Chapter 116 Coma
If she had known earlier, she would have gone to see Linus long ago. She would never have let him lie alone in the nursing home.
Luca felt uneasy seeing her so upset. He reached out to hug her, but she dodged away.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hide it from you," Luca said with a hint of apology in his voice. "I just didn't want you to worry about these things again."
"You know how much Linus cared for me back then. How could you keep this from me for so long?" Olivia wiped her tears, her tone carrying a trace of blame. "I want to see him right now. Take me there."
Luca nodded. "Alright, I'll have my assistant arrange a visit ASAP."
He knew that no words would help at this moment. Only taking her to see her grandfather could ease her mind a little.
Olivia stayed silent, her eyes full of worry, her hands clenched tightly together.
Luca felt a pang in his heart at the sight of her like this. He gently patted her shoulder. "Don't worry too much. The doctor said Grandpa's condition is stable for now."
Olivia didn't say anything, just nodded slightly. But in her heart, she kept praying for Linus to get better soon.
Luca noticed her red eyes, his throat tightening. He softened his tone. "Grandpa's nursing home is out by the mountains, about two hours from here. Go get some rest. We'll leave early tomorrow morning."
Olivia sniffled and looked up at him. "Are you feeling okay now? Didn't the doctor say you need a few more days of observation?"
"I'm fine now. I've already talked to the doctor. We'll handle the discharge tomorrow," Luca said firmly. "Don't worry, it won't delay our trip to see Grandpa."
Olivia nodded, though she still felt uneasy inside.
It wasn't Luca's health she was worried about. She was afraid that this trip might stir up more trouble.
But she couldn't ignore her grandfather's condition.
"Alright," Olivia said, standing up. "I'll meet you at the hospital tomorrow."
Luca watched her walk away, wanting to say something but holding back.
He knew Olivia was still guarded around him. He couldn't rush things.
Olivia left the hospital and drove straight home.
As soon as she walked in, Leo rushed over like a little cannonball, hugging her legs. "Mommy, you're finally back! Auntie Ella made macaroni and cheese. It's so yummy!"
Ella came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands. "You're back? Go wash up and eat. I'll reheat the food for you."
Over dinner, Olivia mentioned her plan to visit Linus at the nursing home.
"I need to see Linus tomorrow. Can you look after Leo for me?" She touched her son's head, her eyes full of guilt.
Ella paused for a moment, then nodded. "Don't be so polite with me. Go without worry. Leo and I get along just fine. It's a bit remote out there, though, so take care of yourself. Call me if anything comes up."
Leo pouted, looking unhappy. "How long will Mommy be gone? I want to go with you."
"Linus needs peace and quiet to rest right now. Once he's better, I'll take you to see him," Olivia comforted him. "Be good and listen to Ella at home. I'll bring you something tasty when I come back."
Leo's eyes lit up, and he nodded quickly. "Okay! I'll be good!"
After dinner, Olivia bathed Leo and read him a picture book. Once he fell asleep, she started packing.
She pulled out a small suitcase, packed two comfortable outfits, and added some skincare products and everyday medicines.
When she was done, she sat by the bed, looking at Leo's peaceful sleeping face. Her heart felt heavy with mixed emotions.
For the past five years, she had raised Leo alone abroad, working hard to build a life. She had finally returned, hoping for some stability, but now she was getting tangled up with Luca again.
Still, other than Leo, Linus was all she had. She couldn't ignore him.
The next morning, Olivia got up early, made breakfast for Leo, gave Ella a few reminders, and then headed to the hospital with her luggage.
Luca had already completed the discharge process. He was waiting for her at the hospital entrance in casual clothes, with his assistant standing nearby holding a food box.
"Is that for Grandpa?" Olivia asked, surprised to see the box.
"Yeah, my assistant had some light snacks made. Grandpa used to like them," Luca said calmly, though he felt a bit nervous inside.
He was worried Olivia might think he was overstepping.
Olivia didn't say anything, just nodded and got into the car first.
The assistant loaded the luggage into the trunk, started the car, and drove toward the outskirts of the city.
The atmosphere in the car was heavy. Olivia leaned against the window, watching the scenery flash by, her mind full of thoughts about Linus.
Luca glanced at her from time to time, noticing her serious expression, but he didn't dare disturb her.
After more than two hours, the car finally pulled into the nursing home's entrance.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the area was filled with lush trees. The air carried the fresh scent of grass and earth. It was indeed a good place for recovery.
The director of the nursing home had been informed in advance and came out to greet them personally. "Mr. Vettel, Ms. Ross, it must have been a long trip."
"How's Linus doing?" Olivia asked eagerly.
"Linus has been stable these past few days, though he hasn't shown signs of waking up," the director said as they walked. "We've been following the doctor's orders and taking good care of him."
Olivia's heart raced as she followed the director into a small, standalone building. Linus's room was at the end of the second floor.
When the door opened, the smell of disinfectant mixed with a faint medicinal scent hit her.
Linus lay on the bed, his face pale as paper, his hair much whiter than before. He looked so much older than he did five years ago.
Several thin tubes were attached to him and connected to nearby machines. The screens showed green waves moving steadily, accompanied by a regular beeping sound.
Olivia hurried to the bedside and gently took Linus's hand.
It felt ice-cold. His fingers were curled, lifeless.
"Grandpa, it's Olivia. I'm here to see you," she said, her voice choking as tears fell instantly. "Do you remember me? I'm back."
Linus's eyelids twitched slightly, but he didn't open his eyes. Only a faint, unclear sound came from his throat.
Olivia leaned over the bed, wiping his hand gently while talking to him.
"Grandpa, I started my own studio. It's doing okay. You don't need to worry."
"Grandpa, I'm sorry. I've been so wrong. I didn't come back to see you all these years."
"I left in such a hurry back then, without even saying goodbye. I made you worry. I've been a terrible granddaughter."
"Please wake up, okay? I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have been so stubborn, shouldn't have let you worry for so long."
"You always spoiled me, cooking all kinds of food I loved, telling me to live a good life. I remember it all."
"But I let you down. I wasn't even here when you got sick and fell into a coma."
She kept talking, her voice growing hoarse, but Linus showed no clear reaction.
Luca handed her a cup of warm water, his voice low. "Don't tire yourself out. Take a break. Grandpa can hear you."