Chapter 411

When Evelyn heard the surgery was a success, she couldn’t hold back her emotions and burst into tears of joy.
“Thank you, Dr. Nelson, thank you!” she exclaimed.
Andrew, looking worn out, reassured her that Josephine would be out in about ten more minutes, so there was no need to worry. He headed back to the operating room to change, shutting the doors behind him.
As the doors closed, Evelyn, tears still in her eyes, turned to embrace Adam. “Adam, Mom’s going to be okay.”
But she didn’t realize Charles had already returned and was standing right behind her in the hallway. In her rush, she ended up wrapping her arms around Charles instead.
Charles knew Evelyn had mistaken him for Adam, but he couldn’t resist the urge to hold her. The embrace was brief though.
The instant she hugged him, Evelyn realized it was Charles. She had loved him for so long that she was immediately aware of his familiar presence. Without hesitation, she pushed him away as soon as he hugged back.
Charles, having just donated a lot of blood, was barely holding it together as he waited with Evelyn for the news. He was weak, and when Evelyn pushed him, he stumbled back a few steps before regaining his balance.
Evelyn stopped, a bit surprised. She looked up to see Charles, who was pale and clearly exhausted. He was usually so robust, but now he seemed drained. It was clear he had donated a significant amount of blood for her mother.
Though not an expert, Evelyn understood that her mother’s condition was dire, and without Charles’s selfless act, the surgery might not have been successful. She owed him a thank you, but the words felt so difficult to say.
“Eve, don’t worry about it. It was something I had to do,” Charles said softly.
The loss of Charlie had left him feeling he owed Evelyn and her mother a great deal.
“Well, at least you know your role,” Adam chimed in, casting a glance at Charles. He then put a comforting hand on Evelyn’s shoulder, gently turning her back toward the operating room and resting her head against his shoulder.
Twenty minutes later, Josephine was wheeled out of the operating room. Seeing her mother unconscious, Evelyn’s tears welled up again. She stepped forward, gripping Josephine’s cold hand tightly. Before the tears could fall, she wiped them away.
Josephine was moved to a hospital room. Once Charles was sure she was truly out of danger, he finally allowed himself to relax a little. Andrew had arranged a room right across from Josephine’s for Charles to rest, but he didn’t take it. The night was still critical. Even though the surgery went well, the next twelve hours were crucial. Only after those hours could they truly say Josephine was in the clear.
With Josephine settled, Evelyn urged Adam to go home and rest. The sun wasn’t up yet and the hospital didn’t allow too many visitors. Adam told her to call if anything happened. He opted to stay at a nearby hotel instead of going home. swnovel.net
Evelyn suggested that Adam rest at her place. A nurse overheard and said, “Ms. Evelyn, I can take care of Ms. Josephine here. You’ve been up all night. Go rest with Mr. Adam and come back tomorrow.” swnovel
“No, I’ll stay here with Mom,” Evelyn insisted.
“I’ll come in the morning and take over,” the nurse offered.
Adam didn’t push Evelyn to leave with him, knowing she wouldn’t be able to relax tonight.
“Alright,” he said, and left.
With Adam gone, it was just Evelyn and the nurse in the room. Andrew had arranged a cot for Evelyn to rest on. She insisted the nurse rest first while she kept watch over Josephine.
The night dragged on. Charles also stayed up, keeping vigil with Evelyn.
Early the next morning, Adam returned to the hospital. Instead of urging Evelyn to
go home, he suggested she rest in the adjoining room.
“I’m here with Godmother. You don’t have to worry,” he assured her.
Evelyn nodded, her trust in Adam absolute. She went to the resting area to catch some sleep. Adam stayed by Josephine’s side.
Charles, having stayed up all night, finally gave in to exhaustion and went to rest in the hospital room.
By noon, Josephine slowly opened her eyes.
“Godmother, you’re awake!” Adam noticed immediately when Josephine’s eyes fluttered open and quickly pressed the call button for the doctor.
Inside, Evelyn seemed to sense something. Although she was meant to be resting, her mind was with
Josephine, preventing her from net?
sleeping deeply. Hearing the activity outside, she suddenly opened her eyes, threw off the covers, and rushed out of the room. swnovel