Chapter 166: Pacification
"Brian, I need to get out of this hospital."
Seraphina was quiet for a moment, then suddenly looked up with determination in her eyes.
In this hospital room, the smell of disinfectant was suffocating. Every second felt like torture.
She was desperate to escape and find the person she couldn't stop thinking about.
"Alright, Aunt Angelina said you can stay at the Robinson Mansion once you're discharged."
"I think that's a good idea. You'll have more chances to get close to Brandon."
"Spend more time with Brandon and rekindle his feelings for you."
Brian nodded slightly, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.
This was exactly what Seraphina wanted. Without saying much, she quickly packed her things and followed Brian out of the hospital.
The car slowly pulled up to the Robinson Mansion. Through the window, Seraphina saw Brandon and Monica getting out of another car.
The four of them stood at the entrance of the Robinson Mansion, their eyes meeting but no one speaking. The air was thick with tension.
They walked silently towards the mansion, each carrying a heavy burden in their hearts.
Angelina stood at the mansion's entrance, watching the group approach. She sighed deeply.
She knew what had happened with Monica and had been waiting for Monica to call so she could offer her condolences. But no call ever came.
She had planned to pick Seraphina up from the hospital, but Brian insisted he could bring her back.
The young faces were devoid of their usual smiles, and the entire Robinson Mansion felt shrouded in a thick cloud, making it hard to breathe.
Richard sat at the head of the table, looking at the somber faces. He then turned his gaze to Angelina, who shook her head slightly, her eyes filled with helplessness and worry.
Richard cleared his throat gently and said, "Seraphina, I heard you're back in the country with the national dance troupe. I was wondering if I could attend your next performance?"
His voice was kind and gentle, trying to break the heavy atmosphere.
Seraphina put down her bowl, stood up slightly, and smiled faintly.
"Of course, Mr. Robinson. I'll be performing in Silverlight City next week. If you have time, you can come to watch. I'll save the best seat for you."
Her voice was clear and pleasant, but it couldn't hide her exhaustion and sadness.
Richard nodded in satisfaction and then turned to Monica, his expression full of concern.
"If your mother needs anything, don't hesitate to tell Brandon. The Robinson family is your family. If you have any difficulties, you can always come to me."
His eyes were full of affection. To him, Monica was enduring immense pain, and as an elder, he felt it was his duty to offer care and support.
Monica, immersed in the immense grief of losing her mother, felt no jealousy about Seraphina moving into the Robinson Mansion.
In fact, she felt that every moment in the mansion was like torture, her oppressive emotions and unfulfilled desire for revenge constantly intertwining in her mind.
As she nodded, tears uncontrollably streamed down her face, her helpless appearance making Brandon's heart ache.
Brandon gently put his arm around Monica's shoulder and nodded to everyone.
"Monica's not feeling well. I'm gonna take her to rest."
With that, he led Monica away.
Seraphina watched them leave, wanting to say something but stopping herself.
Brian took Angelina's hand and said softly, "Aunt Angelina, Seraphina's staying at the mansion from today. She's not familiar with the place and will need your care."
His eyes were full of expectation and pleading.
"I understand. Don't worry."
Angelina sighed helplessly, gently patting Brian's hand, her eyes filled with concern.
She knew that the relationships between these young people had become increasingly complicated, and the days ahead at the Robinson Mansion would likely be far from peaceful.
Back in her room, Monica stood like a soulless puppet in front of her wardrobe, silently packing her clothes.
Her eyes were empty and confused, her movements slow and numb, as if everything around her was irrelevant.
Brandon walked over gently, wrapping his arms around Monica's waist from behind, resting his head on her shoulder.
His voice was low and filled with love. "I'm torn. I want you to cry and let out your pain, but I also don't want you to hurt yourself. You've already fainted twice."
"The doctor said you need to take care of yourself and the baby."
As he spoke, he gently caressed Monica's belly, his eyes full of concern and worry.
Hearing Brandon mention the baby again, Monica turned around in a fit of rage, pushing Brandon away with all her strength, her eyes burning with anger.
"The baby, the baby, all you care about is the baby!"
"Is the baby always more important than everything else to you?"
"My mom is dead, and you expect me not to be sad. How is that possible?"
"I want revenge, and you stop me. I want to cry, and you won't let me."
"Now I want to pack my things and leave. I don't want to see anyone. I just want to hide somewhere. Can you let me be an ostrich and leave me alone?"
Her voice was sharp and trembling, each word squeezed out from the depths of her heart, filled with pain and despair.
"No."
When Brandon first saw Monica packing, he thought she was just doing some chores to distract herself. He didn't expect her to want to run away.
Brandon took a step forward, grabbing Monica's small, flailing fists, his eyes firm and full of love. "I care about you and the baby because I love you."
As the words left his mouth, Brandon realized what he had said, his eyes involuntarily avoiding hers.
"What did you say?"
Hearing Brandon's sudden confession, Monica froze, stunned.
Her eyes were filled with surprise and disbelief, as if she couldn't trust her own ears.
To her, Brandon had always been a mysterious and unpredictable person. This sudden confession left her at a loss.
Brandon lowered his head and gently kissed Monica's lips, his actions tender and full of love.
"I'm sorry. I've never told anyone I love you, nor have I ever apologized to anyone."
"The first and only time, I want to give it to you. I don't want to see you sad. I just want to make you happy."
"I know it's not the right time to say this, but I've already asked Justin to handle your mother's funeral arrangements."