“Daddy…” Jacob had just been rushed over by Jim when he witnessed Brian getting hit. Jacob froze in ce, tears streaming down his face, but he didn’t dare say another word or plead for Brian.

    On the way over, Jim had already passed along Brian’s message. Jake needed to stay quiet and obedient no matter what happened, and he shouldn’t beg for mercy on Brian’s behalf.

    Everything that was happening was what Brian deserved, what he owed to Jessica.

    Jake didn’t really understand what that meant, but he knew something terrible had happened.

    He stared at Dereck’s furious expression, at Brian kneeling there with his face red and swollen, and at the tightly shut door behind them. He bit down hard on his lip to keep from crying out loud.

    “Don’t be scared, sweetheart. Grandpa is just really angry right now. It’s okay.” Ste rushed over and pulled Jake into a tight hug, trying tofort him. This was all she could do.

    Jake was still trying to look over at Brian even while being held.

    “Don’t look. Kids shouldn’t worry about grown–up problems,” Ste pressed his head against her chest and spoke gently. She wouldn’t take her anger out on the child, but she absolutely wouldn’t forgive Brian for what he’d done to Jessica.

    Brian heard her words and his expression grew even darker.

    Gavin let out a heavy sigh, then stepped back and apologized with his head low. “I’m so sorry about this.”

    Dereck frowned, “Gavin, you don’t need to do that.”

    Gavin shook his head, his voice heavy with regret. “This is our fault. The Atkinson family failed to raise our children properly, and we hurt Jessica. I’m sorry to you, your wife, Jessica, and the babies.

    “I don’t expect you to forgive us, but please, for the sake of what these two kids once meant to each other, just let him see her once.”

    For Brian’s sake, Gavin was truly swallowing his pridepletely.

    “Dad…” Brian’s voice cracked as he watched his usually stubborn father apologize for him. His heart felt heavy with shame. ‘How did I let things get this bad?‘ he thought, disgusted with himself.

    “Shut up! If you still consider me your father, then stay there and apologize properly!” Gavin raised his hand and pped Brian hard across the face.

    Brian took the hit without moving an inch, his body rigid.

    “Holy shit!” Gabri had rushed over after hearing the news, and her eyes went wide when she saw Brian kneeling on the ground getting hit.

    Simon, who had run into her at the hospital entrance ande up with her, was equally stunned. Brian was actually on his knees.

    Sana arrivedst and waspletely shocked by the scene of Brian kneeling and begging to see Jessica.

    Her mouth fell open as she quietly moved closer to Wesley, lowering her voice to ask what was going on with Jessica and what the hell was happening in front of the hospital roo

    room.

    Wesley stopped her with a look, then stepped forward toward the group that was still locked in their standoff. He spoke in a calm voice, “Mr. Grant, please let him in.”

    “What did you just say?” Dereck’s eyes turned sharp, instantly focusing on Wesley.

    Wesley met his gaze steadily and exined gently, “Mr. Grant, I lied to you earlier. I’m not Ms. Grant’s friend. I’in her therapist. Ms. Grant starteding

    14:47 Tue, 26 Aug A

    to me for counseling before the divorce.”

    Dereck, Ste, and Gavin all changed expressions at the same time when they heard this.

    63%

    “Jessica, she-” Ste’s voice came out dry and strained. Even though she’d known Jessica was sick and needed to see a doctor, learning that Jessica had been secretly seeing a therapist for months made her heart ache.

    “Look what you’ve done!” Gavin was the first to snap out of it. He raised his hand and smacked Brian hard across the back.

    Brian doubled over from the blow and couldn’t help coughing, but he immediately tried to suppress it. He couldn’t disturb Jessica anymore.

    “Dad, don’t shout,” Brian said hoarsely.

    Gavin’s hand trembled as he lowered it. “What kind of mess is this?”

    “You should ask your precious son!” Dereck’s face was dark as thunder. If looks could kill, Brian would’ve been dead by now.

    Wesley sighed quietly before continuing, “I’m not bringing this up to upset anyone. I’m telling you this because Ms. Grant has neverpletely gotten

    over Mr. Atkinson. She’s just been forcing herself to move on.

    “I’ve tried countless ways to help her through this, but nothing’s worked. At this point, Mr. Atkinson might be the only one who can break through to her.”

    “So you’re saying I have to beg him to save Jessica?” Dereck’s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles cracked.

    Brian didn’t hesitate. “I’ll do it willingly. I’ll do whatever it takes to make Jessica better!”

    Dereck just gave him a coldugh and kept staring at Wesley.

    Wesley nodded seriously. “Yes, exactly. With Mr. Atkinson’s cooperation during this time, Ms. Grant’s condition has improved significantly. If we suddenly cut off all contact between them now, there’s a strong chance her mental state will get much worse.”

    Dereck stayed silent.

    Wesley pressed on. “Right inow/i, Ms. Grant almost had a premature birth. Both physically and mentally, she’s at her most vulnerable point. She needs someone to care for her.

    “So if it’s possible, I really hope you’ll agree to let Mr. Atkinson stay by her side.” He paused before adding, “Of course, this is all under the condition that Mr. Atkinson absolutely cannot do anything else to upset her.”

    “I won’t. I swear I won’t, y

    can even supervise me, or teach me exactly what to say. I’ll learn whatever you want. Just please let me see Jessica once,” Brian said urgently, his tone more humble than anyone had ever heard before.

    Gabri, Sana, and Simon watched Brian with mixed feelings, but that was as far as their sympathy went. They were Jessica’s friends, and no matter how pitiful Brian looked, they wouldn’t speak up for him.

    “Honey, just let him go in. If not for him, then for Jessica,” Ste finally said, unable to hold back any longer.

    Jessica had suffered enough already. She shouldn’t have to go through this illness without getting what she wanted.

    Jacob curled up in Ste’s arms, tears streaming down his face.

    Ste quickly lifted her sleeve to wipe them away, then looked at Dereck with urgent eyes.

    Dereck’s knuckles turned white as veins bulged on the back of his hands. He was clearly struggling with this decision. “There’s really no other way?” he asked, his voice hoarse and his eyes bloodshot.

    Wesley looked at this old man, who’d been pushed to his breaking point, and shook his head regretfully. “I wish there was another option, but feelings

    can’t be controlled.”

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    14:47 Tue, 26 Aug A

    63%

    Dereck fell silent. Brian started to say something, but Gavin pressed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head slightly, signaling him to stay calm and

    wait patiently.

    Dereck caught the subtle exchange between Gavin and Brian. He still didn’t want to let Brian in to disturb Jessica, especially after all the damage Brian had caused her. But….

    He turned back and looked at the hospital room with worried eyes, took a deep breath, and finally stepped aside with tears in his eyes. “You better keep

    your word.”

    田