Brendon’s expression remained cold as ever.
Amiya had an illness, but dealing with her even when she wasn’t sick was difficult. Brendon pursed his lips and looked down at Amiya from his high perch. “Mom, did you go see Ranita?”
“Yes! I did. What about it?” Amiya paused for a moment before sneering. “Not only did I see her, but I also had someone perform an amniocentesis on her.”
“I need to know if the child in her belly is your!”
Brendon’s heart began to race.
“How could you do something like that to Ranita? If the child isn’t mine, then whose could it be?” Brendon hadn’t considered this possibility.
But Amiya was insistent. “Brendon, don’t underestimate Ranita. She just divorced you and already she’s going in and out of hotels with men. Who knows what else she might have done behind your back.”
Amiya sneered again. “The amniocentesis has already been performed; there’s no use blaming me now.”
“If the paternity test shows that it is your child, then I’ll allow Ranita to keep the baby and stay in the family forever, but she can never come back here again,” said Amiya firmly.
“What about the baby? Ultimately it should be up to Ranita,” argued Brendon.
“Brendon, are you suggesting that she take your child away from us? It would be a family heir. We can’t let it wander around outside somewhere.”
“And there’s no way we’re letting Ranita raise it either,” added Amiya forcefully.
Brendon was getting increasingly frustrated by Amiya’s stubbornness.
“The deed is done; there’s no point in blaming me now!” said Amiya after a pause before continuing sternly, “What you need to do right now is stay at Shannon’s side while she recovers at the hospital.”
“And once Shannon’s health improves,” continued Amiya, “you need to finalize your engagement plans with her.”
But Brendon wasn’t really listening anymore; he couldn’t stop thinking about how Ranita must be feeling right now…was she upset? Angry even?
He regretted his jealousy; he’d been too harsh on her before…would she forgive him for how he acted towards her earlier?
“Brendon! Are you even listening?” shouted an angry-sounding Amiya who couldn’t hold back any longer.
Finally looking up from his thoughts, Brendon spoke softly, “Mom, please don’t interfere between me and Ranita anymore”
“That child, she decided to give birth if she wanted to, and it was her decision not to if she didn’t. She’s not your daughter-in-law now, please don’t treat her however you want.” Brendon said coldly before turning around and leaving.
“Brendon, stop!” Amiya shouted in anger. “Are you going to fight with me for Ranita?”
“I’m your son!” Brendon stopped his steps and looked at Amiya silently. “Ewan Stuart owes you, I don’t.”
Amiya hated that name with a passion.
“You…”
“Mom! Please don’t interfere in my affairs anymore.” Brendon left as quickly as he came.
Ranita’s mind was still fuzzy and her body had no strength. Yasmin checked on her and suggested that she stay in the hospital for observation first. Although amniocentesis had risks, it wasn’t always guaranteed.
Yasmin was afraid that Ranita wouldn’t sleep well so she prescribed some sleeping pills for her.
After the cool liquid entered her body, a magical chemical reaction occurred, causing Ranita to become drowsy and close her eyes.
She didn’t know how long had passed when suddenly…
“Creak!” The door of the ward was gently pushed open by someone tall who walked softly towards Ranita’s bed before sitting beside it.
The man softened his gaze while staring at her for a while before gently calling out her name while holding onto one of her fingers.
“Ranita…”