<b>Chapter </b><b>425</b>


    Gregory and I, once again, found ourselves in an awkward situation without even nning it.


    I tugged at Ramona’s arm, “Ramona, about this…”


    “Soon.”


    Gregory cut me off mid–sentence, but his tone softened when he spoke to Ramona, “Don’t worry, Ramona. I’ll marry her soon. Just focus on getting better. We can’t have a wedding until you’re back on your feet.”


    I must’ve looked utterly baffled.


    The guy talking didn’t even nce my way, as if what he was saying had nothing to do with me.


    Ramona’s eyes lit up, “Really?”


    “Really,” Gregory answered with a smile.


    I changed the subject, “Ramona, let’s have breakfast. Dr. Andrews will be here


    soon.”


    ,–


    Judging by the time, Dr. Andrews should be finishing his breakfast any minute


    now.


    Right after Dorothy and her daughter left, I messaged Dr. Andrews‘ assistant to let them know everything was settled.


    My timing wasn’t off. Just as Ramona finished her breakfast, Dr. Andrews and


    his team arrived.


    Dr. Andrews was about to start his treatment


    and it didn’t seem right for me to stick around, so I decided to head back to the hotel to pack up my things.


    Staying at Elmwood Vi’s felt more like home than any hotel ever could.


    I never expected that the moment I stepped out of the elevator, I’d be greeted by a duo waiting at my doorstep.


    One standing, one sitting.


    was taken aback, “Waiting for me?”


    <b>174</b>


    Gregory didn’t say anything, but Ike scampered over with his little legs and nodded vigorously, “Yeah! Prettydy, Uncle Gregory brought me to your ce!”


    “And what about your uncle?”


    “He’s leaving soon!”


    Gregory gave him a sideways nce. “Who told you that?”


    “So, you’re not leaving?”


    “I am.”


    After saying that in his usual calm tone, Gregory pinched Ike’s cheek and gave me a look, “I’ve got a meeting to attend. He’s your responsibility now. If he starts acting up, feel free to set him straight.”


    “Don’t worry, I’m not violent.”


    “Oh, and,”


    He looked at me intently, out of the blue, he said, “I still need an answer to the question Edith interruptedst night. I’ll ask again when Ie to pick up Ike.”


    I thought handling a kid Ike’s size would be a hassle.


    But it turned out to be surprisingly peaceful.


    Once inside, I noticed Gregory had arranged for cleaners toe regrly, so the ce was spotless.


    As I unpacked, Ike buzzed around me non–stop.


    But when I got my drawing board ready to work, he grabbed his puzzle and started working on it with serious concentration.


    Feeling my gaze on him, he looked up with his big eyes, “What’s up, prettydy?”


    “I think you’re awesome. You have great focus.”


    “Uncle says if you can’t focus on one thing, you’ll end up being a yer in love, and spend your life forever alone!”


    I couldn’t help butugh, “Do you even know what forever alone means<b>?</b><b>”</b>


    “Yep!” He nodded vigorously. “Like Uncle, forever alone!”


    Later that evening, there was a knock on the door.


    Expecting Gregory toe for Ike, I was surprised to see Edith instead.


    I was slightly confused, “Edith, aren’t you supposed to be traveling abroad?”


    “There’s still some time left.”


    She smiled, her lips curving gently. “May Ie in for a bit?”


    “Of course.”


    As soon as I said that, Ike, hearing his mom’s voice, dashed over and hugged her. “Mommy! Ike missed you!”


    “How about going abroad with me?”Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    “No!”


    The little guy shook his head, “I have important things to do!”


    Edith chuckled, “What important things?”


    Ike’s eyes darted around, his lips pursed in feigned mystery. “I promised Uncle I wouldn’t tell.”


    “Alright, go y then.”


    Edith gently nudged him towards a spare room I hardly used.


    I opened the fridge, asking her, “Water, or juice?”


    “I’m fine, thanks.”


    Edith smiled again, “I just want to talk for a bit, then I have to catch a flight.”


    I nodded, leading her to the living room to sit down.


    Straight to the point, Edith asked, “What are your ns with Gregory?”


    I


    It wasn’t like I hadn’t thought about it, but I hadn’te to any conclusions yet.


    “I’m still thinking, but no decisions yet.”


    The years had changed me drastically, and the distance between Gregory and me wasn’t just about the physical space but the years and misunderstandings thaty between us.


    Edith wasn’t surprised by my response, “Take your time. I came here mainly to ask you to look after my son. Gregory’s temper has been a bit off these past two years…”


    “I’ll take care of him. Gregory’s temper isn’t that bad…”


    “The explosion. It damaged his sight, leaving him blind for a long stretch.”


    Edith paused, her lips pressed together, “And his legs, as you’ve seen. To him, that’s worse than death. He refused treatment at first, became angry and irritable. Do you know what made him agree to treatment?”


    “Why?”


    “I told him if he gave up or died, I’d make sure you’d join him.”


    Edith’s gaze softened apologetically, “Don’t mind that. I was desperate. And the way you left back then really hit him hard. As his sister, I wasn’t fond of you.”


    I remained silent, my voice barely a whisper, “And then?”


    “He started cooperating with the doctors.” Edith seemed still in disbelief. “Did you know? He was diagnosed with bipr disorder back then. But for you, he endured both mental and physical torture and pulled through.”


    Bipr disorder is a condition thatbines episodes of depression and


    mania.


    I clenched my fists, asking. “When was he diagnosed?”


    “Shortly after you went back to Bryant.”