The atmosphere was silent. Finally, Benedict spoke up first.
“Okay, your mother and I are not angry anymore! You’ve always been strong-willed and decisive since you were young. Let’s not talk about the past!” Benedict paused for a moment before anxiously asking, “Where’s the child? Why haven’t I seen my grandson?”
Alexia wiped away her tears and nervously asked Ranita, “Yeah! Didn’t Jedidiah say you brought the child back with you? The child’s name is Ayaan, right?”
“Yes! Ayaan,” Ranita explained. “He didn’t sleep well last night and is resting at the hotel. Someone will bring him over later.”
Alexia nodded and said nervously, “Oh no, it’s my first time meeting my grandson and I didn’t even bring a gift!”
“Oh no, me too! I have to go buy him a gift now. What does he like?” Benedict couldn’t contain his excitement and was about to get out of bed to go shopping.
“Dad! Don’t move!” Alexia quickly advised him. “Ranita is right; don’t cause any trouble before your surgery tomorrow. You can make it up to him after your surgery!”
“No way! This is my first time meeting Ayaan; there must be a gift involved or he’ll think I don’t like him…” Benedict usually kept his cool but now he was so nervous that he lost his composure.
Ranita felt heavy-hearted.
Fortunately, Jedidiah arrived in time to calm down both elderly people.
Chole was not there, but the atmosphere was still relatively good. Benedict, being a man, mainly asked about work-related matters, while Alexia asked in detail, worrying about this and that. In the end, her eyes turned red and she said, “Ranita, you’ve really worked hard all these years! Being alone, working, and taking care of Ayaan must be very tough.”
“Mom, it’s actually not that hard. Ayaan is very well-behaved and smart. He can do many things on his own.”
“Yes, yes, that’s right!” Jedidiah chimed in. “If you meet him, you’ll definitely love Ayaan!”
They chatted casually, discussing some aspects of living abroad. After learning that Ranita was working hard and making good progress, Benedict nodded approvingly, “Well done, well done! That’s the way to go! Despite the divorce and raising a child, one must still strive in life.”
“That deadbeat of a child’s father can be considered as ashes scattered. Starting a new life is the way to go!” Alexia added, echoing his sentiments.
It was the first time Ranita had heard Alexia speak such sharp words. Ranita looked at Jedidiah and noticed him giving a signal, so she smiled and didn’t dare to say anything.
Once Ayaan arrived, the hospital room became lively.
“Ayaan, come here and let me see you!” Benedict and Alexia were both amazed. They didn’t expect Ayaan to grow up so handsome. Although he was just over three years old, his facial features were well-defined, and his complexion was fair and clean. He would definitely grow up to be a handsome young man!
Ayaan looked at Ranita and, with her approval, moved closer to the bedside. Softly, he said, “Hello, Grandfather. I am Ayaan.”
“And this beautiful lady must be my grandmother, right?”
“Yes, yes, that’s right! I am your grandmother!” Alexia was overjoyed, holding the chubby little hand, unable to stop smiling.
Benedict was also delighted, reaching out to ruffle his hair. “Ayaan, you’re such a good boy. Both your grandfather and grandmother really like you!”
While Ayaan was winning everyone’s hearts, Ranita and Jedidiah went to the balcony. Faint laughter could be heard from behind the closed door, and Jedidiah laughed along, saying, “Since you left home, Mom and Dad haven’t been this happy in a long time!”