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I shoved Emma aside, moved fast – propped the pillow, pressed specific points. I gave Mother some water. She caught her breath, shot Emma a venomous look, then patted my hand.
“Where’s Max? Isn’t he on summer break? Why hasn’t he come to see his grandma?”
Hearing my son’s name was like drowning only to be struck on the head by a rock. A wave of immense agony washed over me.
My mother-in-law adored her grandson. But in her critical condition, knowing the truth could be catastrophic.
I lowered my gaze, forcing a smile. “Max is staying with his other grandma for a while.”
She didn’t press further. Seizing the rare moment when both Emma and I were present, she spoke earnestly. “I don’t have much time left. Brian, Emma, you must take care of each other. Look after your health. Don’t end up like me…”
I couldn’t bring myself to utter hollow promises, so I remained silent. Emma was quiet for a moment, as if steeling herself, then walked over and took my hand. “Mom, don’t worry. We’ll be fine.”
She said the words, but her hand in mine trembled slightly, her body rigid.
Behind us, I could feel a burning stare fixed on our joined hands.
A choked sob followed. I turned to see Liam covering his mouth as he ran out of the room.
When I looked back at Emma, her eyes were glistening with tears.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I wrenched my hand from hers.
If my mother-in-law hadn’t been there, I would have slapped her again.
Was this dramatic, heartfelt goodbye performance for my benefit? Did they really think I would play the role of the forgiving, patient husband, quietly waiting for the prodigal wife to return?!
My mother-in-law, noticed something was wrong. “Emma,” she instructed, “go settle the hospital bills.”
Once Emma had left, she took my hand. “Did she do something to hurt you?”
“If you’re suffering, you can tell me.”
My eyes welled up instantly.
I opened my mouth, ready to speak, when Liam walked back in, carrying a gift basket of fruit.
His eyes were red and swollen, clearly from crying. His voice was hoarse. “Auntie, I bought these for your health… I have to go. I’ll visit another time…”
Before he could finish, my mother-in-law glanced at me, her face hardening. “That won’t be necessary. Take your gifts and leave. Don’t come back.”
Liam stood frozen, bewildered by the sudden change from the kindly woman of moments before. The young man started shaking with sobs, his voice full of grievance. “Auntie, what did I do wrong? I’m sorry, I’m still young…”
“Being young is no excuse for having no shame!” She turned her head away, refusing to look at him. “You’ve been told to leave, so leave. This sniveling, clinging behavior—it’s not how a man acts.”
Young, sheltered, and spoiled by Emma, Liam was thin-skinned. He’d never been spoken to so bluntly. He immediately burst into tears again and ran off.
Silence filled the room between my mother-in-law and me. Finally, she spoke. “Brian, if Emma has been foolish and done wrong by you, do what you must. Don’t worry about me.”
Leaving the hospital, I ran into Emma waiting for me at the entrance.
She blocked my path. “Evan, you saw my attitude today. Stop making a scene. Come home.”
Calmly, I pulled the prepared divorce papers from my bag. “You cheated. You get nothing. Any objections?”
