This realization left Nathan feeling increasingly unsettled.


    He entered the ward and found Colby sitting on the bed, an IV drip still connected to his arm.


    Colby was staring out the window at the trees, lost in thought, his pale face making him look particrly vulnerable.


    Hearing the door, Colby turned and greeted him with a smile.


    “Daddy, you’re back.


    ”


    He nced at the IV drip.


    “The doctor just changed my medicine and said I have only one more bottle to go today.


    Daddy, if you’re busy, you can attend to your work.


    I’m already five years old.


    I can manage on my own.


    ”


    Nathan’s heart ached at his son’s words.


    He moved to the bedside and sat down, smiling gently at Colby.


    “Are you worried that I might be bored?”


    Colby looked down, his expression somber.


    “I was born sick.


    I know I’m not like other kids…”


    Nathan took a deep breath, steadying his heart before speaking with resolve.


    “Getting sick is part of life, Colby.


    It’s normal.


    And remember, I am never burdened by being with you.


    I’m here for you, always.


    ”


    He enveloped Colby in a reassuring embrace, a father’s stronghold.


    “When you’re happy,ugh with us; when you’re sad, it’s okay to cry and yell.


    You don’t have to act like an adult.


    Your mommy and I will always be here for you, no matter what.


    Even if there’s no cure, we will make sure you have a joyful and carefree life.


    ”


    Nestled against his father’s chest, Colby spoke, his voice muffled.


    “Destinee cries and yells at you and Mommy.


    But I’m a little man, and I don’t want to cry.


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    Nathan responded gently, “Son, it’s okay for men to show their feelings too.


    You can cry in front of us.


    We would neverugh at you for that.


    ”


    Colby looked up, his eyes bright yet showing a hint of mischief.


    “Daddy, why do you want me to cry so much? Do you cry and act pitiful in front of Mommy?”


    The question brought a twitch to Nathan’s lips, a brief escape from the weight of his guilt.


    After a moment, Nathan replied, “Who told you that? I never cry or act pitiful in front of your mommy.


    Actually, it’s your mommy who does that a lot in front of me, and Destinee has picked that up from her.


    ”


    Colby’s face brightened with a smile.


    “Really?”


    “Absolutely.


    Daddy’s the boss here.


    Your mommy and I, we… we have our ways.


    ”


    “Daddy,” Colby cut off his boastful speech with a pout, “you don’t even dare to speak harshly in front of Mommy.


    I don’t think you’re telling the truth.


    Would you still say the same if Mommy were here?”


    Caught off guard, Nathan felt a sting to his pride.


    As the head of both the Payne family and the National Security Bureau, he was unustomed to such challenges to his authority, especially from his own son.


    With Lucinda currently away handling urgent business at the Simmons Group, Nathan asserted firmly, “Even if your mom were here, I’d say the same thing.


    ”


    Colby looked skeptical.


    “Daddy, you don’t have to answer so quickly, because Mommy heard everything you just said.


    ”