Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 557

In a moment, Ryan had become the laughingstock and target of criticism for many. In the glittering world of high society, it wasn't unusual for a tycoon to have a string of affairs. Everyone knew that, but Ryan had always paraded himself as a paragon of loyalty. When his true colors were revealed, it was a spectacle.

I couldn't help but worry about Faith, who had just left not long ago. While most of the internet seemed to sympathize with her, I knew she had put her trust in Ryan. Faced with the mixed reactions of mockery and pity from the public, I doubted she could maintain her composure.

Turning off my phone, I let out a deep sigh. There was little I could do about the situation; better leave it to Neil. For now, all I could do was to stay by Hiram's side.

---

I wasn't sure if Neil had gone to Eldoria or was dealing with Louis's mess, but it had been two days and nights without a word from him or a visit to the hospital.

Then, I received devastating news.

My mom called, her voice choked with tears, "Rena, your dad's medical report came back. He… he…"

"What's wrong?" My heart raced. My mom wouldn't cry easily unless something was terribly wrong.

"He hardly ever smoked before, but after getting out of jail, he couldn't let go of his cigarettes. And now, all of a sudden, lung cancer?" She was sobbing uncontrollably by the end.

My mind went blank at the mention of cancer—a word that spelled dread for anyone. My dad, despite his minor issues, had never been seriously ill, and I never imagined cancer could touch him.

"Mom, could there be a mistake with the results? Dad's always been healthier than you; how could he suddenly have cancer?" My voice trembled, overwhelmed by the thought of losing him.

My mom's voice was hoarse from crying, "I hoped it was a mistake too, but the hospital confirmed it. It's true."

"How could this…" Tears streamed down my face as the pain enveloped me. I nearly collapsed, taking a moment before I managed to ask, "How far along is it?"

"Early to mid-stage. Thank goodness you pushed him to go to the hospital. Any later, and it would have been too late," she said, her voice laced with fear and relief.

Early to mid-stage, meaning there was still hope if we acted quickly.

I wanted nothing more than to be by my parents' side, but Hiram needed me too...

After hanging up, I looked at Hiram, who had been quietly listening. Seeing my tears, he immediately offered a tissue, "Ms. Finch, don't cry. Is it your dad who's sick? You should go to him."

"Hiram, I…" My voice was hoarse with emotion.

"It's okay, my dad will arrange for someone to take care of me. When I get better, I'll come to see you," he said, his frail body offering me a hug of comfort.

Swallowing my sobs, I realized I couldn't stay any longer and called Neil.

Hiram nodded earnestly, "Okay, I'll wait for you."

"Remember, no more of those black pills. They're bad for you. If you're not healthy, I can't take you out," I reminded him.

He looked embarrassed but agreed, "I'll listen to you."

Feeling somewhat reassured, I finally left.

As I reached the ground floor of the hospital, I was surprised to see Neil rushing towards me, his expression anxious. Slowing down as he approached, he stopped in front of me, "What's going on with your family?"

"How did you get here so fast?" I asked, taken aback by his sudden appearance.

Neil frowned, "I was already on my way here when you called. I planned to visit the hospital today."

So there I was, eyes still a bit puffy from crying, but my emotions had settled into a calmer groove. Given the rough patch my dad was going through, the least I could do was stand by him through this storm.

"Yeah, you should go check on Hiram," I suggested to Neil. "He might not be your flesh and blood, but he's clueless about that. Keeps saying how much he misses you. It's not fair, you know? The mistakes we adults make... they shouldn't be something a sick kid has to shoulder alone."

The way I saw it, life had thrown us a curveball, and it was up to us to step up to the plate. No kid, especially one battling illness, should have to navigate the fallout of adult decisions on their own.