Chapter 135
Anna’s POV:
1 husftated before answering, wondering what my mother–in–law could possibly want.
“Anna, where are you?” Her voice was gentle but tinged with sadness
“What do you need? Just tell me directly.” I kept my voice level, maintaining politeness while staying alert.
“William is awake,” she said. “He’s asking for you. When can you come see us?”
I remained silent, weighing my options.
Caroline continued, her voice breaking slightly. “The doctors say William’s heart won’t last another year, even in the best–case scenario. He’ll have to spend whatever time he has left in the hospital. She paused. “Whatever conflicts we’ve had, we’re still family. William truly cares for you. If something happens and you never saw him…”
My chest tightened. Despite everything, William had always treated me kindly.
“Tomorrow evening,” I finally said.
“Wonderful! William will be so happy! Don’t eat dinner–I’ll have Maria prepare your favorites and send them over. You always loved her cooking.”
After hanging up, I stared at the ceiling of my hospital room, wondering if I’d just made a mistake.
Emily burst through the door moments later. “Where do you think you’re going? You’re not fully recovered yet!”
“I’m going to see William,” I said.
She crossed her arms. “He’s not your father. Why bother? You should stay away from the whole Wright family. Forever!”
“I need to see him,” I insisted. “His heart attack was partly my fault.
Emily’s disapproval was clear, but I’d made up my mind. Whatever the Wright family’s true motives for wanting to see me, I would treat this visit as a chance to make amends.
The next day, after my check–up, I went home and changed into a simple, elegant outfit. I bought a bouquet of flowers for William and refused Emily’s offer to drive me.
“Go back to EcoMarine,” I told her. “They need you there.”
When I arrived at William’s private hospital suite, I paused at the partially open door. Through the gap, I saw Claire sitting on the edge of William’s bed, laughing at something Caroline had said. The three of them looked like a perfect family portrait.
My stomach dropped. In the time I’d been hospitalized, Blake had clearly brought Claire back into their home.
I knocked gently on the door frame. All three heads turned toward me.
“Anna!” Claire jumped up and rushed toward me, wrapping me in a tight hug that nearly knocked me off balance. My still- body protested at the impact.
Anna, she whispered, her lips almost touching my ear, “I told you, you can’t do anything to me.”
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Chapter 135
1 stiffened in her embrace, fear shooting through me. Not for myself but for the baby I was carrying.
As I entered the room, my hand instinctively curled around my abdomen. A dull pain spread across my lower belly.
Anha, surprised?” Claire’s voice sounded like nails on a chalkboard. Did you really think Blakey would abandon me?”
I couldn’t move. Caroline was watching us from across the room, and all I could focus on was breathing through the discomfort.
When the pain subsided enough, I pushed Claire away and walked to William’s bedside. I placed the flowers in the vase on his nightstand, deliberately avoiding looking at Claire again.
Claire and Caroline exchanged a glance that seemed rehearsed. Without another word, they left the room together, leaving me alone with William.
William was propped up slightly in his bed. He tried to remove his oxygen mask but his movements were slow and weak. After two failed attempts, he looked at me for help.
I froze. Emily had warned me about being too empathetic. Why was suddenly so cold toward this helpless old–man? I felt the color drain from my face.
Quickly, I stepped forward and helped him remove the mask.
William groaned in pain, taking several moments to catch his breath. “I’m useless now,” he finally said with a bitter smile. Can’t even take care of myself.”
I remembered how robust William had once been–tall and commanding. Now he was frail, his body wasted by illness. Disease didn’t just take health; it took dignity.
“Anna, you seem distant with me,” William said, his eyes studying my face.
“No… How are you feeling, William?” I asked, my heart heavy with foreboding. I didn’t know what expression to wear under his shrewd gaze.
William coughed lightly, “I can’t talk for long.” He paused, his eyes locked with mine. “You’ve met Scarlett, haven’t you?”
“Yes.” I kept my voice steady.
“It was my idea for Scarlett to have Blake’s child.”
Despite being prepared for this, my heart still skipped a beat.
William didn’t give me a chance to speak. “You must hate me for it. But I didn’t do it for myself. I did it all for Blake.”
He took a labored breath. “Blake’s mother died when he was young. He’s always craved a complete family. Unlike most children, he didn’t oppose when I remarried. He liked both of them–Caroline and Claire.” William’s eyes grew distant. “But he needs his own child to continue the family.”
William’s expression darkened. “But they aren’t related to him by blood. My days are numbered, Anna. Without me, Blake will be completely alone. His voice grew urgent. “Would you let him face this cold world all by himself, with no family to support him?”
The weight of his words pressed down on me like a physical force. I realized I had walked straight into their trap.
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