Chapter 82

For both of them, the doctor’s verdict was a death sentence.

Violet was disappointed when she realized that her departure had been postponed indefinitely.

Lately, the conflicting emotions of abandoning a child and her eagerness to leave have been weighing heavily on her.

Lucius exited the room without saying anything; his expression was gloomy for a long time.

Violet paid Regina a visit that afternoon.

Right outside Regina’s room, Violet accidentally overheard a conversation between Regina and her doctor.

“How much longer do I have?” Regina’s voice echoed.

Violet halted and turned to look at Regina.

Regina’s condition appeared to have deteriorated from before, with her eyes losing their usual spark.

“Madam Davis, you appear to be in good health. You have several years ahead,” the doctor assured cheerfully.

Skeptical Regina shot him a glance and said, “Don’t sugarcoat it. I can handle the truth.”

The doctor’s smile faded into a serious expression.

‘Tell me. I know my own body. All I want is a straight answer.”

“Well, conservatively speaking, about a year or so, provided there are no unforeseen complications,”

he cautiously estimated after a thoughtful pause.

Violet felt a chill, her arms falling limply to her sides. She knew Regina was seriously ill, but the reality of such a short time left was difficult for her to accept.

Behind her, Lucius entered, his face solemn.

“Oh, when did you two arrive? Come on over!” Regina noticed them and beckoned.

Lucius followed Violet as she walked over.

Regina took their hands and held them together.

“Did you hear? I might only have a year left. That should be enough time for you to bring a little one into our family.”

Violet flushed unnaturally when she felt Lucius‘ palm on her hand and struggled to breathe, finding it hard to even formulate a response.

“Grandma, don’t worry,” Lucius said, slightly nodding. “We’re making an effort.*

“You better have good news if you’re trying!” Regina, not one to be easily deceived, shifted her focus to Violet. Vivi, you seem to have lost weight. Has Lucius been giving you a hard time?”

+15 BONOS Violet wished she could spill out all the grievances she had been enduring to Regina, but the sight of her frail state held her back.

In the end, she just shook her head and responded, “No, he…he’s quite good to me.”

She sensed Lucius’s piercing gaze upon her.

Her words caught Lucius off guard, because he was expecting her to take advantage of the opportunity to vent. His look, a mix of bewilderment and complex emotions, lingered on her.

Their stay in the room was briel, as Regina ushered them out soon after.

Violet, with a shrug, made her way to her room, Lucius following closely behind. His eyes scrutinized her every move.

Only when Violet reached for her door did Lucius finally speak up. “You’ve obviously been having a hard time lately. Why the effort to appease Grandma? What are you trying to achieve?”

“Should I have told her that her grandson’s been tormenting me, almost to the point of death? Would that make things better, or would it simply hasten her end? Would you really let me go then?” she retorted.

Her reaction was deliberate, since she didn’t want to reveal her goodwill. Lucius had already called her a nasty person; an honest response would simply give him more reason to humiliate her.

Lucius’s expression grew colder, his lips curling into a scornful smile, but he said nothing.

Turning on his heel, he left.

Regina, feigning sleep earlier, eagerly questioned the nurse about their interaction, “Did they go into the room? How did it go?”

The nurse responded, shaking their heads, “I saw Master Lucius stop at the door. They exchanged a few words, then he walked away.”

“Ah, I see,” Regina mused, a thoughtful expression on her face. “If this continues, when will I be able to hold my great–grandchild?”

Later, at dinner, Violet and Lucius were summoned back to Regina’s room.

Regina pointed to the spread on the table and said, “Eating alone is lonely. I’ve had your meals brought here today, so we can dine together.”

Violet cast a reluctant look at Lucius, uneasy about dining with him.

However, with Regina motioning her over, she felt compelled to sit at the designated spot.

“You sit here,” Regina said, motioning Lucius to a seat next to her.

He took a seat without hesitation.

Due to her frail health, Regina could only manage a simple porridge, leaving the rest of the hearty meal for them.

+15 BONOS Violet noted the cuisine, especially certain dishes with root–like ingredients that were plainly meant for nutrition.

“Eat up.” Regina urged, as the caregiver ladled soup for them. “It’s a good soup.”

Despite being deterred by its strong medicinal aroma, Violet didn’t decline and sipped the soup.

Lucius, following Regina’s wishes, did the same.

“Have two more bowls.”

Regina continued to serve them soup, and by the meal’s end, Violet was nearly overwhelmed by the sheer volume she had consumed.

Post–dinner, Regina requested their company for a conversation, engaging them in various topics.

Violet made frequent trips to the restroom, trying to alleviate the discomfort in her stomach.

As the evening progressed, she began feeling unusually warm. She fanned herself and checked the air conditioning, which was set at a moderate twenty–seven degrees–not cool enough to cause her discomfort nor warm enough to cause sweating.

The air around her seemed to grow thin, making it difficult for her to breathe, and her face flushed.