Chapter 30

“Aurora’s just an ungrateful brat!” Rosalie vented.

“Grandma, don’t blame Aurora. I think she has her own struggles. After everything she’s been through, it hit her hard; she still needs time to process and accept it,” Whitney spoke understandingly, trying to ease the tension. “It’s just that Mrs. Coleman Senior really likes her, and even Jordan is full of praise for her. This marriage was really a missed opportunity.”

“You’re the only one who thinks she’s any good. She doesn’t even appreciate your kindness; she’s totally ungrateful,” Rosalie’s heart ached as she looked at Whitney. Then, she turned to Bryce. “I hope you wake up and see things for what they are. Family is family, and no matter how much you do for others, they’ll never truly be your own. Don’t let this turn into one of those situations where you get betrayed by the very people you tried to help.”

Bryce, lying in the hospital bed, struggled to open his eyes and glance at the people around him. He heard everything that was being said.

“She’s been through a lot… She’s innocent in her own way,” After a long pause, Bryce managed to speak in a weak voice.

“Everyone has their struggles. But do we really have to carry the weight of her struggles? You need to remember Whitney was hurt by her, and now she’s even gone after Ryan. That’s going too far!” Rosalie replied with anger.

“Alright, you all head back. Let me rest for a bit,” Bryce closed his eyes tiredly.

“Every time we bring her up, you act like this! How long are you going to keep defending her? She’s nothing but a liar, always pretending to be innocent while bullying me. Wake up and see her for who she really is!”

Bryce stayed silent.

“Just keep indulging her. I really regret listening to you all those years ago. Now, this family is ruined!” With that, Rosalie stormed out of the ward in a fit of anger. Whitney and Sidney followed her out.

Once they were gone, Aurora stepped around the corner and walked into the ward. When she reached the bedside, Bryce slowly opened his eyes again, and a faint light flickered in his dry, tired gaze.

“Dr. Kennedy must’ve told you I woke up, huh?” Bryce’s voice was weak.

Aurora nodded. “Seeing you’re doing well, I can rest easy. Take care of yourself. You’ll get better. Everything will be okay.”

She wasn’t good at offering comfort. She knew Bryce had cancer, and deep down, he knew himself that the end was near.

“It’s too late now. I probably don’t have much time left. I thought I’d die at home this time… but Wendy found me, and here I am in the hospital.”

“Don’t think like that. Medical science is advanced now. They’ll figure something out.”

Sighing, Bryce said again, “You heard what your grandma said, right?”

Aurora lowered her gaze, her expression cool and distant.

“Don’t take it to heart. Your grandma’s past like that. She doesn’t mean any harm. She just wants what’s best for you. I hope you can let go of your grudges and become good sisters with Whitney. If the family can get along, your lives will get better. Honestly, the Klein family has treated you well. You don’t need to keep holding onto this marriage issue. There are plenty of good men out there who are better than Sidney. You’ll find someone you truly treasure.”