Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 552

I quickly ended the call and looked back at Hiram, finding myself momentarily at a loss for words.

Had he overheard my conversation?

"No, your dad got caught up with something and can't make it to the hospital today, so he asked me to let you know," I lied, searching for an excuse. The last thing I wanted was for Hiram to face the harsh reality.

There was a flicker of confusion in Hiram's eyes, but he didn't dwell on it. Perhaps he hadn't caught my exchange with Neil after all. He nodded, a small, obedient gesture. "I understand. Dad's really busy; it's okay if he can't visit."

A lump formed in my throat. Why did life have to be so cruel? And why, knowing Hiram wasn't his son, did Neil agree to continue handling his medical expenses instead of just telling Karina the truth?

"Hiram, why don't you head back to your room and rest? I'll be back soon; I'm just going to grab something," I said, needing a moment to clear my head and find some answers.

Hiram murmured an agreement, not questioning further, and obediently went back to his room. I rushed to the elevator, dialing Neil's number again.

Neil picked up immediately. "What did you mean earlier? You said the doctors got it wrong, but how can you be so sure Hiram isn't your son?"

"I had three different labs run the tests. Apart from the initial mistake at the hospital, all of them came back with the same result. So, what do you think?" Neil’s voice was calm, a stark contrast to the turmoil such news would usually bring.

His reaction was unexpected. There was no anger or denial, just a distancing from Hiram, a chill that seemed out of character for Neil.

"Now you're just going to wash your hands of him?" I asked seriously. "You need to talk to Karina, make it clear to her. It’s not fair to Hiram to keep paying for his treatments while also keeping him at arm's length. Adults' issues shouldn't affect a child."

"Karina can't handle Hiram's condition. Without a bone marrow transplant, he doesn't have much time left. He's an innocent kid, so I'll continue searching for a donor and cover his medical expenses. But I can't treat him like my own son anymore, okay?" Neil's words were heavy with implication. "He's not your son, either."

His hint hit me hard. Was he suggesting I should also step back?

Hiram wasn't my biological child. My heart ached for him, caught in the crossfire of adult complexities and battling illness. If I chose to leave, Neil could find someone else to care for him. My life wouldn't be directly affected whether Hiram found a donor or not.

"Are you saying I should stop caring for Hiram too?" I ventured.

"If, let's say, your dad and I weren't here and someone else was taking care of you, would you be okay with that?" I asked, testing the waters.

Hiram's initial confusion quickly gave way to understanding, his eyes welling up with tears. "Ms. Finch, is it because I'm sick that Dad doesn't want me anymore? Do you not want me either?"

He fought back the tears, his voice barely a whisper.

My heart ached. "No, no, that’s not it at all. Your dad’s just really busy, and I... well, you know I have my own kids to look after..."

"I know it's because I'm sick that Mom and Dad, and even my grandparents don't like me anymore. I'm just a burden..." Hiram's voice trailed off, his words a mirror to the fears he'd clearly been harboring for far too long.

"Listen, Hiram, getting sick isn't your fault, and you're definitely not a burden, okay? Don't think like that. I just need to check on the kids for a bit, but I'll be back soon!" I tried to soothe Hiram.

But Hiram still broke down, wiping away tears as he retreated to his bed, pulling the covers all the way over himself. The sound of his sobbing from beneath the blanket hit me hard; it was heartbreaking. He was innocent, yet it felt like he was bearing the weight of the world.