Chapter 199: Well Taught

Chapter 199: Well Taught

The next morning, Charles arrived at Diana's apartment with breakfast. He wanted to fulfill his responsibilities as a husband and father—to share breakfast with them, then take the children to school.

"Mommy, are you going to the lab today?" Daisy asked.

"This afternoon." Diana touched her head gently. "I'm visiting Mrs. Young at the hospital this morning."

Charles immediately spoke up. "I'll drive you."

"No need. Just take the kids to kindergarten."

"Then I'll pick you up from the hospital after dropping them off." Charles's tone left no room for argument.

Diana looked at his resolute expression and finally nodded.

 

When Diana arrived at the hospital, Celeste was awake and looking much better.

"Diana's here." Celeste smiled and beckoned her over. "Come, sit."

Diana sat by the bedside and carefully checked her vitals. "Celeste, you're recovering beautifully."

"All thanks to you." Celeste took her hand. "Diana, Charles told me everything. These five years, raising two children alone—you've suffered so much."

Diana lowered her eyes. "It's in the past."

Celeste shook her head. "The damage is done. You can't just erase it by saying it's over. But Diana, I want to ask you to look at Charles now. He's truly different."

Diana was silent for a moment before saying softly, "I know."

"Then... will you..." Celeste probed gently, "give him another chance?"

Diana raised her head, complicated emotions swirling in her eyes. "I don't know. Every time I think about forgiving him, I remember that rainy night five years ago. I was alone on that operating table, thinking both I and my babies would die."

Tears welled in Celeste's eyes. "My dear, I'm so sorry. The Windsor family failed you."

"No, it's not your fault." Diana squeezed the elderly woman's hand. "I just need time."

"Time, of course you need time." Celeste nodded. "But Diana, don't shut out every possibility just because you're afraid of getting hurt again. Charles... he truly loves you. Loves you enough to give up everything."

Diana was about to respond when the door opened.

Charles stood in the doorway, holding a "bouquet" made from lettuce and fruit, his face lit with a gentle smile. "Celeste, Diana, I'm here."

Diana couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "You made another one of these?"

"You're allergic to pollen." Charles walked in and handed the "bouquet" to Celeste. "Celeste, the kids and I made this together. Jason said vitamins help with recovery."

Celeste accepted the bouquet, her face beaming. "Wonderful, wonderful. This is the best bouquet I've ever received."

Diana watched this scene, warmth flooding her chest.

 

After leaving the hospital, Charles drove Diana to the lab.

On the way, Diana suddenly spoke. "Charles, do you remember when we first met?"

Charles froze, then his eyes lit up. "Of course. In the medical school library. You were reading a book on cardiac surgery. I sat across from you all afternoon, and you never noticed."

Diana looked at him in surprise. "You remember it that clearly?"

"I remember everything about you." Charles said softly. "Diana, I know saying sorry a thousand times won't change anything. But I hope you can believe me—those days when I hurt you were hell for me too."

Diana turned to look out the window. "I really hated you once."

"I know."

"But now..." Diana paused. "I'm not sure if it's still hate."

Charles's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Diana, I'm not asking you to forgive me right away. I'm just asking you to let me stay by your side and the children's. Let me have a chance to make amends."

The car stopped in front of the lab.

Diana unbuckled her seatbelt but didn't get out immediately.

"Charles," she turned to face him seriously, "if you ever hurt me or the children again, I will leave with them without hesitation. And I'll never see you again."

"That day will never come." Charles met her eyes directly. "I swear."

Diana studied the determination in his gaze and finally nodded.

"Saturday is Jason's science fair. Will you come?"

Charles's eyes instantly lit up. "Of course! I wouldn't miss it!"

 

Saturday's kindergarten science fair was bustling with excitement.

Jason's project was a "Simple Water Filtration System." He'd spent two full weeks preparing—designing and building everything himself.

"Dad, look!" Daisy tugged Charles's hand. "Jason's booth has the most people!"

Charles looked over. Sure enough, Jason's booth was surrounded by parents and children. Jason was earnestly explaining the principles of his filtration system, his small face filled with focus and confidence.

"He's exceptional." Charles said proudly.

Diana stood beside him and murmured, "He's like you. Smart, stubborn. Once he decides on something, he gives it everything."

Charles turned to her. "But he's more like you. Kind, compassionate. He wants to use his abilities to help others."

Diana's breath caught. Charles continued, "Jason told me he built the filtration system because he saw news reports about children in impoverished areas who can't access clean water."

Diana's eyes suddenly burned with tears.

"Diana, you've raised them so well." Charles's voice grew thick. "Thank you for giving me two such wonderful children."

 

When the fair ended, Jason's project won first place.

During the award ceremony, the principal invited the parents onstage. Charles and Diana stood on either side of Jason, with Daisy clapping excitedly nearby.

"Jason, would you like to say something?" The principal handed him the microphone.

Jason took it and looked at his parents, then drew a deep breath. "Thank you, teachers. Thank you to my mom—she taught me that science can change the world."

He paused, glancing at Charles. "And thank you to Mr. Windsor. He helped me find research materials and stayed up late with me working on experiments."

Charles's eyes instantly reddened.

"Finally," Jason raised his trophy, "I want to dedicate this award to my sister, Daisy. Even though she always messes up my workspace, she's my best assistant and my biggest supporter."

Warm applause filled the room. Daisy threw herself into Jason's arms. "Jason's the best!"

 

After the science fair, Jason's attitude toward Charles became noticeably warmer.