Chapter 133
Finally, I arrive in the room. My heart races as I push the door open, finding my mother sitting by my father’s bedside, her face etched with worry. I step inside, the reality of the situation crashing over me like a tidal wave.
I’m back in a pack I thought I’d left behind, facing the man for whom I have so many unresolved feelings for and the mother. who didn’t dare challenge him for me.
Inside, my father lies motionless, surrounded by machines beeping rhythmically. I fight back tears as I take a seat beside him, holding his hand in mine. He was once a towering figure in stature and presence, whose stern demeanor commanded respect and instilled a sense of awe. Seeing him now, frail and vulnerable, fills me with a mix of sorrow and disbelief.
Despite the fear he sometimes inspired, my heart aches for my father. My mother arrives moments later, her eyes red- rimmed and weary. She once exuded elegance and confidence, her beauty drawing admiration at every social gathering she attended. Now, her once–glossy hair is dull, and her flawless skin is etched with lines of worry and exhaustion. The vibrant energy she used to carry has faded, replaced by a weariness that makes her seem almost unrecognizable.
“Bree!” She rushes to my side, pulling me into a tight embrace. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been trying to reach you for months!” She holds me at arm’s length, looking me over from head to toe. “I can’t believe you’ve finally returned,” she starts sobbing, clutching me again, and I awkwardly pat her back.
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I pull back, confusion swirling in my mind. “Why didn’t you tell me? What happened?” My voice trembles as I search her face
for answers.
She takes a deep breath, her expression heavy. “Rhett came looking for you at home. He–he attacked your father and was ranting about us keeping you from him; ever since he has been a thorn in our side. He keeps reporting your father’s shipments; this last one must have sent him over the edge because he was fine yesterday morning. Then I got a call saying he had a heart attack.”
My stomach drops. “What do you mean? I thought you told Rhett where I was?” I ask, and she looks at me confused.
“We refused to tell him where you were. But he didn’t take not for an answer,” she explains, her voice shaking. “He threatened your father, Bree. He said he’d finish him off unless we told him where to find you. I didn’t, but when he learned of your grandmother, I tried to ring to warn her he was on his way, but her phone was disconnected. Then
yesterday, your father’s export license was taken, and he had a heart attack.”
Guilt washes over me. “It’s my fault he’s in here,” I whisper, feeling the weight of my decisions.
“No,” my mother insists, her eyes fierce. “You had to protect yourself. I knew you’d be safe with your grandmother.”
I take a deep breath, steeling myself to share the news I’ve been dreading. “Grandma is gone, Mom,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
“What?” she gasps, her face paling as her hands go to her mouth.
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Her face crumbles and tears spill down her cheeks. “No… no, not your grandmother…” She collapses into a chair, grief washing over her like a shadow.
“I’m so sorry, Mom. I-”
“Stop,” she interrupts, wiping her tears. “We’ll mourn later. Right now, we need to focus on your father.”
I nod, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders and I squeeze my father’s hand tighter, wishing for a miracle.
“What are the doctors saying?” I ask her and she swallows thickly looking at my father. “The doctors decided to put him in an induced coma,” my mother explains, her voice steady despite the tremor beneath. “His heart was under too much stress, and they needed to give it time to heal. By keeping him in a coma, they can control his body functions and reduce any further damage while they stabilize his condition.”
After a few moments, my mother stands. “I’m going to get us some coffee. I’ll be right back.” She walks out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the steady beeping of the machines.
Chapter 134
