Chapter 614: Has She Really Changed for the Better?

Melinda nodded slightly, listening to his strong heartbeat, and drifted back to sleep.

Her sleep was restless, filled with dreams of her deceased parents and Jane constantly chasing her for help, begging her to take care of her child.

Melinda also dreamt of Hugo coming after her again. She ran desperately in her dream, until she was out of breath and woke up abruptly.

Elmwood saw her suddenly open her eyes, drenched in sweat, and gently helped her sit up.

"Hey, you okay? Bad dream?"

Melinda was panting heavily, leaning against him for a while before she calmed down.

"I dreamt of Hugo again. He was trying to catch me, and I kept running."

Elmwood stroked her back tenderly. It seemed this whole ordeal had left a psychological scar on her. The priority now was to catch that damned Hugo.

"Don't worry, it was just a dream. From now on, I'll be right here, and I won't let anyone hurt you."

Melinda took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

She instinctively looked towards the bed where Evander had been, and asked worriedly, "Where's Evander?"

Elmwood replied, "The nurse took him back to his room."

"Did his parents come?"

"They did. According to Stanley, they've been arguing at home and ignoring Evander out of spite, which is why they turned off their phones."

Melinda had thought they might have encountered some trouble, which was why they left poor Evander behind. But hearing this made her feel utterly disheartened.

Elmwood gently reassured her, "Sweetheart, since they don't care, we shouldn't either. Stanley was right yesterday."

Melinda looked at him, "What did he say?"

"He said Preston and Yvonne are taking advantage of us always stepping in, which is why they act so recklessly. If we truly let go, they'll have to take responsibility. If we harden our hearts just once, we'll have peace in the future."

Elmwood shared their conversation, even though it was a bit harsh. They really had no obligation to interfere in their family's affairs anymore.

Melinda furrowed her brows and sighed, "I dreamt of Jane. Maybe she sensed something from above and asked me to take care of Evander."

Elmwood shook his head, "I believe she wouldn't burden you like that. It's your own unresolved feelings that made you dream of this. Sweetheart, you've been through so much, don't worry about their issues."

This time, Elmwood sided with Stanley, advising her not to get involved with that family's matters anymore.

Melinda sighed, "Let's wait and see. Maybe I can truly let go."

She had personally saved that child. Could she really just abandon him like this?

She hated Preston's actions and resented Yvonne's selfishness, but Evander was innocent.

She had made so many beautiful promises to Evander and didn't want to break them.

Elmwood gently patted her back, "Sweetheart, let things take their course. You must be hungry. I prepared a nutritious meal for you. Dr. Hearst came by a few times, but you were asleep, and she didn't want to disturb you."

Melinda knew he didn't want to discuss this topic further, "How's Jade doing? Is she better?"

Elmwood nodded, "She can be moved to a regular room this afternoon, and we can visit her."

Finally, some good news. "That's great. Thank you for everything."

Elmwood was taken aback, "It's no trouble at all. You're the one who's been through so much."

Melinda held his hand to her face, "Sweetheart, I know you feel guilty, but none of this is your fault. Don't blame yourself, okay?"

She knew. She knew his inner turmoil and guilt over these events.

Elmwood would rather suffer himself than see his beloved woman in pain.

Stroking her face, Elmwood felt a bit more at peace.

"Alright, I understand."

Even though Melinda had no appetite, she knew she had to eat well for the sake of the baby inside her.

After eating, Melinda decided to check on Evander. Instead of worrying, it was better to go see him.

They went to the hospital room, which was quiet. Evander was eating, Yvonne was sitting on the bed, and Preston was standing by the window.

It was good they weren't arguing, as Melinda was tired of seeing them fight every time.

But as she walked in, she sensed something was off. It was a frightening silence, like the calm before a storm.

Evander was the first to greet her.

He waved his little hand excitedly, "Melinda and Elmwood are here!"

Yvonne turned and nodded, "You're here."

Preston seemed unusually enthusiastic, "Mr. Sanctuary, thank you for your help last night. Evander was being troublesome, but I've already reprimanded him. It won't happen again."

Elmwood frowned slightly, feeling that Preston was different from before.

Wasn't he supposed to be more patient with Evander? Why the sudden change?

Elmwood didn't understand. Did Preston's love for his family and child have an expiration date?

"You left him alone in the hospital. He's so young, of course he was scared. How can you blame him?"

"It's my fault. We'll discharge him soon and take him home."

Though his words were warm, Evander was so startled that he dropped his spoon.

In that simple action, he showed fear, quickly picking up the spoon.

"Dad, I... I still feel a bit unwell. I need to stay in the hospital."

In the hospital, he didn't have to face his parents every day. The nurses were kind, and he could see Melinda and Elmwood. If he went home, he'd only face his parents' volatile tempers.

Yvonne was annoyed, "You're fine now. Why are you still clinging to the hospital? It's exhausting for us to come back and forth every day!"

"Yes, Evander, you need to be sensible. I'll have the chef make you something delicious at home," Preston said, unusually patient.

Melinda felt like she was watching a performance, seeing them act.

"Evander said he doesn't want to go home. Shouldn't you reflect on why?"

Preston responded sincerely, "We've neglected Evander recently. I realize my mistake. I'll treat him well."

Melinda was a bit dazed. Had he really changed?

But seeing Yvonne's cold expression, she often wondered where the real problem lay.

"Yvonne, it's been a while since you had a check-up, right? Allannah is free today. Let's go see the psychologist."

She needed to confirm if Yvonne's condition was suitable for taking care of Evander. If her illness required treatment, she must take her medication, or it would worsen.

Yvonne was agitated, "I'm fine now. I don't need medication."

"So you haven't been taking your meds?" Melinda asked, looking at Preston. "Didn't the doctor tell you to make sure she takes them daily? This can't be neglected."

Preston sighed, "She's not a child. She doesn't need someone to watch her take her meds. A few days ago, I mentioned it, and she got angry, throwing the pills into the pool."