Chapter 966

The weekend had arrived, coinciding with the end of the year. The timing couldn’t have been more fitting—or more ominous.

At the hospital, Lena’s colleagues were busy making plans for New Year’s Eve celebrations, but she sat at her desk, preoccupied with how to get through the weekend. Tomorrow, Aaron was going to formally announce his decision to sever ties with the Ace family. Even though she had tried to comfort her grandparents and they seemed to accept it, she feared the actual impact would be far greater than any preparation could soften.

“Dr. Lane, any plans for tomorrow? Join us!” someone invited her.

Lena snapped out of her thoughts. “No, I’ll be at home with my grandparents.” She’d even be taking an emergency kit, just in case her grandparents couldn’t handle the shock.

Her mother, Briana, had been equally anxious, sending multiple reminders throughout the day to ensure Lena would go to the Ace house right after work. The last time she visited, she’d managed to avoid Aaron, but this time, there was no way out. She sighed—if avoiding him was futile, she might as well face it.

After work, she drove to the Ace residence. Coincidentally, Aaron wasn’t there.

“Mom, where’s Uncle?” Lena asked casually.

“He’s not back yet. He said he’d be home for dinner and asked us to prepare a couple of extra dishes because he’s bringing someone with him,” Briana said, her mood clearly heavy.

The tension in the house was palpable, and Lena couldn’t help muttering under her breath, “He’s acting so carefree—he even has the appetite to eat.”

Briana glanced at her. “Lena, from now on, we’ll just have to…”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but her eyes reddened, and the unfinished words carried a deep sense of loss.

The sight tugged at Lena’s heart. She wrapped her arms around her mother. “Mom, Uncle Aaron said he’s only severing formal ties. It’s not like he’ll stop seeing us. You’ve seen it yourself—he’s been spending all his time with Grandma and Grandpa lately.”

“It’s just… it feels different. Like a husband whose heart has strayed,” Briana said, her comparison making Lena laugh.

“Mom, you’re awfully insightful. Are you trying to say Dad’s been unfaithful?”

“Don’t talk nonsense. Your dad’s been a straight arrow his whole life,” Briana said, lightly swatting her.

Lena stroked her mother’s back gently. “Mom, I understand how much you care for Uncle Aaron. He’s your brother in name, but you’ve loved him like a son. But he has his own thoughts, and wanting to connect with his biological family isn’t wrong.”

“I get it. You don’t need to lecture me. It just feels like raising a melon only for someone else to pluck it,” Briana said with a self-deprecating smile.

Leaning on her mother’s shoulder, Lena felt a wave of suppressed emotions rise within her. She also couldn’t help feeling unsettled by the situation.

After a moment, Briana patted her. “Alright, go spend time with your grandparents. Share some stories about the little ones at the hospital. I’ll finish up dinner.”

“Mom, who’s Uncle Aaron bringing?” Lena asked curiously.

“No idea. Probably a good friend. You know how he is—he rarely brings anyone home,” Briana replied honestly.

Lena couldn’t help but wonder. Who could he be bringing?

As Briana had said, her grandparents adored children. Lena didn’t tell any specific stories; instead, she showed them videos she had recorded of newborns’ first moments.

Though all babies were born in similar ways, each had their own unique expressions and reactions upon entering the world.

The elderly couple watched the videos with fascination, unable to tear themselves away. They kept asking Lena questions, and she happily acted as their narrator.

The three of them were deeply engrossed when the sound of a car engine echoed from the courtyard. Lena instantly recognized it—it was Aaron’s car.

Her heart skipped a beat, her thoughts scattering. She was so distracted that she missed one of her grandmother’s questions.

Ever since that day when Aaron had told her he wouldn’t bother her anymore, he had seemed to vanish from her world. She hadn’t seen him even once. Now, it had been more than half a month.

Feigning indifference, she continued watching videos with her grandparents, but her ears perked up, straining to catch any sounds from the entrance.