Today, the truth hit him like a blow. She didnât like him. If she did, she wouldnât have risked herself to shield another man. It had all been a product of his own wishful thinking.
Jettâs gaze drifted across the hallway, landing on Bobby, who was pacing restlessly, his eyes darting to the operating room door every few seconds.
Katherine and Shawn arrived soon after. Katherine moved with cautious steps, having given birth not long ago. She had come to clean up the mess.
Shawn initially looked ready to tear into Bobby, but the sight of him drenched in blood, his face pale and hollow, made him pause. âBobby, go get your wounds treated. Donât stand here like thatâyouâll scare Kathy. Weâll stay and wait for Fannie.â
But Bobby shook his head, his voice resolute. âIâm not leaving until sheâs out.â
Katherineâs patience snapped. She stomped her foot, her tone sharp. âYou might as well bleed out right here! Youâre a grown man, but youâre acting like an impulsive teenager. Stay away from my son! Donât you dare make him a delinquent like you!â
Bobby said nothing, keeping a straight face.
Shawn sighed and called over a nurse, who bandaged Bobbyâs head right there in front of the operating room.
Soon, Fannieâs parents arrived, followed by Jettâs. Blame hung thick in the air, but no one voiced it. At this moment, all that mattered was Fannieâs well-being.
Two agonizing hours passed before Fannie was finally wheeled out of surgery. She lay motionless in the bed, her pale lips pressed tightly together. The anesthesia had yet to wear off, and she looked as fragile as if she had endured a long, grueling illness. Her clothes still bore bloodstains, a grim reminder of the nightâs events.
Bobbyâs chest tightened with regret. Why couldnât he have just swallowed his pride and apologized to Jett earlier? If he had, Fannie wouldnât have had to suffer like this.
Standing to the side, Jett lowered his head, his tone filled with regret as he addressed Fannieâs parents. âI was too impulsive. This is entirely my fault.â
Kaya, her face tear-streaked, remained silent. She had already cried her heart out and knew that blaming Jett wouldnât undo Fannieâs injuries.
âYou all should leave now and let my daughter rest peacefully,â Bartley said, his voice steady but firm.
At his words, the crowd slowly began to disperse. But Bobby stood his ground. âI want to be here when she wakes up.â
Kayaâs expression darkened, her disapproval evident. While Jett had been the one to strike the blow, she couldnât overlook Bobbyâs role in instigating the fight. She didnât know what had caused the argument between the two, but Bobbyâs reputation preceded himâa troublemaker that no parent wanted near their child.
âWeâll let you know when she wakes up. You should leave now. We donât want you here.â
Bobbyâs face remained impassive. âThen leave if you donât want to see me. Donât make this harder for her.â
Fannieâs parents stared at him, their disbelief palpable. âDo you even realize where you are? This is my daughterâs ward!â Bartley said, his voice sharp.
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