Chapter 523
Now, years later, Frankie seemed to have aged twenty years.
His hair was streaked with gray, his movements were unsteady, and his skin had lost its former glow. Deep lines marred his brow as he hurried toward the back of the inpatient department.
“Excuse me, where does that corridor lead?” Eileen asked, gesturing toward the direction Frankie had gone.
The nurse stood and glanced down the corridor before replying, “That leads to the ICU. It’s where the most critical patients are treated, those teetering on the edge of life.”
“Thank you,” Eileen replied, nodding gratefully before quickly following the path Frankie had taken.
The ICU was framed by large windows, offering a nearly unobstructed view into the rooms from the corridor.
As Eileen approached the ICU, she noticed Huey and Bailee standing near one of the windows.
Huey looked disheveled, his clothes wrinkled, a stubble covering his face. He was staring intently into the ICU room.
Beside him, Bailee appeared thin and worn.
As she walked a bit closer, Eileen glimpsed inside the room where Winona lay, her figure barely visible in the sterile light. Frankie was already by her side, wearing protective clothing.
“Eileen,” Bailee suddenly said, noticing Eileen’s reflection in the glass. She turned around, her face strained. “I’ve paid the fees. I’ve seen him…”
Her voice trembled, her lips quivered as she pointed at Huey, tears streaming down her face.
Huey turned slowly to face her. “Are you feeling unwell?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.
“Why are you at the hospital?”
“Not us, it’s someone else,” Eileen quickly clarified. She was about to ask about Winona’s condition when Huey said, “I’m relieved it’s not you. Everyone needs to prioritize their health. It’s the most important thing.”
He then turned away, lost in thought for a moment. “Just give me a little more time. With my mom’s condition, I’m not sure what to say to you both right now.”
Bailee responded immediately, “I’ll stay. I’ll help you take care of her.”
“No.” Huey dismissed the idea. “My mom isn’t completely out of it. She regained consciousness a few days ago and said one thing: that I have to marry Jillian, or she won’t rest in peace.”
Bailee’s presence at the hospital could unsettle Winona if she were to wake up again.
This was also the reason Huey hadn’t lent a phone to call Bailee.
Before Bailee could respond, Huey quickly added, “I don’t want to end our marriage. My mother hasn’t fully woken up yet. Once she’s more stable, I’ll make it clear to her that I’m not marrying anyone but you.”