As the doctor bustled into the room and began tending to the old man, Xavier descended the stairs with his crisp black shirt neatly folded over his arm. He strode over to his brother, standing tall and imposing in front of him. His voice was low and threatening as he spoke, and his eyes were blazing with anger. "You better hope this isn't serious. If anything happens to our father because of you, I promise you won't want to face the consequences." The tension in the air was thick and palpable, each word a sharp edge in the heated exchange between the two brothers.
With a firm shove, Xavier propelled his elder brother Edward out of the way. Cathleen stood there, her mind racing in disbelief at what had just transpired. She struggled to find a place to begin comprehending everything that had just unfolded before her eyes. The shock and confusion swirled inside her like a dark storm, threatening to break free at any moment.
Who did she get married to? Why was Finn's father so afraid of the man to whom she had been married? Most importantly, she didn't want old Mr. Knight to be sick. He was the only father she had and the only one she had confidence in. So she quickly went and sat down on the floor in front of the room where the old man was being treated. As she started to think about all the things that had happened, she couldn't hold back the tears any longer.
Her chest heaved with deep, uncontrollable sobs as she crumpled into a ball on the cold, hard floor. She could hear the faint sounds of medical equipment and hushed voices coming from the room where the man was being treated, but her focus was solely on her own pain and anguish. The tile under her body felt unforgiving against her skin, and the dim light filtering through the nearby window seemed to mock her tears. She was alone in her grief, and it consumed her, leaving her powerless and vulnerable on the ground outside the room where the old man was being treated.
Finn knew that Cathleen wouldn't eat or sleep unless she knew that old Mr. Knight was all right, so he made his way to the room where the man was, but when he got to the corridor, he saw Cathleen sitting on the floor with worry written all over her face.
Cathleen's eyes were bloodshot and rimmed with tears, her pain radiating off of her in palpable waves. As Finn took hesitant steps towards her, hoping to offer some comfort, Xavier came out of the room where the old man was and immediately enveloped Cathleen in his arms, holding her close in a protective embrace. His broad shoulders provided a sturdy anchor for her trembling form, and his tender words soothed her troubled mind. She clung to him like a lifeline as he whispered reassurance into her ear.
Finn's body went rigid as he stumbled upon the unexpected scene. His eyes widened in surprise and confusion as he watched the two of them locked in a tender embrace. Was this a sign that their broken marriage could be salvaged? Were they really in love? But then he noticed Xavier's expression-a mix of shame and anger etched across his features. Why did he chase Olivia away like that? Finn couldn't make sense of it all. If he loved Cathleen, then why is Olivia always at his house? He stormed out of Xavier's house, his mind racing with questions and emotions. Seeking solace, he headed to a nearby club and drowned himself in alcohol, trying to numb the ache in his heart. The loud music and dim lights provided a temporary escape from the turmoil within him, but deep down, he knew that nothing could ease the pain of witnessing the woman he loved in someone else's arms.
At that moment, as Xavier held his wife tightly, he saw the fear etched across her face like deep grooves in a tree trunk. Her sobs were uncontrollable and shook her entire body, a raw expression of the terror that consumed her. It was a stark reminder to Xavier that his father held a special place in Cathleen's heart, one that even he couldn't compete with. Finally breaking free from his embrace, Cathleen turned to face him, her eyes red-rimmed and glistening with tears. "Is he going to be all right?" she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion.
Xavier's gaze lingered on Cathleen's face as she delicately wiped away her tears. He couldn't help but wonder what could have caused a woman as seemingly unflappable and cold as her to break down in such a vulnerable display of emotion. In all the time he had known her, she had never shown any sign of weakness, no matter what challenges or obstacles came her way. But today, something seemed to have shattered that facade. Her usually composed demeanor was completely undone, leaving her looking like a stormy sea with waves crashing against the shore. Xavier couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern for this woman, who always seemed so untouchable and distant.
As Xavier reluctantly broke the hug, his voice took on a sharp, icy tone. "He'll be fine," he said coldly. Cathleen wasn't concerned with Xavier's attitude; she just needed to know if the man was alright. Their eyes met in a tense stare, both of them holding back emotions they didn't want to reveal. Suddenly, the door swung open, and the doctor emerged, requesting Cathleen's presence. As she stepped inside, she left the door slightly ajar, not wanting to completely shut out the world outside.
"Please don't tell me you were crying." The old man's words were a gentle balm, offered in response to the sight of Cathleen's tear-stained red eyes. Her lashes were damp and clumped together, her cheeks flushed, and her breathing was ragged. The weight of her sorrow seemed to radiate off of her in waves, making even the hardened old man's heartache with sympathy.
"Why would I cry for someone who makes me worry?"
The corners of the old man's eyes crinkled up as he let out a hearty laugh; his mouth opened wide, revealing whitish teeth; and his head was thrown back in amusement.
"You look so cute when you get all defensive like that, Cathy." The man continued to laugh as he took Cathleen by the hand. "Cathy, I know that you and my son are not a couple, and I know that you are not trying to make it work. My son is..." The old man's body drooped slightly, his shoulders sagging, and his head bowed in defeat. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, and his lips trembled as he struggled to continue speaking.
"I have always wanted the best for you, and right now I have a feeling that I have put a burden on you where you have to sacrifice your happiness for mine. I want you to get away from him and go and chase after your own happiness."
Xavier's heart pounded in his chest as he eavesdropped on the heated exchange between his father and Cathleen. His father's words hit him like a punch to the gut when he suggested that she should leave him. Despite the rising tension, Xavier couldn't tear himself away from the raw emotions spilling out between them. He was transfixed by their voices, barely able to catch his breath as he strained to hear every word.
"Father, I don't have a clue what you're talking about, but Xavier and I are fine. Just get better, okay? I'm happy with Xavier." Cathleen replied, and her answer surprised Xavier; she wasn't happy. She lied to the old man.
"Cathleen, I am not a child. I have seen through the pretense you are making with my son. He's sleeping with the girl who lives under your roof, Cathleen. I know you don't love him. I can see it in the way you look at him. I have known you since you were a child, and I know that you do not have any romantic feelings for my son or for any man for that matter. Cathleen cuts in.
"I am happy with Xavier. Now get well and stop worrying about me and my husband, old man," Cathleen said as she put a blanket over the man. "Get some rest and promise me you won't think too much; it's not good for your health." She said this as she walked out of the room.