Chapter 203

“Something with the heart, the doctors said. The tests aren’t all in yet, but… the symptoms. The signs. They’re fairly certain, father. It is why I have returned.”
“Certain?” Robert snapped sharply, “Then they don’t know a damn thing! We’ll get you to proper specialists. Not these countryside physicians or half-trained university children. I know people, Patrick. You think the Collins name means nothing anymore?”
“Whatever those people say, I will not accept it! Like hell my son will die before me! I will definitelty not accept it! Not until I’ve had my say. You’ll go to the top. We’ll fly you out if we must. There are experts—men who’ve studied hearts their whole lives. You will be seen by the best! And don’t even think of refusing me!”
Patrick nodded,” I know, father. You don’t have to worry about me, okay? I will try my best to fight death.”
Sir Robert said nothing, simply pulling his son into a close tight hug as he patted his back slowly.
Before Sir Robert could say more—before the emotion between them had time to settle—a clatter echoed from the hallway and Spencer Collins entered the large room with a triumphant expression, which faltered for a moment when he saw the two people in the house hugging closely, but in the next moment, he moved to ignore Patrick Collins and announced, “You won’t believe the news, grandfather.”
Patrick straightened slightly, his body suddenly rigid as he felt a premonition, while Sir Robert turned with a scowl. “What now, boy? Can’t you see—”
“It’s Adam,” Spencer cut in, eyes glittering with something that was definitely not grief or regret or even a sadness. “He’s dead.”
A cold silence fell, while Sir Robert was shocked, Patrick paled. Adam was dead… How? He’s specifically told… He shook his head. Now was not the time to think this. He had to be careful of his expression to not give away anything.
“Dead? Really dead?” Robert echoed, but it was Patrick who spoke next, and his voice was barely more than a whisper. “What… what did you just say?”
“Adam is dead,” Spencer repeated, “I just got the call from one of the officers handling the case. There’s no doubt. And Melanie’s going to rot for it—finally. She was already in detention but now she has been formally arrested. The trial will be swift. With this, there’s no coming back for her. I’m going to Maniwa tomorrow. I’ll bring Adam back. He’ll be buried here, with the family. It’s only right, isn’t it, Mr Patrick?”
Patrick couldn’t breathe. His legs weakened beneath him, and he reached for the edge of the sideboard, steadying himself as the room tilted for a moment.
Spencer didn’t notice- or didn’t care. He was lost in the thought of his own victory.
Patrick managed to turn away without letting his own thoughts show. His throat felt like sand as he said slowly, ” You can do what is right, Spencer. Father, I need to lie down. I’m tired.”
He didn’t look back as he left the room, but he felt both pairs of eyes on his back- the sharp gaze of his father, and the victorious gleam of Spencer’s, blind to the pain he’d just delivered to him.
Patrick’s steps were steady. Barely. But his heart—it thundered behind his ribs like it had heard the news too and was rebelling against it. How was he supposed to accept Adam dying? No! This was not possible! He needed to make a few calls to take confirmation.
Patrick reached his room, shutting the door behind him with a quiet, deliberate click. The air inside felt stale, too still, like even the dust was holding its breath.
His fingers trembled as he took out his phone, but the moment he unlocked it, his thumb hovered over the screen. No. He was now in Collins’ mansion and in this place, there were chances that even walls had eyes, ears and mouths. He could not place the call from here.
He exhaled sharply, almost a laugh, and then placed the phone back in his pocket. The urge to scream into the silence fought with his discipline. So he did what he’d always done—reined himself in, stood up straight, and walked out the door like a man who hadn’t just had the floor pulled from beneath him.
With Adam dead, how would he ever face his mother in the afterlife? And what about Adir? He really was going ot die soon, it was why he had forced Saira to come to Maniwa so that he could be able to safely pass the child to Adam and reveal the child’s origins but now… Who was he supposed to trust with Adir?
He thought back to Spencer’s smirk as he’d announced Adam’s death. Not even a monster would announce the death of a childhood playmate with that much glee. How could he dare to handle his flower- like child like Adir to Robert Collins. He would love the boy, of course, because Adir was his own biological son… but he would turn the child into a monster like Spencer…
Patrick’s hands curled into fists at his sides. He had to get out. Away from the eyes, the walls, the cold cruelty of that house. He needed air. But most of all, he needed confirmation. Because if Adam was truly gone…Things had gone from bad to worst.
He had to save Melanie at all costs if he had any hope of entrusting Adir to anyone if Adam was gone then it would be Melanie…
Without waiting, he turned back around and walked out of the door he had just entered.
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