Chapter 172: Faking to Live
Evelyn hugged her mother’s tightly, tears flowing freely as though they had been waiting all these years to burst out. Gracia sobbed too, her fragile body trembling from the release of emotions she had suppressed for so long. The joy of seeing her daughter again mixed with the agony of the years they had lost—it was overwhelming.
Neither of them spoke at first, letting the tears do the talking. Evelyn’s heart ached at the sight of her mother’s frailty, and yet, she felt an indescribable joy. She was alive.
"I missed you so much," Evelyn whispered, her voice breaking with emotion.
Gracia nodded, her hand gently brushing against Evelyn’s tear-streaked face. "And I missed you more, my little Eve. There wasn’t a single day I didn’t think of you."
Their moment was interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps. Dr. Wismay approached cautiously, a kind yet firm expression on his face. "Miss Evelyn," he began, "I understand this is an emotional time, but your mother’s health is still fragile. Too much stress could be dangerous for her."
Evelyn immediately pulled back slightly, her concern overriding her emotions. "I’m sorry," she murmured, her eyes darting toward the monitors beside the bed.
Gracia smiled faintly, wiping her tears. "It’s okay, Eve. Just seeing you... it’s enough."
A bittersweet smile played on Gracia’s lips as she studied her daughter closely. "You’ve grown into such a beautiful woman," she murmured, her voice tinged with both pride and heartbreak. "The last time I held you, you were just a little girl, chubby cheeks and all."
Evelyn sniffled, a playful pout forming on her lips. "And you’ve grown old," she teased, wiping her own tears away.
Gracia chuckled, her laughter weak but genuine. "You haven’t changed a bit," she said, pulling her daughter into another hug. This time, Evelyn was mindful of the devices attached to her mother’s chest, careful not to cause any discomfort.
Dr. Wismay cleared his throat, stepping back to allow them more time. Evelyn shifted to the chair beside the bed, holding Gracia’s hand tightly, as though letting go might make this moment disappear.