Chapter 210 Her Debt

Chapter 210 Her Debt

The emotions in John's eyes were too complex—there was reminiscence, melancholy, and a trace of deeply buried pain.

He reined in all his outward emotions, and along with them, that aggressive aura surrounding him completely dissipated.

He glanced at Sylvia's pale face and the needle mark on the back of her hand where she was pressing a cotton ball, his tone unconsciously softening considerably, with a hint of concern, "You're not feeling well? What's going on?"

Lisa quickly jumped in to answer: "John, Sylvia... she got really seasick and was vomiting badly. The doctor said she's pregnant!"

John's body stiffened again, his gaze falling back on Sylvia, the emotions in his eyes churning even more intensely, but ultimately only turning into an almost inaudible sigh.

He was silent for a moment, then said to Sylvia: "Get some good rest. If you need anything, just tell Frank and the others."

After speaking, John looked at her deeply one last time, as if trying to see another person through her, then turned to Frank and Lisa, who were still in shock: "Take good care of her."

Dropping those words, John left with heavy steps, his retreating figure looking somewhat desolate.

It wasn't until John's figure completely disappeared that Frank seemed to snap back to reality. He walked over to Sylvia's side, stroking his chin, curiously speculating: "Sylvia, the way he looked just now, all distracted—I bet he had a crush on your mother, right?"

"Very likely!" Lisa nodded vigorously beside him, her eyes sparkling. "I heard that Imogen was the number one beauty in Sapphire Sky Guild back in the day!"

Listening to their discussion, Sylvia said nothing, but the fog of mystery surrounding Imogen in her heart seemed to thicken even more.

"But here's the strange thing," Frank frowned, lowering his voice and saying mysteriously to Sylvia, "Sylvia, there's something you might not know. John and Boss—that's your uncle Wilford—are famous enemies. They've been openly and secretly fighting in the branch for years, like fire and water."

Lisa also leaned in to add: "Right, right! The two of them go at each other the moment they meet, neither can stand the other. Who would've thought John would actually like Imogen."

One was an old friend who couldn't forget Imogen, the other was Imogen's blood-related brother, yet these two were bitter enemies constantly at odds.

Sylvia lowered her eyes, caressing her still-flat belly, her confusion deepening.

Imogen—what kind of woman was she? Why, with two such outstanding men around her, did she end up choosing to marry someone as mediocre, even pathetic, as Gary, and ultimately meet such an end?

Behind all this, how many unknown secrets were still hidden?

The island at night was completely silent. The lights in the medical room had long been turned off, leaving only the sound of waves gently lapping against the rocks outside the window, like a lullaby, softly soothing weary souls.

Sylvia lay on the soft hospital bed, her right hand unconsciously moving to her belly. It was still flat, yet already nurturing a brand new life.

Six weeks. This sudden news was like a warm current that instantly spread through her entire body.

Her and Henry's child, a new life that belonged to them.

Joy, shock, and an indescribable sense of security—all these emotions intertwined, keeping Sylvia awake for a long time.

She knew this tiny seed would become her greatest concern in the future, and also her most solid source of courage.

Just as Sylvia was immersed in these wonderful thoughts, Garth, who had been placed on the small bed beside her, woke up at some point. His small figure, like a startled little animal, quietly climbed onto Sylvia's bed.

"Mommy..."

His soft, childish voice carried a hint of sleepiness and grievance, sounding especially clear in the quiet night. Garth pressed his cool little face against the hollow of her neck, his small body clinging tightly to her.

"What's wrong, Garth?" Sylvia asked softly, her heart melting. She reached out to hold him tighter, tucking the covers around him. His small body carried that special milky scent that made one's heart incredibly soft.

"I miss Cecilia..." Garth's voice was muffled, his warm breath spraying on the hollow of her neck. After the excitement of playing during the day wore off, at night, that familiar loneliness would quietly creep back.

Without Cecilia by his side, even sleeping felt like something was missing.

Sylvia's heart trembled. She gently stroked his soft back, comforting him softly: "I know, Cecilia must miss you too. When we get back to The Smith Mansion, we'll have your daddy take you to the island to see Cecilia, okay?"

"Really?" Garth suddenly lifted his head, those bright big eyes shining even in the darkness, his sleepiness instantly dissipating. His eager gaze made Sylvia's heart feel like it was being lightly brushed by a feather, with an indescribable bitterness.

"Of course it's true." Sylvia kissed his forehead, her tone firm yet gentle.

Having received Sylvia's promise, Garth contentedly nestled back into her arms.

After a while, he said in a small voice: "Mommy, will you tell me a story? Cecilia used to tell me stories every night."

"Okay." Sylvia's heart felt like it was being gently squeezed by an invisible hand, with a touch of bitterness. She held Garth tighter, lowered her head to kiss the top of his head, and began telling a story about a brave little hero.

Sylvia's voice was gentle and low, the story flowing slowly through the quiet night.

But Sylvia's thoughts had already drifted far away.

Cecilia... Garth... these two children—what I owe them is far more than just those bedtime stories.

All these years, for revenge, for survival, to uncover the truth, I've been separated from them for so long.

Every time I think of this, my heart aches with a dull pain.

I know I can't stop. Only when I become strong enough can I truly protect them.

But even so, that guilt of being a mother is like vines in the bottom of Sylvia's heart, taking root and growing deeper and deeper.

Sylvia gently stroked Garth's soft hair, and during a pause in the story, tentatively asked: "Garth, have you... ever blamed me?"

Garth in her arms seemed to freeze for a moment, then suddenly lifted his head, those bright big eyes shining in the darkness, looking at her seriously, "Blame mommy for what?"

"Blame me... for not being with you and Cecilia all the time." Sylvia's voice trembled slightly. This question buried deep in her heart had finally been asked.

She held her breath, waiting for Garth's most honest answer, even if it would cut her heart like a knife.

Garth thought for a moment, his little mouth pouting as if to say something, but in the end he shook his head and said quietly: "No, Cecilia said mommy is really amazing and went to do something very important. When mommy finishes, she'll come back for us."