Chapter 438
If Eve found out that Adam’s kidney was given to Sandy, she’d be heartbroken. Charles couldn’t stand the thought of her being upset. But Sandy desperately needed that kidney. He was torn between doing the right thing and protecting Eve
from pain.
Dahlia could see the conflict written all over Charles’s face and felt a pang of anxiety. Was he hesitating because of Evelyn?
“Dad, what’s wrong? Sandy finally has a shot. Aren’t you happy?” Sandy, picking up on Dahlia’s silent cue, tugged at Charles’s big hand and asked softly.
“No, sweetheart, I’m really happy.” Charles flashed Sandy a tender smile and gently tousled her hair. Sandy wasn’t feeling her best and nestled into Charles, fighting off sleep even as her eyelids drooped.
“Come on, Sandy, if you’re tired, just close your eyes and rest,” Charles coaxed softly.
“Dad, I’m scared you’ll leave while I’m asleep. Will you stay with me?” Sandy clung to Charles, her eyes filled with trust.
Looking into Sandy’s eyes, Charles was reminded of Charlie. Charlie used to look at him the same way, and he wished he’d appreciated it more back then. He didn’t want to have the same regrets with Sandy. So, he promised, “Alright, I’ll stay.”
With that promise, Sandy finally let herself drift off, sinking into a deep sleep. Charles tucked her in snugly, then stepped out onto the balcony, lighting a cigarette from his pocket.
Dahlia wheeled herself over to him. “Charles, are you worried because the donor was Evelyn’s friend?”
Charles didn’t say anything, but his silence spoke volumes.
Dahlia pushed down her jealousy. “Do you think Evelyn would be angry if she knew her friend’s kidney saved Sandy?”
“Charles, I think you’re selling Evelyn short. She might have issues with me, but Sandy’s done nothing wrong. She wouldn’t take it out on her.”
“If you’re really concerned, you could ask the donor center to keep it under wraps.”
“When Sandy’s better, we can thank them anonymously.”
Dahlia’s words made sense, and Charles knew it. As long as Evelyn didn’t find out, things would be okay. But Secrets have a way of coming out eventually.
“Charles, you won’t let anything happen to Sandy, right?” Dahlia’s eyes brimmed with tears as she held his hand.
After a long silence, Charles sighed and whispered, “Yes.”
“Her friend’s sacrifice is something I’ll always remember. Any grudge I had against Evelyn, I’ll let it go. I won’t hold it against her.”
“I’ll keep my distance from Evelyn like you suggested. If she comes after me, I’ll try to let it slide.”
Dahlia’s words seemed to soften Charles’s demeanor. She noticed and felt a sense of victory. She was determined to secure Adam’s kidney and once the surgery was successful, she planned to use it to upset Evelyn. The more Evelyn suffered, the happier Dahlia would be.
Brooks had set up a reliable nurse to take care of Josephine in the hospital for Evelyn. He’d returned suddenly, with unfinished business overseas, and Evelyn insisted he get back to work. His flight was early the next morning, and even though he didn’t want Evelyn to see him off, she still showed up at the airport at dawn.