13
Chapter 103
Chapter 103
Laura’s eyes were filled with tears, and her face was wet with them. The thought of being separated from her daughter made her feel like she couldn’t breathe.
The Webb family had never liked Arianna because she was a girl. Laura had raised her all by herself since she was a tiny baby.
She watched her laugh, crawl, walk, grow teeth, and say her first word, “Mama.”
Her heart melted.
“They clearly despise me for having a daughter, so why won’t they let me have Ari? What did I do wrong for heaven to punish me like this?” asked Laura.
“Laura, don’t cry. I’ll definitely find a way to help you,” Doris said, watching Laura bite her lip until it turned white, her heart aching in sympathy.
“Doris, you’re the only person I can rely on now.” Laura was at her wit’s end; otherwise, she wouldn’t have wanted to drag Doris into this,
“I know. Don’t be afraid. I’m here for you.” Doris held Laura’s face, using her hand to wipe away the tears. “I’ll talk to Lewis and ask his lawyer friend if there’s anything we can do.”
“Okay,” Laura nodded repeatedly.
“Then stop crying and rest well. I’ll stay with you.” Doris helped Laura lie down on the bed.
Doris reached out to brush away the strands of hair stuck to Laura’s cheeks and used a tissue to dry her tears.
Laura had cried so much today that her eyes were red and swollen, making her look especially pitiful.
Laura grabbed Doris‘ hand, holding it tightly, and looked at Doris, tears welling up in her eyes again.
She felt like she was a drowning person, and Doris was the lifeline she clung to.
Doris stayed with Laura until she fell into a deep sleep.
That night, Doris ran up and down, taking care of both Laura and Peyton, and didn’t sleep well either.
Laura woke up early at the usual time. She was about to get out of bed when Doris came in with breakfast. “What are you doing?”
“I want to go to the kindergarten to see Ari,” Laura said, putting on her shoes.
“It’s still early. You can eat first and then go. Also, your clothes are soaked. The nurse changed your room. Are you really going like this?” Doris put the breakfast down.
Laura looked down at her hospital gown. “I…”
“Eat your meal. I’ll call Lewis to bring you some clothes.” Doris glanced at the time; it was 7 a.m., and Lewis should be back from his morning run.
Laura nodded, watching Doris leave the room.
“Mr. Hartman, can you go to my room and bring some clothes to the hospital?” Doris sat on the rest chair outside.
“What’s wrong?” Lewis was about to drink some water to rehydrate.
1/3
09:35 Sat, 8 Mar
Chapter 103
Sensitive as he was, Lewis could tell from Doris‘ tone that something was up.
“My sister is in the hospital. She fainted and was admitted yesterday”
“Is she okay?” Lewis asked with concern.
93%
“She’s fine now, but she’s troubled in her heart,” Doris‘ fingers twisted the fabric of her clothes. “Can you help me arrange a meeting with Mr. Mitchell? When is he available today?”
“To discuss your sister and her husband’s situation?” Lewis caught on quickly.
“Yes,” Doris said, her mood low. Facing the Webb family, she had no confidence at all.
“I’ll ask him and set a time,” Lewis also realized the seriousness of the situation. “I’ll go get the clothes.
“Thank you.”
“No need to be polite.”
Doris returned to the room to stay with Laura until Lewis arrived.
He knocked and entered, handing a paper bag to Doris. “Clothes.”
He noticed Laura’s poor condition; her eyes were dull, and she looked utterly dispirited.
Doris handed the bag to Laura. “Laura, go change.”
She pulled Lewis out of the room.
“What’s wrong with your sister?” Lewis frowned.
“Her husband had a fight with her, and they kicked her out of the house, not letting her see Ari. The whole family is bullying -her; it’s despicable,” Doris said indignantly, feeling murderous. “She said she wants to go to the kindergarten to see Ari”
As she spoke, Doris yawned.
Lewis noticed the dark circles under Doris‘ eyes. “Did you not sleep well last night?”
Doris nodded slightly. “It’s fine. I’ll accompany my sister to see Ari, and then go home to catch up on sleep.”
“I’ll drive you,” he said, not feeling at ease letting them go alone.
“No need, you go to work. We’ll take a taxi,” Doris didn’t want to trouble him. “Work is more important. I can handle this small matter. Don’t worry.”
“I’ve arranged a meeting with Ivan at noon, at Riverside Canteen. Bring your sister along,” Lewis said, and Ivan had to make time to accommodate.
“Mr. Hartman your efficiency is impressive,” Doris complimented him.
As they spoke, Laura came out, having changed her clothes.
“Laura,” both Lewis and Doris called out to her.
“Doris, you go rest. I can go to the kindergarten by myself. Also, for the next few days, let Dad or Rupert take care of Mom,* Laura said, feeling she had no energy left.
“Laura, I have to go with you. Besides, Lewis has already arranged a meeting with Mr. Mitchell at noon. He’s an excellent lawyer; he’ll definitely help solve your problem. For your sake and Ari’s, you need to pull yourself together.” Doris looked at
2/3
Chapter 108
Laura with heartache.
“Yes, for Ari, I will pull myself together. I won’t let him take Ari away” Laura’s eyes sparkled with determination and defiance when she mentioned Arianna.
Doris and Laura went to the kindergarten, waiting from a distance,
By 9 a.m., they still hadn’t seen anyone from the Webb family bringing Arianna to school.
“Laura, don’t worry. It’s their first time bringing Ari to school; they might not be familiar with the traffic and could be late. Doris comforted Laura, who was craning her neck anxiously.
Laura didn’t even dare to blink, afraid she might miss the moment Arianna entered the kindergarten
“I know,” Laura said, comforting Doris and herself.
They waited another half an hour, and by then, no one was left in front of the kindergarten, but Arianna still hadn’t arrived.
“Could she have gone in earlier than us?” Doris guessed.
“It’s impossible for her to be that early: Did something happen? Laura felt uneasy and anxious.
“Why don’t you ask Ari’s teacher? See if she’s already in class, Doris suggested.
“Right,” Laura took out her phone and called Arianna’s homeroom teacher. “This is Arianna’s mom. Has she arrived in class? “Arianna’s dad called to say she’s sick and asked for leave,” the teacher said, surprised. “Didn’t you know?”
“I… my mom’s been sick, and I’ve been taking care of her in the hospital, so I didn’t know. Thank you,” Laura ended the call and looked at Doris. “The teacher said Ari took a sick leave. I need to go to Tanglewood Oaks to see Ari
“Okay.” Doris supported Laura.
Laura also felt Doris‘ sisterly love. It gave her infinite courage. ‘Doris, thank you. It’s so good to have you.”
Doris said, “Let’s go. We’ll go see Ari”
