Chapter 35

Percy's voice grew more irritated. "You know Elsie and Ronald are already in the divorce cooling-off period, so why are you so worked up?"

"Can't you just wait patiently? And then you'll naturally marry Ronald."

"The baby you're carrying is Ronald's, right? He's not gonna deny it."

Missy's hand paused as she was about to light a cigarette, a fleeting look of sarcasm crossing her lips.

If the baby really was Ronald's, what was she so worried about?

Missy impatiently said, "Alright, I know what I'm doing. Just wait and get ready to be Ronald's father-in-law."

"Watch your mouth! You better tone it down; you hear me?" Percy's angry, heavy breathing came through the phone.

"And another thing! Go to the hospital and apologize to your grandmother! She's your own grandmother!"

Missy had no patience for this and hung up without a second thought.

After being scolded by her own father, Missy felt even more stifled and irritable.

She immediately called Josie.

"Josie, are you free today? Didn't you have your eye on a bag the other day? Let's go; I'll buy it for you today."

Josie's voice was filled with barely contained excitement, though she tried to sound polite. "Oh, you don't have to do that."

Missy scoffed, taking a long drag from her cigarette. "Enough with the pretense, just hurry up. I'm waiting for you at the mall. If you're late, I'll carry that bag myself."

"Okay! I'll be there soon."

In less than half an hour, Josie arrived.

When Josie found Missy, she was accompanied by two handsome salesmen.

Josie linked arms with Missy, her tone affectionate. "What's got you free to hang out with me today? Not spending time with Mr. York?"

Missy rolled her eyes and handed Ronald's secondary credit card to one of the salesmen. "Don't even mention it. You have no idea..."

She quickly recounted yesterday's events, making Josie's eyes sparkle with interest.

Missy's life was always so eventful!

Having a friend like this was truly a stroke of luck.

As she thought that, Josie's face was all smiles.

She grabbed Missy's hand, speaking earnestly. "Missy, with such great news, why the long face?"

Missy looked at her, puzzled, her red lips parting. "What great news?"

Ronald had almost exposed her true colors. What could possibly be good about that?

Josie picked up an expensive bottle of perfume she usually couldn't afford, sprayed it on her wrist, and inhaled deeply, looking blissful.

Missy felt exasperated. "Fine, I'll buy it for you. Just spill it!"

Josie finally spoke. "Men are inherently domineering and self-centered, particularly the decisive and authoritative Mr. York."

"Think about it, Elsie slapped Ronald several times in front of everyone, humiliating him. No man could tolerate that."

"Even if there were lingering feelings between them, those slaps would have destroyed any chance of reconciliation."

"Congratulations, Missy. Becoming Mrs. Ronald York is just around the corner!"

Missy's eyes lit up. She grabbed the unopened bottle of perfume and stuffed it into Josie's shopping bag.

She might not know about others, but she knew Ronald's personality well.

If someone accidentally bumped into him on the street, they'd better be ready for his revenge.

Missy thought, 'So, does this mean Elsie and Ronald really have no chance of getting back together?'

Missy said, "Alright, let's go get you that bag!"

Missy pulled Josie along, walking briskly.

She had just been verbally attacked by Ronald, feeling like a heartbroken damsel in distress. How could she have the leisure to shop?

No, she needed to go home and wallow in her misery!

At the hospital.

"Elsie?"

A frail, raspy voice sounded above Elsie's head.

Elsie, who had been dozing off by the bedside, jolted awake.

She looked up at Monica, her eyes filled with concern.

"Grandma, are you feeling better? Are you okay?"

"Grandma, you've been asleep for almost a whole day and night. I'm so glad you're finally awake."

She gestured anxiously, remembering that Monica couldn't understand sign language, and quickly looked to Bruce for help.

Bruce had already walked over from the nearby sofa when Monica woke up and was now standing beside Elsie.

He translated Elsie's words, and Monica's pale lips managed a weak smile. "I'm fine, Elsie. Don't worry."

Her eyes scanned the room, noticing that the large private hospital room only had Elsie and Bruce in it, and her eyes dimmed a bit.

Monica asked, "Where's Percy and his family?"

Elsie gestured, "Aunt Clara left last night because she had something to do. Uncle Percy just left this morning."

"And Missy?"

Hearing Monica's weak, aged voice, Elsie didn't know how to respond.

How could she convey to this frail Monica that the granddaughter she had doted on since childhood hadn't visited her once since she fell unconscious?

Monica could see Elsie's hesitation and silence.

Her heart grew cold.

She had always treated Missy well.

The only thing she might have done wrong was forcing Missy to apologize to Elsie a few days ago.

But Missy was in the wrong. Wasn't she allowed to scold Missy?

She never expected Missy to resent her to this extent!

Seeing Monica's expression change, Elsie grabbed Monica's wrinkled hand and pressed it to her cheek.

Her eyes were filled with dependence, as if Monica was her whole world.

Monica's heart warmed, and her smile became more genuine.

She looked up at Bruce. "And who is this?"

"Mrs. Monica Forbes, I'm Bruce Valois. I'm Elsie's friend and also her attending physician."

Bruce's smile was warm and inviting, yet there was a hint of nervousness.

Monica instantly understood the deep affection hidden in Bruce's eyes.

She realized that Bruce's intentions were not just to heal Elsie but also to pursue her. Her gaze became more scrutinizing, like a mother-in-law evaluating a potential son-in-law.

But looking at Bruce, tall and handsome, she couldn't find any faults.

In fact, she even thought Bruce might be a better match for Elsie than Ronald.

She spoke earnestly, "I'm entrusting Elsie to you."

Bruce was momentarily stunned, then became even more nervous.

He nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Mrs. Monica Forbes. I'll take good care of Elsie."

If they weren't in a hospital, this conversation could have sounded like a marriage proposal.

Bruce met Elsie's confused gaze, his heart racing, but he tried to maintain his composure.