Reclaiming the CEO's Heart

Chapter 14 Farewell and Resolution

Isabella's behavior after drinking was not simply a matter of being irresponsible, but rather, it could only be described as a complete lack of self-control.

If it weren't for Avery stopping her, she could have been passionately entangled with someone in the private room. After all, Avery had never observed her embracing a man, saying that she was a solitary single lady.

Seeing her drunk to the point of no return, Avery had no choice but to take her back to her newly rented apartment.

A while ago, the nurse found out she was looking for a place to live, so she recommended her relative's apartment to her. Avery thought that by bypassing a real estate agent, she could save some commission fees, and with the nurse guaranteeing her, she agreed.

The owner wouldn't return for a while, and they hadn't signed the contract yet, so Avery started cleaning and moving in only after getting the green light.

With no formalities on record, it would take a while for Jacob to find her.

Although the small apartment couldn't compare to the Adams family's before bankruptcy, nor to her marital home, it felt very cozy. She really liked it here, and even got some tropical fish that her father liked. Just a push of the window, and she could see the vast sea. She used to think Willowbrook was a gift from Jacob, but to her surprise, Layla moved in as soon as she returned.

For a long time, she secretly resented, feeling sorrowful. Now she had come to terms with it. Even the most expensive house, after all, showed the same sea.

The apartment had a small terrace. She laid down thick blankets and planned to bring her father out after his condition stabilized. They could enjoy the sunset together in their free time.

Plans couldn't keep up with changes. She never anticipated she would contract a terminal illness, nor did she expect Martin to end up in his current state.

After a few drinks, Avery's stomach felt uncomfortable. She took some medicine and lay down on the narrow baby cot.

Every night, she had to curl up, as it was the only position in which she could get even a little sleep.

Tonight, with the help of alcohol, she slept soundly. When she woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.

Isabella was up ahead, already preparing breakfast. Both of them tacitly avoided mentioning last night.

Adults were adept at hiding their vulnerabilities during the day. Isabella, wearing high heels, hurried towards the entrance, a slice of toast still in her mouth as she mumbled, "Breakfast is ready for you. I'm running late, so I'll go first, bestie."

Avery stopped her. "Bella, I'll be quite busy these next few days, so I might not be able to accompany you."

"Don't you think I'm just a prodigal? You think I'll squander money if I have nothing to do? Last night was a farewell to our youth. Today, I'm fully revived. How can men equal to money? But if you really need help, you must let me know. Don't work yourself to exhaustion doing multiple part-time jobs alone."

"Okay, I understand," Avery said, giving Isabella a gentle hug by the door.

"Bella, you'll find someone better. Today's misfortune is for tomorrow's happiness."

Isabella teased, "You're still trying to console me. If you couldn't hold onto such a good man, where will you find a better one in the future?"

"Well, in the future?" Avery smiled softly towards the sun's direction. "Who knows..."

Isabella originally wanted to leave, but seeing Avery's slender back, she hugged her from behind. "I'll be a bit busy these days. When I'm free, I'll make plans with you. Take care of yourself, especially as it's about to snow. Even if there's no one to hold your hand, you should take good care of yourself."

"...Okay."

After Isabella left, Avery cleaned the room. Only then did she turn on her phone.

Unexpectedly, she found missed calls from Jacob last night. It was probably about the divorce. Unfortunately, she wouldn't have the time these days.

Apart from Jacob, there were also several missed calls from Lily. She returned the call.

The call was quickly answered, and Lily's worried voice came through. "Avy, why didn't you answer Mom's calls? These past two days, I have been so worried about you. How much money do you need? I'll transfer it to you right away."

Listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, Avery calmed down considerably.

She had resented her mother for many years after she passed away, not understanding why her mother left her behind. After finding out she was Layla's stepmother, Avery found it even harder to accept. Why did it have to be Layla's stepmother?

Regardless of how sad she was, the fact was set in stone. Avery knew her own powerlessness.

"Mom, I'm fine. Don't worry. Jacob gave me some money, so you don't need to worry about Dad's recuperation fees.

Lily, imagining her leaving in the pouring rain, couldn't help but be even more concerned. "Avy, where are you now? I want to see you and make up for these years of owing you."

Avery looked at the azure sea, her tone indifferent. "Mom, if you really cared about me, you wouldn't have gone years without a single phone call. If you had even a little concern for Dad, you wouldn't have returned to the country and not visited him once. It was my mistake. I acted recklessly out of desperation and forgot that you had already started a new life with someone else. This kind of mistake, I won't make it again in the future."

"Avy, I..."

"Mom, let's just go back to how it was before, I'll take care of Dad. You can pretend you never had a daughter like me, and I'll pretend I never had a mother like you."

Avery didn't blame Lily for her losing face in front of Layla, but for Lily's indifference towards her after going abroad.

At the time when she needed her the most, Lily chose to stay by Layla's side and take care of someone else's daughter.

It was Lily's choice, and Avery couldn't blame her. She couldn't completely let go of her resentment and forgive her.

After hanging up the phone, she resigned from the part-time job she had, and finally sent a message to Jacob, "I'm quite busy these days. We'll talk about the divorce another time." Regardless of the truth, she and Jacob couldn't go back.

Farewell, they would not be friends, and certainly not lovers.

Avery did all this and then went to the hospital. Nicholas looked at her, coming alone, her figure stretched long by the sunlight, appearing even more fragile.

Nicholas suppressed his compassion in his heart and, as always, spoke gently, "Are you afraid?"

"I was a little scared at first, but seeing you here makes me feel more at ease."

"Don't worry. I personally prepared the chemotherapy drugs, and I will do my best to minimize any discomfort while ensuring their effectiveness."

"Thank you, Nic."

Upon arriving at the inpatient department, Avery felt a stark reality of going from the earthly realm to hell. It was the first time she had seen so many patients, of all ages and walks of life. The only commonality was that each person either wore a wig or a hat.

There were also a few indifferent middle-aged men walking bareheaded in the corridor. Most of the rooms had a few individuals undergoing chemotherapy.

Some were crying, while others had a blank expression as they stared out the window.

Avery knew that she would soon become like them, with no light in her eyes and no hope left for life.

Each step forward became increasingly heavy.

Thanks to Nicholas, she was assigned a private room. When she arrived, a kind nurse said, "You're Miss Adams, right? Director Lewis has already briefed us. Come over here to get prepared. Let your family handle the admission and payment for medication."

Family?

Yes, everyone here had one or two family members accompanying them. She was the only one here without any, and the people around her looked at her with pity. Not only did she get this illness, but she also underwent chemotherapy all by herself.

Avery bit her lip, feeling awkward. "I don't have any family members. I'll find a caregiver to take care of me."

"How can that work? A family member needs to sign," the nurse said, looking somewhat troubled. "You don't have a partner? Parents can also do it, or siblings?"

Avery stood there, feeling lost and vulnerable, like a child at a school meeting without a parent.

Nicholas took a step forward and said, "I am her family. I'll sign for her."