Chapter 169: Unpredictable Turns
Griffon’s words hit Orion like a slap in the face. Unable to control himself, Orion burst into tears, his guilt and regret spilling over.
“I know I was wrong,” he sobbed. “I really know I was wrong. If I could turn back time, I’d never ask you to help me with that… thing. I would never have forced you into this mess. I was wrong, and I’m sorry.”
Griffon, his own frustration bubbling to the surface, let out a sharp sigh. He’d known helping Orion was a mistake from the beginning, but back then, Orion had been desperate—he didn’t know what else to do.
“Stop crying,” Griffon snapped, his voice hard. “No matter how much you cry, it won’t change a thing. What’s done is done. Your mother’s in the ICU now. If you don’t want things to get worse, keep your mouth shut. Especially around your brother—don’t let him find out any of this.”
Orion wiped his eyes and nodded, still tearful. The last thing he wanted was for his actions to cause even more pain to his already struggling family. It was too late for regrets; all he could do now was try to keep everything from falling apart.
At the Hospital
Cormac hadn’t slept all night. He sat in the cold waiting area outside the ICU, anxiety gnawing at him. His long-standing rift with Griffon had kept him from coming home often, and now he regretted it more than anything. He hadn’t been there for Ravenna when she needed him. If something happened to her now, it would haunt him for the rest of his life.
As dawn broke, his phone rang. It was Alaric.
“Hello?” Cormac answered wearily, rubbing his eyes.
“How is Ravenna?” Alaric asked, his voice low.
“Still unconscious,” Cormac replied, his tone heavy with worry.
Alaric sighed, the weight of the situation settling over him. It was a shock, something so sudden and impossible to understand. “Did you go to the Nash family yesterday?” Cormac asked, his voice tense with suspicion.
“Yeah,” Alaric replied, his voice distant. “What happened is… not easy to explain. Let’s meet in a few days, and I’ll tell you then.”
“Understood,” Cormac muttered. He was curious but also wary of pushing too much.
Before hanging up, Alaric added, “If you need anything at the hospital, don’t hesitate to call me.”
“Thanks. I will.”
Alaric, though estranged from the Nash family, knew that his issues were only with Griffon and Orion. He didn’t hold a grudge against Ravenna or Cormac. Galatea, overhearing the conversation, felt a heavy sadness in her heart as well.
“Yesterday, Ravenna even said she would come to our wedding… I never imagined it would turn out like this,” she murmured, her voice thick with regret.
“Life’s unpredictable,” Alaric replied, a sigh escaping him. “You never know what’s coming next—whether it’s tomorrow or something unexpected.”
Galatea nodded, her heart aching. Alaric pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her in a silent gesture of comfort. She managed a weak smile, leaning into him.
“You go ahead and eat,” she said softly. “I’ll go to the morning meeting and catch up with you later.”
Alaric smiled gently. “Okay. When I’m back, I’ll expect proper treatment. Your health is most important, after all.”
Galatea’s mind briefly flashed to Alaric’s previous heart attack. She couldn’t bear the thought of him suffering again. She would be sure to take care of him, to keep him healthy and safe. He had too much to live for now—her, Caspian, Harry, and Elisa.
At Home
After Alaric left for the meeting, Galatea finalized the medications for her upcoming treatment rounds. When everything was set, and Alaric still hadn’t returned, she took out her phone and called Harry and Elisa, who were having breakfast and getting ready for school.
“Mom, do you remember you have two children?” Elisa’s voice was filled with playful mockery. “Seems like you’ve forgotten all about Harry and me while you’re off eloping with Alaric.”
Galatea chuckled, the guilt in her voice evident. “I’m sorry, Elisa. I’ve just been really busy lately. I haven’t had enough time to spend with you.”
“It’s okay, Mom. If you’re not here, I’ll take care of Harry and Elisa,” Caspian said sensibly. “You go ahead and do your thing. We’re fine at home.”
Harry, always responsible, added, “With Harry around, Mom doesn’t need to worry.”
Galatea smiled warmly. “I’ll be very busy the next few days, but I’m glad I can count on you two.”
Elisa’s voice came back, teasing, “Yeah, we totally understand. When women are in love, they like to be alone with their ‘special someone.’ We get it. Go ahead, enjoy your love story… don’t worry about us.”
Galatea couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, finish your breakfast and go to school. Take care, both of you.”
“Got it, Mom!” Elisa said brightly.
After hanging up, Elisa raised an eyebrow, her playful smile creeping across her face. “They say men prefer beauty over family, but it looks like they also prefer beauty over children. This is the first time Mommy’s called to check on us while she’s so busy. I’m touched.”
Caspian smiled indulgently at his younger sister. “Don’t worry. I’m here, and after school today, I’ll buy you a gift. You can choose whatever you want.”
“Hooray for big brother!” Elisa cheered.
Seeing Elisa happy made Caspian’s heart lighten. But just as they were about to leave, Caspian seized the opportunity to make another call to Harry. However, once again, it went straight to voicemail.
He’d been trying to reach Harry for days, but his phone was always off. Something wasn’t right.
Elisa, curious as ever, leaned over and asked, “Who are you calling, big brother? Why are you always on your phone?”
Caspian quickly hid his phone, but Elisa wasn’t easily fooled. “You’re so suspicious. I heard you making secret calls before… in the bathroom!” She raised an eyebrow, teasing him.
Caspian sighed, caught. “It’s nothing, Elisa. Just… no one.”
Elisa didn’t buy it. “Harry, tell me the truth. Are you hiding something from me?”
Caspian, realizing his sister wouldn’t let up, sighed. “Fine, I’ll tell you the truth. But you’re thinking too far ahead.”
Elisa, eager and dramatic, immediately guessed, “Are you secretly dating someone? Let me see what my future sister-in-law looks like! I need to check if she’s good enough for you.”
“Eli—” Caspian was at a loss for words. He had never been speechless before, but his sister’s imagination was on another level.
Elisa’s teasing only made Caspian chuckle, though a part of him still felt unsettled by Harry’s silence. Something had to be wrong. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something big was coming.