The afternoon sunlight was pouring weakly through the hospital ward’s window, painting the room in a soft glow. Olivia had been shifted to a private ward after the emergency, and finally, the machines around her had stopped making loud alarming sounds.
“Mum… just one more spoon,” Lily said gently, holding a bowl of warm porridge in her hand. She carefully lifted the spoon, blowing on it softly before bringing it to Olivia’s lips.
Olivia frowned slightly. “I’m full, Lily. Enough.”
But Lily shook her head stubbornly. “No, Mum, please… you need strength. Just this one spoon.”
Olivia sighed. She never could win when Lily insisted like this. “Alright, alright,” she said, opening her mouth reluctantly. She swallowed the spoonful of porridge, and Lily finally set the bowl aside, satisfied.
“Thank you,” Olivia said, a small tired smile tugging on her lips.
Lily smiled back warmly. “You’re welcome, Mum.”
But Olivia wasn’t done. “What about you? Have you eaten anything?” she asked, narrowing her eyes knowingly.
“Yes, Mum,” Lily quickly replied, giving her a reassuring smile.
It was a lie. She hadn’t eaten a single thing since last night, but she didn’t want to add more worry to Olivia’s already fragile health.
Before Olivia could press further, a sudden voice cut through the calm of the room.
“Auntie…”
The sound startled both Olivia and Lily. They turned their heads toward the door.
Standing there was Marina, dressed perfectly as always, a fruit basket in her hands, and behind her, her assistant carried another bag. Marina’s face was painted with worry, her eyes glassy as if tears were already threatening to fall.
Olivia’s expression immediately hardened. Lily’s did too.
“Who gave you permission to come here?” Olivia snapped angrily, her voice trembling with irritation.
“Mum, calm down,” Lily quickly placed her hand on Olivia’s shoulder, worried the sudden anger would trigger another attack.
But Olivia shook her head firmly. “No. I don’t want to see this woman in front of me. Throw her out.”
Marina blinked rapidly, stepping inside with the basket clutched against her chest. “Auntie, please… I’m sorry if I make you uncomfortable, but I just wanted to visit you. I heard you were sick, and I was worried.” Her voice cracked, tears spilling down her cheeks as if her concern were genuine.
If someone who didn’t know her well had been standing there, they might have believed her. She played her part well—eyes soft, lips trembling, body language meek and pitiful. But Olivia and Lily both knew her too well.
“Get out!” Olivia shouted again, her voice rising in fury. “Don’t show me your crocodile tears. I don’t want to see your face ever again.”
The tension in the room thickened instantly.
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