Chapter 844: Why
Lily’s eyes never wavered from her father as he slowly returned to consciousness. The lines on his face seemed deeper now, etched by the days he had spent fighting to stay alive. As his eyes fluttered open, she leaned forward and clasped his hand gently. "How are you feeling now?" she asked, her voice steady but soft.
He didn’t answer right away, but the way he squeezed her hand told her enough. Despite being the one who had hovered on the brink of death, the worry in his eyes was unmistakable. He opened his mouth to speak, but Lily was quick to shake her head, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips.
"No," she said firmly. "You’re not allowed to talk for the next few days. It’ll put too much pressure on your lungs. Just rest, okay? Everything is alright."
Her father nodded slowly, his eyes darting around the sterile hospital room. Lily saw the shift in his expression and knew exactly who he was searching for. The thought made her chest tighten, but she forced herself to not show any expression.
"She’s in the next room," Lily said quietly. "Resting. She exhausted herself worrying about you." She paused for a brief moment, hesitating before continuing. "I’ll send her in if you want to see her."
His eyes met hers, filled with conflict. The worry about his wife was clear as well, but so was the shadow of events that had lead to this. Lily’s chest tightened at the sight of his turmoil, and she squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Don’t think about the past right now, Dad," she whispered. "Let her come in. This can be a new beginning, for both of you."
She saw the way her father looked at her and knew he had probably misunderstood. He must think that she and her mother had probably come to an understanding. She didn’t correct him. They had come to an agreement, but one he would not like.
Before he could react or ask anything, Lily gave him a soft smile, one meant to comfort,and rose to her feet. "I’ll send her in." The smile, however, fell away the moment she stepped into the hallway. Her steps carried her to the adjacent room, where her mother sat exactly where Lily had left her—head bowed, hands clasped tightly together in silent prayer.
"Mrs. Kingston," Lily said, her voice was low but loud enough to make the older woman’s head snap up. "My father is awake. You can go see him now."