Ellinor shook her head. âHatred stems from memory, Mr. Howard. I have no recollection of you. I donât hate you, but I donât like you either. I donât want anything to do with you.â
McNeil looked at his headstrong daughter, feeling a hint of defeat. Despite her harsh demeanor, he felt this was the happiest moment heâd had in the past twenty years.
After a moment of silence, he laughed. âEllinor, youâre so much like your mother. She used to talk to me like that too.â
Ellinor frowned and rolled her eyes in disgust. âDonât mention my mother. Youâre not worthy of her!â
McNeil was not surprised by her response. His elder son had said the same thing to him. He sighed.
âIâm sorry, Iâ¦â
Ellinor had no patience for his empty apologies. âEnough! Iâm here because your son begged me. He came to our house and got on his knees. I hope you can be responsible for your family and children from now on. Donât cause them any more worry. Wake up, Mr. Howard! Youâre not getting any younger.â
McNeil looked at his daughter, who was standing less than a meter away. Yet he couldnât reach out to touch her.
âIâm sorry⦠Other than that, I donât know what else to say. I donât have the right to ask for your forgiveness.â
Ellinor smirked. âYouâre right. You donât have the right, and you donât need to. Mr. Howard, take care of your injuries and live a good life.â
With that, Ellinor turned to leave..
McNeil called out. âPearl, waitâ¦â
Ellinor paused. âMr. Howard, youâve got the wrong name. Iâm Ellinor, not Pearl.â
Reluctantly, McNeil corrected himself. âEllinor, can you stay? Just for a little while?â
She didnât want to, but she had come to fulfill Bryanâs request.
So she turned back. âIf I stay a little longer, will you promise to eat properly, take your medicine, and stop being reckless?â
McNeil nodded.
Ellinor walked back to his bedside. âFine. Iâll stay a little longer. Make use of this time, Mr. Howard.
Have some soup.â
McNeil looked at his daughter as a relieved smile crept onto his face.
He picked up the bowl of soup from the bedside table.
Ellinor watched as he drank, not offering any assistance.
Suddenly, Bryanâs nervous voice echoed from outside. âBro! What are you doing here? Are Grandma and Grandpa alright?â
Balfour noticed his brotherâs strange behavior.
âYeah, theyâre stable. What are you doing at the door? Howâs he doing?â
Bryan blocked the entrance. âUmm⦠Dadâs much better. Heâs resting now. Maybe you shouldnât disturb him. Come back later. Iâm here; donât worry.â
Balfour squinted. âMove. I want to see him.â
Bryan didnât dare move. âBro! Dadâs really sleeping. Youâll wake him up!â
Balfour snorted. âHeâs been sleeping all night. How could he still be asleep? What are you up to? Move now, or else!â
Bryan knew he couldnât hide anymore. âBro, Iâll move, but you have to promise not to hit me. No matter what you see inside, promise that you wonât hit me. Then Iâll move. Deal?â