Following Jane’s advice, Carl refrained from barging into the hospital room.
He sat on a bench in the corridor, intending to protect Nana in his own way.
Half an hour passed, and he faintly heard voices coming from the ward. A smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.
As long as Nana was safe and sound, it didn’t matter if she refused to forgive him.
Feeling empty inside, Carl began to feel exhausted. He hadn’t slept well last night, his mind filled with thoughts on how to improve their relationship.
After all, their daughter had been born. For the sake of their child, shouldn’t misunderstandings and grievances be resolved?
Lost in his thoughts, Carl heard footsteps approaching from nearby.
He unconsciously turned his head and saw William slowly walking towards him with a thermos lunchbox in hand.
Upon seeing this man, Carl’s weariness instantly vanished from his face.
He stood up and approached him, interrogating without courtesy, “What are you doing here at the hospital? Nana doesn’t need your care!”
Carl had always felt resentful and ashamed of the ambiguous relationship between Nana and him.
Looking at Carl with disdain, William retorted, “If you can shamelessly linger here, why can’t I come?!”
With these words, William raised the lunchbox in his hand, his tone tinged with provocation. “See this? It’s the postpartum meal I made for Nana. Unlike you, who only knows how to talk and take no action!”
Learning that William was going to great lengths to please Nana, Carl’s sense of crisis grew stronger.
He blocked the entrance and prevented William from entering, staring coldly at him as a warning. “Nana is the mother of my daughter and my unofficial wife. You’d better stay away until I take action!”
Seeing Carl’s unapologetic words, William dismissed them entirely, sneering and mocking, “Don’t be too confident in yourself. In Nana’s parents’ eyes, you’re nothing more than a despicable man. Otherwise, why would they have driven you out into the corridor?”
The two of them engaged in a sarcastic exchange in front of the ward, like sworn enemies unwilling to yield an inch.
Hearing William and Carl arguing in the corridor, Nana didn’t want the situation to escalate and become known to everyone, so she had Jane open the door.
“William, Nana wants you to come in.”
Jane smiled slightly at William and cast a sympathetic glance at Carl.
Upon hearing this, William felt triumphant. He coldly swept over Carl, declaring his victory, and entered the ward with light steps.
Witnessing the scene, Carl felt a mixture of envy and frustration. He wanted to confront William but was concerned about the impact it would have on Nana’s emotions.
Arriving at the door of the ward, Carl looked through the partially open door and saw William feeding breakfast to Nana.
“Nana, you need to replenish your nutrition now. I specially made this for you, so please eat more.”
William’s every move was that of a considerate man. He was careful not to let Nana get burnt, handling each spoonful of food with great care.
Nana found it difficult to refuse his kindness. She knew that William was attentive to her every need, which left her feeling guilty instead.
After taking a sip of fish porridge, she spoke with embarrassment, “William, during my hospital stay, it’s enough for me to have my parents taking care of me. You still have to go to work, so don’t come running here every day.”
“What does that matter?”
William’s voice was extremely gentle as he helped Nana peel a boiled egg, making a heartfelt promise, “As long as you’re willing, I can take care of both you and your daughter for a lifetime!”
Hearing William’s implication, Nana didn’t know how to respond.
She gently and politely refused, “William, you’re still young, and you have your own life. I can’t burden you with a child.”
“Fool, there’s no burden between us. If it weren’t for your Dad approaching me back then, I might have become a father long ago.”
William sighed helplessly. He had already prepared himself to reconcile with Nana and was willing to accept the newborn child.
After all, they had a long future ahead of them, and they would definitely continue to have more children.
In the room next door, Carl listened with flushed cheeks, almost wanting to drag William out and give him a beating.
Clutching his fists tightly, Carl realized that if he didn’t make a move soon, he would not only lose Nana but also see his daughter grow up with her stepfather.
But before his thoughts could turn into action, a cold question suddenly came from behind.
“Carl, are you here bothering my daughter again?”
Recognizing Jerry’s voice, Carl’s body stiffened, and he turned to see the elderly couple glaring at him with anger.
This time, Carl remained calm. He knew that William never had Jerry’s approval and was even more rejected by the Lawson family.
Faced with Jerry’s inquiry, Carl didn’t challenge him and took a step back, speaking calmly, “I just came to visit Nana. I’ll be relieved once I know she’s awake.”
“Don’t pretend to be a good person at a time like this. If you really cared about her, you wouldn’t have done something to hurt her while she was pregnant!” Tracy sneered disdainfully.
Carl had no defense, even though he deeply regretted the incident of drunken indiscretion. Unfortunately, he couldn’t prove his innocence.
“Sorry…”
Carl’s anger gradually dissipated. He intended to leave the hospital but didn’t want to let William have his way.
Before leaving, Carl smiled slightly at Jerry and Tracy, speaking calmly, “Then I won’t disturb Nana anymore. Since William is taking care of her, I won’t intrude.”
Upon hearing William’s name, Jerry froze.
“What did you say? William is in the ward?”
Tracy’s expression also changed. Without waiting for Carl’s response, she hurriedly walked into the room.
Soon after, Jerry also entered the ward and saw William feeding Nana. Instantly, anger consumed him.
“William, my daughter doesn’t need your care. Immediately leave with your things!”
Tracy’s first words upon entering were to dismiss him, showing no consideration for William.
Equally furious, Jerry approached William sitting by the bedside, pulling him aside.
“I’ve told you before, my daughter will never marry you. Stop deluding yourself!”
Jerry’s eyes turned red, but his words were interrupted by Nana’s shout.
“Dad! William hasn’t done anything wrong. Don’t be so shallow-minded!”
Nana had a headache at this moment, fully aware that her parents had never liked William and looked down on his rural background.
Jerry ignored his daughter’s protest and angrily berated William, grabbing him by the collar. “Give up on this foolish idea. A poor boy like you is not worthy of Nana. Stop trying to reach beyond your means!”
He then pushed William out into the corridor, disregarding Nana’s attempts to stop him.
Seeing William being chased out of the ward, Carl stood nearby, enjoying the spectacle, unable to resist pouring cold water.
“I’ve warned you before. Isn’t this self-inflicted humiliation?” Carl teased, about to leave before Tracy handed him the thermos lunchbox.
“Don’t come to bother my daughter again. Nana won’t eat anything you make!”
Tracy shoved the lunchbox into William’s hands, then closed the door to the ward tightly.