After more than two hours of vigorous medical intervention, the stormy seas of Andrew’s health had calmed, and he now lay in a stable condition. As the doctors stepped out of the room, Mary, her heart racing with anticipation, rushed forth.
“How is he now?”
The doctor gently grasped her hand, his eyes filled with sympathy and understanding. “There’s no longer any cause for alarm. I bring you good news. Signs suggest that he’s recovering steadily… it means he might be waking up soon.”
Mary’s eyes welled up with tears cascading down her cheeks as she murmured gratitude to the doctor.
Joy wrapped her arms around Mary, her gentle pat on the fragile shoulder saying more than words ever could, reassuring Mary that everything would be alright.
Though she had missed her lunch, Mary’s lips constantly curled into a smile, reflecting hope that her long-standing efforts would soon be rewarded.
“What will you do first, Lệ Linh, when he awakens?”
Caught off-guard, Mary hesitated, “I truly don’t know… just having him wake up would be a dream come true.”
Joy smiled knowingly. “After all these disruptions, you remain that same innocent girl, fresh in love. During this period, you’ll stay here, won’t you? He was alone and sad when he woke up with nobody by his side.”
“You’re always thinking of others. But remember, you need your rest, too. Take care.”
Mary looked at Joy, deeply grateful for her unwavering support and care.
“Have you ever loved someone so deeply but not been reciprocated?”
A hint of sorrow shadowed Joy’s eyes, but she managed a soft smile, “Yes, but it was a beautiful love nonetheless. It went unreciprocated because I never confessed. Sometimes, I blamed my timidity for letting my love fade away. But upon reflection, it might have been for the best, for we remain good friends.”
“Love is elusive. Sometimes, it seems within grasp, yet it is an illusion. And other times, what seems lost forever is closer than we think.”
“Both of us carry scars of love in our hearts. Let’s hope they are healed with happiness someday.”
They held each other’s hands, tears glistening, their bond deepening as if they shared the same soul.
Suddenly, Mary’s gaze shifted to the bed. Andrew’s fingers twitched. She hurriedly grasped his hand, a mix of joy and concern dancing in her eyes.
“Can you hear me?”
Joy dashed off to find the doctor. Andrew fluttered his eyelids as she left, slowly raising his gaze to the ceiling and absorbing his surroundings. Mary remained, holding his hand, not letting go even for a split second.
In the soft glow of the afternoon, Andrew tenderly brushed aside the tangled strands of hair that cascaded down, partially concealing the radiant visage of Mary. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks like a river’s endless flow.
“Do you see me?” she whispered.
With a warm smile, Andrew nodded affirmatively, his eyes locked into hers.
Mary enveloped him in a tight embrace, her tears flowing freely. All her worries seemed to melt away, and emotions she had long concealed burst forth like blossoms awaiting the spring rain.
“At last, you’ve awakened. Finally, we are reunited,” she murmured.
The faintest hint of moisture graced Andrew’s eyelashes. He whispered, “Do you no longer resent me?”
“No,” she responded gently. “Didn’t you risk your life for me? I’ve forgiven you.”
Their intimate exchange, however, didn’t go unnoticed. Lurking outside was Agnes. Even though her appearance had altered, her selfishness and malevolence remained unaltered. As she stepped forward, malefic thoughts echoed in her mind.
“Why do they deserve happiness while I suffer such misfortune? Anyone who crosses my path shall not know peace.”
“Drive!” she barked at the driver.
The driver responded calmly, “Who are those two to you? Why such hatred?”
Agnes felt something peculiar about his demeanor. Through the rearview mirror, she recognized the man: her father. His once robust physique was now emaciated, his skin darkened, and his eyes hollowed with age and hardship.
“Father!” Agnes exclaimed.
Mr. Jonathan, taken aback, struggled to recognize the daughter he had longed to find. Since the betrayal of Mrs. Jonathan, his love has transformed into deception and resentment. Yet, with all his experiences, he decided to validate her claims.
“Young lady, replicas aren’t rare. Besides, I don’t recall having a daughter. Perhaps you’re mistaken.”
“No, it’s me,” she insisted.
She then presented a beautiful jeweled watch with a deep scratch across its face. It was the timepiece that accompanied Mr. Jonathan throughout his early endeavors and was later gifted to Agnes when they reunited. That very watch had once saved his life from his enemies.
“Father, this is your gift to me. I’ve done everything to keep it. Can’t you recognize it?”
By now, Mr. Jonathan was confident. Tears welled up in his eyes. “But why have you chosen this path?”
As Agnes relayed her tale, she suddenly paused, “Where’s the mother? Is she well?”
Brushing away his tears, Mr. Jonathan replied somberly, “She’s been ill, often falling sick from missing you…”
“Take me to see her,” Agnes pleaded.
“I can’t,” he sighed. “I’m a wanted criminal now. Bringing you to her would make you an accomplice. It’s too risky.”
“But I…”
“Return home. I’ll contact you later,” he said firmly.
After exchanging contact details, Agnes departed. Mr. Jonathan’s lips curled into a sly grin, “You still don’t realize that deceptive woman is gone, and I am no longer your father.”