter 348
On the drive back to Rose Garden apartments, both of us remained silent the entire way.
Only Billy, oblivious to the complicated emotions between adults, chatted and laughed like an angel.
Henry dropped us off at the entrance to the complex.
I could sense he wanted to come inside with us, but I didn’t extend an invitation, and he tactfully didn’t force his way in.
After we walked through the door, I looked back and saw that the smile had disappeared from his face as he turned and drove away, heading toward the Harding family estate.
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