âElinor, today was supposed to be a good day! If you hadnât come back, the three of us would be happily tucking into our breakfast at home! But since you came, weâve all ended up in the hospital, even causing my mom to be hospitalized! Tell me, what are you playing at?â
Elinor, her face as calm as ever, replied, âI thought the doctor said Auntie Tracy just had some minor scrapes and didnât need to be hospitalized. Werenât you guys the ones who wanted to stick around?â
Sheila, grinding her teeth with anger, pointed at her and said, âYou dare to argueâ¦â
âEnoughâ Tracy needs her rest!â Arnold turned around, shooting Elinor a frustrated glare. âElinor, if youâve got no business here, then clear off! I donât want Auntie Tracy waking up to see you and get upset againâ
Hearing her dad take her side and tell Elinor to leave, Sheila couldnât resist smirking Elinor, did you think you can steal Dadâs love and trust from me and mom? Dream on!
She shot a victorious glance at Elinor and said, âYou had this coming!â
Elinor wasnât bothered by Sheilaâs cockiness, nor did she plan to leave just because of her dadâs words. She calmly reminded Arnold, âWerenât you going to get a paternity test with Sheila? Weâre in the hospital now, I thought I could wait to see the results before leaving Arnold frowned. âYou dare mention the paternity test? If it wasnât for your antics today, Auntie Tracy wouldnât be lying here!â
Seizing the chance, Sheila interjected, âSee, Dad, Elinor is always stirring up trouble!â
At this moment, Tracy slowly opened her eyes, regaining consciousness, and weakly said, âArnold, Elinor is rightâ¦â
Hearing her voice, Arnold immediately turned to his wife, holding her shoulders concernedly, and said âTracy, youâre awake! Are you feeling better?â
Tears welled up in Tracyâs eyes, and she bravely said, âArnold, Iâm okay Elinor was right earlier: Since weâre in the hospital, why donât you go ahead with the paternity test with Sheila?â
All Arnold could feel was guilt. âTracy, donât talk nonsense! Why would we need a paternity test? I trust youâ
But Tracy cut him off: âAmold, enough. I know you care about me and Sheila, thatâs why we should clear your doubts. I donât want this wedge between us. Go ahead, itâll also prove my innocence in front of Elinor.â
Seeing his understanding yet wronged wife, Arnold was filled with regret, chastising himself for doubting such a good woman!
Tracy instructed Sheila, âSheila, listen to Mom. Take your dad for the paternity test, preferably the one that can give the quickest results.â
Sheila nodded in understanding but expressed her concerns: âBut, Mom, what about you here alone?â
Tracy put on a brave face and said, âElinor is here, sheâll stay and take care of me.â
Sheila looked at Elinor skeptically. âHer? Mom, itâs already a blessing if she doesnât do anything to harm you, how could she possibly take care of you?â
Tracy, putting on a show in front of Arnold, scolded Sheila, âSheila, donât talk about your sister like that!
Besides, weâre in a hospital, Elinor wonât do anything to me.â
In the end, Tracyâs firm stance convinced Arnold to go for the paternity test.
Before leaving. Arnold sternly warned Elinor, âTake good care of Auntie Tracy. If I come back and see anythingâs wrong with her, youâll have me to answer to!â
Elinor obediently nodded, âOkay, I got it.â
Not long after Sheila and Arnold left the ward, Tracy sat up and started laughing triumphantly. Her laughter, filled with confidence, was a stark contrast to the weak patient she was just moments ago âElinor, how was that? I scared you, didnât I? You really thought Iâd be scared of some silly paternity test?â