Leilani had not ceased her tears since their arrival at the hospital and Susan being taken to the operating room. Nelson, unable to contain his anxiety, had stopped his pacing and crouched before Leilani, pleading with her to stop weeping.
“Babe, I understand your concern for Mom, but your tears will not help her. You know this, right?” Instead of responding, Leilani fixed her gaze on his face and continued to weep even harder. The intensity of her crying made it seem as though Susan had already passed away.
“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Nelson asked tentatively, his eyes scanning Leilani’s features. She nodded immediately, and just as she was about to speak, the doctor emerged from the operation room.
Both Nelson and Leilani hurriedly stood up and approached the doctor and two nurses beside him. The doctor let out a heavy sigh, removed his glasses and looked at Nelson with a sympathetic expression. Just a few months ago, he had lost a child, and now…
“We were unable to save her, Mr. Carter,” the doctor said with a shake of his head, his face filled with despair.
Nelson’s brows furrowed in confusion, “What do you mean you couldn’t save her? I don’t understand,” he demanded.
“She was supposed to undergo chemotherapy, but you didn’t let her. It would have extended her life by at least five years,” the doctor scolded, unable to hide his disappointment.
“She wouldn’t listen, doctor,” Leilani cried, falling to her knees. “All she wanted was to see her grandchild before she passed. That was her only wish,” she wept as though her own life was coming to an end.
Nelson huffed, unable to comprehend the situation. He had wanted to question the doctor, but Leilani had interrupted, clearly understanding the gravity of the situation while he was left in the dark.
“Tell me what is going on, Leilani? What are you talking about?” he demanded coldly, his eyes devoid of any emotion.
The tears continued to fall from Leilani’s eyes as she remained silent. If only she had known that things would turn out this way, she would have confided in Nelson and together they could have found the best doctor to treat Susan.
“She still has some time left, sir. You should speak to her,” the doctor advised, excusing himself.
For a moment, Nelson stood still, his gaze alternating between the doctor’s retreating figure and Leilani’s heartbreaking sobs. Then, he collected himself and hurried into the ward where the doctor had just come from.
“Mom,” he called out softly, taking her hand in his gentle grasp.
Tears blurred his vision as he blinked repeatedly, his eyes fixed on Susan, who lay unconscious on the bed.
“Mom, please open your eyes,” his voice trembled, and slowly, Susan’s eyes fluttered open, landing on her son.
“Son,” she smiled weakly, reaching up to touch his face with her hand.
At that moment, the door creaked open, revealing a crying Leilani.
“Mom?” she sniffled in surprise and quickly rushed to the other side of the bed, clasping Susan’s other hand.
“It’s my fault, isn’t it, Mom? I should not have listened to you and not kept anything from Nelson. I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to you,” she burst into a fresh wave of tears.
“No, my dear. It’s not your fault. It’s mine. Don’t say that,” Susan gently scolded, giving Leilani a warm smile. “My sweet daughter-in-law,” she said in a soft voice, bringing tears to Leilani’s eyes once again.
“I knew everything, Nelson. I knew about your contract marriage with Leilani, and I also know how much you’ve grown to love her,” Susan revealed, bit by bit, a slight smile on her lips.
As tears streamed down Nelson’s face, one after the other, he listened intently to his mother.
“I’m glad Ariel is finally out of your life, but that’s not enough, Nelson,” Susan said, slowly joining Leilani’s hand with his, a determined gleam in her eye.
“Son, I want you to take this woman as your lawful wife. I want her to be your sole and only partner for the rest of your lives,” Susan imparted gravely.
Nelson nodded, deeply moved by his mother’s request. “I agree with you, Mom. I love Leilani and I would be honored to make her my legitimate wife. I want to celebrate our love with a grand wedding, where we can share our joy with the world. And you will be there with us, won’t you, Mom?” Nelson’s eyes glistened with tears as he spoke with earnestness.
A small smile graced Susan’s lips as she responded, “Of course, my dear. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. And please, do not hold Leilani responsible for anything. I asked her not to tell you about my illness because I did not want to worry you. Besides, I am old enough to handle it, aren’t I?”
“Do not say such nonsense, Mom!” Nelson’s voice trembled with emotion as he grabbed her hands tightly. “You cannot leave me, Mom. You haven’t even had the chance to meet your grandchild yet.”
“I met Trevor and he was such a sweet boy. I only wish you could give birth to another Trevor,” Susan expressed wistfully, causing Leilani to cry harder.
“Mom,” Leilani sobbed, her tears falling freely.
“Please take care of my son, Leilani. I am entrusting him to you and I know he will be in good hands,” Susan’s voice turned weak as she spoke, her eyes beginning to close.
“No, Mom. Stop it!” Nelson’s voice rose in anger, but Leilani had already rushed out of the room, shouting for the doctor.
The doctor arrived just in time and Leilani urged him to check on Susan, whose eyes had shut.
The doctor immediately placed the stethoscope against Susan’s chest and shook his head solemnly. “I am sorry to say, we have lost her,” he announced with sadness.
“What?!” Nelson’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief.
“Mom. Mom. Mom, please, this is a joke. You cannot do this to me,” Nelson pleaded as he shook Susan’s lifeless body, but she remained still, her eyes closed.
“No, Mom,” Leilani wept brokenly. “Do not leave us like this.”
“I am deeply sorry for your loss,” the doctor apologized, before turning to the nurses to prepare Susan’s body.