Chapter 81
After grandma woke up. Mirabella made a return trip to the Davis family. It was a little past eight in the morning, and even though she finished her usual morning jog later than usual, her mother, Delilah, suspected nothing. She assumed Mirabella had simply taken a few extra laps.
Without revealing the truth about her overnight absence, Mirabella quickly showered and changed into fresh clothes. She then rummaged through a box she pulled from her wardrobe, selecting a sky–blue porcelain bottle from among a dozen jars and vials.
She tucked the porcelain bottle into her bag and didn’t linger. Skipping breakfast, she briefly mentioned Granny’s condition to Delilah, who offered to visit Catherine, but Mirabella refused and promptly left the house.
Twenty minutes later, Mirabella was back at the hospital. However, as she approached the door of the hospital room and spotted Mandy, Summer and a boy who looked to be around fifteen inside, her steps faltered.
“Mom, you fall sick and don’t even tell me. If the nanny hadn’t called today. I’d still be in the dark.” Mandy said, pressing on her temples, though she was careful not to speak too harshly considering Catherine’s condition.
Catherine was propped up in bed, pale and seemingly unwelcoming of the room’s occupants. Her demeanor was chilly and detached.
“I’m fine now. There are doctors and nurses here; you don’t need to take care of me. You should leave,” Catherine stated, her thoughts drifting to Mirabella. She worried that if Mira returned and crossed paths with them, her granddaughter would be bullied once again.
Mandy, hearing Catherine’s words, could barely contain her frustration. “You’re unwell, and the kids came specially to see you. Why must you be so cold?”
Catherine simply gazed out the window, silent.
Seeing this, Mandy was truly vexed. She couldn’t comprehend why Catherine was being so stubborn.
“Mom, tone it down. Granny can’t handle the stress,” Summer interjected, stepping forward and shaking her head at her mother.
Then, turning to her grandmother, Summer’s eyes softened. She moved a chair closer, sat down by the bed, and gently took Catherine’s hand. “Granny, please don’t be mad at Mom. She’s just really worried about you.”
Catherine’s icy facade thawed slightly under Summer’s loving gaze. “My health is fine. You take your mother and brother and go back home,” Catherine said, subtly withdrawing her hand.
Summer’s fingers curled slightly, her smile remaining tender. “Doctors and nurses can’t replace the care of family.”
At the mention of family, Catherine’s heart stirred with emotion. “But I don’t need them… I have Mir…” She caught herself mid–sentence, realizing she was about to slip up.
Mandy, however, had picked up on something. “Are you waiting for Mirabella again?”
Catherine looked away. “She’s not gonna come here. You were so mean to her last time!”
Mandy’s laughter was edged with irritation. “I was being mean to her? Why do you think I sent her away? Don’t you have any idea?” Shaking her head in disbelief, Mandy continued, “Alright, you defend her so much, but now that you’re sick, does she know? Is she here taking care of you?”
She pointed at Summer. “No, she’s not. So please, see clearly: it’s Summer who is taking care of you, and it’s Summer who came to visit. Summer’s your real granddaughter.”
