The night had settled in, wrapping the hospital room in a thick silence, broken only by the soft hum of machinery. Selena''s eyes drifted from Josh''s pallid face to Everett, sitting beside him. The whirlwind of recent events had left Everett looking more haggard, a hint of exhaustion and paleness giving him a vulnerable air that tugged at the heartstrings. She knew how close he was to his grandfather.


    Without meaning to, her voice softened, "What''s really going on with Grandpa?"


    Earlier, with so many people around, it hadn''t been the right time to ask.


    Everett shot her a look, his dark eyes tinged with sarcasm. "With all that talk about divorce, and wanting to cut ties with the Bet family and me, do you expect me to believe that you still care?" Selena was speechless. Oh, how she wanted to shut that mouth of his!


    Selena swallowed her anger, turned on her heel, and plopped down on the couch, making a point not to look his way again. Everett''s lips tightened into a thin, stern line as he frowned at her. He was about to approach her when the door creaked open. Callum walked in, having swapped out his surgical scrubs for a spotless white doctor''s coat, looking more dashing than ever. "Everett, can we chat outside for a sec?" Callum asked.


    "Sure."


    Everett nced back at Selena, who was still glued to her phone, then stepped out.


    ...


    Down the hallway.


    Leaning against the wall, Everett pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lit one, and took a long drag, letting the smoke curl up into the air. Even in his dejected state, he carried a certain rugged charm. In a raspy voice, he said, "Go on."


    Callum, hands in pockets, stared out at the moon. "Josh''s heart failure has really taken a turn for the worse. It''s affecting his other organs, and given his age, all we can do is keep himfortable. I''ll do everything I can."


    Everett had expected this. Josh had been insistent about him marrying three years ago, aware of his own declining health. He wanted to see everything settled while he still could. But Josh had kept his condition under wraps. He only told Everett, so others wouldn''t push him into a hospital bed.


    If it hadn''t gotten this bad, llum wouldn''t havee back.


    "How long does he have?" Everett asked, taking another drag.


    "Six months," Callum answered softly.


    "Okay."


    Everett closed his eyes for a moment, then reopened them, his usual calm demeanor restored. He stubbed out the cigarette in a nearby trash can. "Look after Grandpa, will you?"


    Callum smiled, "Of course, it''s my duty."


    Everett nodded, ready to return to the room.


    "Everett, there''s something else... about Selena," Callum started.


    Everett halted, his gaze snapping to Callum, eyes narrowing.


    е


    Callum continued, unfazed, "It was Reba who threw juice at Selena first today. Selena was just defending herself, not starting trouble."  t FindNovel


    "Did you see it happen?"


    "No, but the staff did. You could ask them."


    Kon


    Everett''s lips twisted slightly, his belief unclear. Then he asked out of the blue, "How long have you known her?" Callum answered inly.


    "You''ve only met twice, and you think you know her?" Everett''s tone was cool, giving nothing away.


    Callum frowned, ready to speak, but


    Everett interjected, "My wife and I will handle the issues between us. When we got married, you weren''t around We''ll have to catch up over dinner sometime and do this properly."


    Callum didn''t push further, epting the nod he received.


    "Alright, I''m heading back."N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    As Everett walked away, he paused, turning backzily, "Hey Callum, just so you know, my wife is still with me. Don''t get it mixed up!"