"Alright, Henry's stable. Joseph, you handle the hospital stuff. Harper and I will stay with Dad," Mia said, trying to avoid more conflict. She didn't want Henry to get more stubborn.
"Once this IV is done, I'm going home. I don't want to stay in the hospital."
"Dad."
Harper was speechless, and Joseph tried to stay calm. "You can get better treatment here."
Henry seemed relaxed, though his face was serious. "Do you think I don't get it? I know my body. Chemotherapy—it's just torture."
"Even if we slow the cancer, how much longer do I have? Stop making me suffer. Let me have some peace."
Henry's words hung in the air. Mia and Harper went quiet.
As a doctor, Joseph knew what it meant for cancer to spread to the bone marrow. Treatment was just a painful way to buy time.
Harper didn't think that far ahead. She knew the treatment was tough, but as long as there was hope, they couldn't give up.
"Dad, don't give up. What if the treatment works? We can't miss any chance, okay?" Harper's voice cracked.
Joseph saw the tears on Harper's lashes. His own eyes were wet.
"Harper."
Henry smiled faintly, his face showing years of wisdom. "How long we live is often up to fate. But I'm luckier than most. How many people know their time?"
"I've had a good life. I don't want to spend my last days in a hospital. My only regret is not seeing you and Joseph have a child. If I could hear that news, I'd die happy."
Harper couldn't hold back her tears and turned away.
Joseph didn't push further.
Henry, exhausted, closed his eyes and leaned back. Mia quickly wiped her tears and gave him some water through a straw.
"Let's go home," Joseph said suddenly. "We'll move back to the old house too."
As a doctor, even in a different field, he could still care for Henry.
Mental health was crucial. After some time at home, they might convince Henry to accept treatment.
Harper was surprised but realized divorce was off the table for now. Their papers were confiscated.
The priority was Henry. He had been so good to her. She needed to stay by his side and spend more time with him.
After handling the discharge papers, Joseph walked to a quiet, deserted area. He leaned against the railing, exhaling heavily.
Harper followed, watching Joseph's usually composed demeanor now radiate helplessness. Her heart ached, but she didn't know how to comfort him.
"Thank you."
Joseph's sudden gratitude caught her off guard. It took a moment for Harper to realize he was probably referring to her willingness to move back to the old house to care for Henry.
"No need to say that." Harper stepped up beside Joseph, looking at the overcast sky. "He's my father too. I'm doing this because I want to. Don't get it twisted; it's not for you."
She didn't need Joseph's gratitude or appreciation.
"Okay." Joseph replied. "Then pack your things. We'll move back to the old house tomorrow. As for the divorce, we'll have to wait until..."
He didn't finish the sentence.
They both knew what he meant without saying it.
Harper didn't want to dwell on it. She just nodded and turned to leave.
Joseph watched her walk away, his lips parting slightly. "Harper, Brian Lewis is back. Are you happy?"
He knew he shouldn't ask; he already knew the answer.
Harper stopped but didn't turn around. She didn't understand why Joseph was asking.
"Of course, I've been waiting for him."
Brian was her brother, her family, irreplaceable.
Thinking about Joseph's previous strange behavior regarding Brian, could it be that he cared about Brian?
If that was true, did it mean he cared about her?
Harper took a deep breath and turned to meet Joseph's gaze.
She didn't know where she found the courage, but she suddenly wanted to ask him about last night, why he made that choice.
"Joseph, last night we..."
But before she could finish, Joseph's phone rang.
He looked at the screen with a complicated expression, and Harper guessed who was calling.
It was Olivia.
No other woman could trouble Joseph so much.
Joseph didn't walk away. He answered the call.
"Hello."
"Joseph, are you done with your things?"
Olivia's gentle voice came through, and Harper, standing beside him, heard it clearly. She pretended to be unaffected, looking at the scenery below.
"Sorry," Joseph pinched his brow, "things didn't go smoothly."
In a few words, he explained everything to Olivia.
There was a brief pause before Olivia said, "I can't believe your father has this disease. Which ward are you in? I'll come see him!"
"No need," Joseph's face remained indifferent, "he's getting ready to be discharged."
"I see. Then I'll find another time to visit. As for everything else, I trust you'll handle it."
"Okay, take care."
Harper listened to Joseph's gentle and patient words, her hands slowly clenching.
The growing pain in her heart made her bite her lip, her face turning pale.
After hanging up, Joseph turned and noticed Harper's unusual expression.