Chapter 12
Cassidy gritted her teeth, unable to utter a word. She wished he would just leave.
Nathan bent down, his handsome face within reach and their noses almost touched, the warmth of breath palpable. Nathan remarked. He stated, “Say it. You desire it.”
“No!” Cassidy shoved him away fiercely. “It’s best if you never appear before me again.” With that, she stormed back to her bedroom, locked the door, and sat on her bed. After a long while, she heard the front door close. He had finally left.
Cassidy exhaled deeply. It seemed that only when Nathan left could she finally catch her breath. She thought, Let him go find Meredith. It’s best if they love each other and leave me in peace. I don’t want this jerk anymore.
In the hospital room, Meredith woke up to find Kenny Jensen and Samantha Jensen by her side. Sitting up and holding her chest, she inquired, “Dad, Mom, what happened to me?”
David, visibly relieved, stood up, sat by her bed, and took her hand. “Meredith, you’re finally awake. The doctor said you had a recurrence of heart disease and collapsed on the road. How are you feeling now?”
Managing a weak smile, Meredith shook her head. ‘Grandpa David, I’m okay. I’m sorry for making you worry.”
Samantha approached and gently hugged Meredith’s shoulder, smiling at David. “Even now, she’s still afraid you’ll worry about ber.”
“Grandpa David, please don’t worry. I’m feeling much better now,” Meredith said.
David sighed deeply and patted her hand gently. “You’ve always been so caring. All these years spent looking after you have been worth it. Silly girl, take care of yourself. I still hope you’ll recover fully, marry Nathan, and become my granddaughter-
in–law.”
Meredith responded softly, “Okay”
Kenny frowned, “How did you suddenly develop a heart disease?”
Meredith hesitated, then glanced at Kenny. I’m not sure if I should say.”
Anxious, Kenny pressed on. “What is it? You can tell us. There’s no one else here.
Meredith finally spoke up. “I think I saw Cassidy.”
Everyone was stunned. David glanced at Samantha, while the latter turned to Kenny.
Kenny’s tone turned reproachful. “What nonsense are you talking about? Cassidy has been gone f five years. You must have
mistaken someone else for her.”
“I couldn’t have… Maybe there was a mistake in the accident five years ago. Cassidy might not be dead,” Meredith proposed tentatively.
Samantha chuckled softly. “How could that be? We all attended her funeral. She’s resting in Howell Cemetery. There’s no mistake about that.”
“But I did see her. Perhaps there was an error back then. Dad, Morn, if Cassidy is alive and returns to the Jensen family, would you disown me?” Meredith asked with a bitter smile.
Kenny shook his head firmly. “No way! Meredith, you’re my daughter forever. Cassidy… She was just not meant to be a Jensen. Sadly, her life was cut so short. Whatever we owe her, we’ll have to settle another way.”
“But I truly saw her, Meredith murmured in grievance.
David couldn’t hold back any longer. “Okay, let’s say she’s actually alive. But even then, what can she do when she comes back. after all this time?”
“She’s still Dad and Mom’s biological daughter, and she’s engaged to Nathan, Meredith pointed out.
Samantha tensed briefly. “Stop saying nonsense! That doesn’t matter, Meredith. Even though you weren’t biologically ours, we would love you just the same. Even if Cassidy were to return, we would never consider disowning you.”
12:20 PM c
Chapter 13
Kenny nodded in agreement. Meredith’s words seemed unbelievable. Cassidy had been gone for five years. It was inconceivable for her to reappear suddenly. If that were the case, wouldn’t the funeral five years ago have been a major blunder?
“Even if they reject you, I won’t. If they won’t have you, you can marry Nathan, and we’ll be family, David teased, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.
Meredith chuckled. “Grandpa David, you’ve always been so good to me. It’s really a pity that I’m not your granddaughter.”
“Well, being my granddaughter–in–law would be just as fantastic, David laughed warmly.
Just then, the hospital room door swung open. Everyone turned toward the sound and saw Nathan entering, dressed sharply
in a new suiL
David’s expression darkened. “Why are you only just arriving? If something serious had happened to Meredith, I’d hold you responsible.
Meredith gently held David’s hand, whispering soothingly, “Grandpa David, I’m fine now. Nathan was caught up with work. It’s all right.”
Nathan nodded politely at Kenny and Samantha, who seemed to be unsettled at his presence. Despite Meredith being destined to marry into the Howell family, Kenny and Samantha genuinely respected and feared Nathan. Howell Group wielded immense power, and Nathan was at the helm of it all.
With his eyes fixed on Meredith, Nathan said abruptly, “I need to speak with Meredith in private. He then cast a significant glance at Kenny and Samantha.
David grumbled, “You mean we should leave the room?”
“Yes, Grandpa, please,” Nathan replied firmly.
“You brat…” David muttered under his breath.
Kenny rushed to reassure him. “Maybe they need to discuss their engagement. Mr. David Howell, why don’t we take a stroll in the garden?”
“Yeah, it’s a bit stuffy in here. Let them have their moment, Samantha added, guiding David out with Kenny.
Once the door closed, Nathan walked over to the window, lifting the blinds to gaze out at the nighttime view.
“Nathan, why have you been so busy lately? Meredith broke the silence.
Nathan turned around, looking at her expressionlessly. “Meredith, we need to call off our engagement His tone was firm, leaving no room for debate.
Meredith forced a smile. “Call off the engagement? Nathan, are you kidding me? This isn’t funny.”
*Did I seem like I’m joking?” Nathan responded curtly.
Meredith froze for a while before she managed to stammer, “W–Why?”
Nathan responded matter–of–factly, “No reason. I’ll announce it formally at a later date.”
“Is it because of Cassidy? She’s back, so you’re eager to get rid of me?” Meredith blurted out, her voice tinged with agitation.
SEND GIFT
