Just as their first baby turned one, Amelia found out she was pregnant again.
Gloria was over the moon, going all out and whipping up every kind of healthy dish she could think of.
Landon stared at the table loaded with food for expectant moms, totally speechless. “Mom, your son needs to eat too, you know.”
“Just eat what’s on the table. Men shouldn’t be so fussy,” Gloria said, tossing half a bowl of greens onto Landon’s plate without a second thought.
Amelia covered her mouth, trying not to laugh at the scene.
Landon just shook his head, took a few bites, and headed off to work.
When he got to his office, he found a spread of spicy takeout waiting for him.
Compared to the bland, healthy meals at home, this was a mouthwatering feast.
“What’s all this?” he asked.
His secretary replied, “Mr. Kingsley, Mrs. Kingsley had this ordered for you.”
His heart swelled with happiness. ‘Even if Mom gives me a hard time, at least my wife loves me!’ he thought.
Landon enjoyed a satisfying meal, but his expression darkened as soon as he saw the new message.
The Wiggins family wouldn’t even let Night Owl attend Dawson’s death anniversary. That was unbelievable.
It was time to help Night Owl finally put the past behind him.
The spring afternoon was warm, and the breeze was gentle.
Night Owl was napping on a lounge chair in the courtyard of the inn, with a dog sprawled beside her.
They looked perfectly at ease.
But Night Owl looked pale, and the streaks of tears were visible on her face.
Landon watched from a distance and asked Aaron quietly, “Was it rough again today?”
“Yeah, Dawson’s mom actually hit her,” Aaron replied, with pity in his eyes.
Today was the anniversary of Dawson’s passing, and Night Owl had gone to the cemetery early to pay her respects.
She brought flowers and wine, even cooked Dawson’s favorite dishes herself, but the Wiggins family wouldn’t let her pay her respects.
Everything got scattered all over the ground, and Dawson’s mom started kicking and hitting Night Owl, even threatening to kill herself.
No matter how hard Night Owl pleaded, she still couldn’t get close.
Landon frowned. “Still haven’t started on what I asked you to do?”
“The results of Dulcie’s checkup won’t be out until this afternoon,” Aaron replied.
“Then make it happen today.”
Landon’s eyes flashed coldly as he strode into the courtyard of the inn.
The golden retriever sensed someone approaching and immediately jumped up, barking wildly.
Night Owl finally snapped awake, groggy and confused, squinting at the figure. “Landon?” she mumbled.
“Yeah, it’s me,” Landon replied.
Landon strode over, his steps confident and unhurried.
His aura was so intense that the golden retriever, still barking, was clearly intimidated and didn’t dare get any closer.
“It’s fine, Goldie. He’s one of us,” Night Owl said, patting the golden retriever. She managed a pale smile at Landon. “What brings you here?”
“Today’s the anniversary of Dawson’s passing,” Landon replied.
The smile vanished from Night Owl’s face, her eyes instantly dimming. “You still remember…”
Landon let out a sigh. “Let’s remember him one last time, then let’s try to let go. Come on, go see him together.”
“I…” Night Owl hesitated. “Maybe I shouldn’t go.”
The Wiggins family said they’d be at the cemetery all day until dark. Even if she went, she wouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the grave.
“As long as I’m here, no one can stop you,” Landon said.
Landon gave her shoulder a firm, reassuring pat, lending her his strength.
Tears welled up in Night Owl’s eyes, but she quietly followed him without a word.
Aaron hurried to open the car door for them.
Chrysanthemums, fine wine, and delicious dishes–everything was just like what Night Owl had prepared that morning. Her tears finally broke free. “Thank you…”
“As long as you’re not mad that I had Aaron come to Srodonville," Landon said with a gentle smile, casing the tension.
Aaron stiffened, thinking, ‘Did he know all along?’
Night Owl nodded. “I’m not upset. You’re protecting me for Dawson’s sake.”
“Come on, let’s say our goodbyes. After today, you don’t have to come back here anymore,” Landon said.
Night Owl stayed silent.
Srodonville was where Dawson grew up and lived. She couldn’t walk away from it.
Once Night Owl had calmed down a little, Landon said, “Dulcie’s sick. She needs a kidney.”
Night Owl’s eyes widened. “What?”
She’d tried every trick in the book with the Wiggins family these past few days, but Dulcie just chewed her out every single day.
After her divorce, Dulcie moved back in with her family, kids in tow, and she was fierce as ever. Honestly, she looked perfectly healthy to me.
“I happen to know someone at the hospital in Srodonville, so I got the news ahead of time. You’ve been abroad for years, so it’s not easy for you to deal with things here. That’s why I came over–to see if I could help,” Landon explained.
Night Owl, nervous, asked, “Are you going to ask Dr. Mitchell to treat her?”
“Getting a kidney is the real problem. No doctor can help her without one,” Landon said, glancing around the courtyard before sitting down.
Slowly, a spark of hope lit up in Night Owl’s once lifeless eyes. “I know where we can get a kidney.”
“What?” Landon asked, surprised.
“I’ll donate mine,” Night Owl said, her fingers unconsciously clenching tighter.
“I was tested with Dawson before, and we were a match. Dulcie and Dawson are siblings with the same blood type, so I’m sure I’ll match her too,” she explained.
“Night Owl, your health isn’t good enough. You’re not fit to be a donor,” Landon said, his brow furrowed in concern.
“No, I’m going to donate!” Night Owl insisted.
“I can’t let you do that!” Landon shot back.
“This is my decision. It’s my body, my choice!” Night Owl argued.
“Absolutely not…” Landon said, his tone unyielding.
The two of them argued in the car, neither willing to back down.
Aaron smiled to himself, quietly amused.
‘Mr. Kingsley’s really leveling up. He’s even acting now!’ he thought.
They kept arguing all the way to the cemetery until Aaron finally spoke up. “Mr. Kingsley, it’s time to pay our respects.”
“We’ll talk about it when we get back,” Landon said, stepping out of the car and grabbing the offerings. He headed straight for Dawson’s grave, knowing exactly where to go.
Night Owl froze in place, too nervous to step any closer.
Even if she wanted to give Dulcie her kidney, Dulcie might not even want it.
“Come on, let’s go,” Aaron urged, giving her a gentle push.
With Aaron’s encouragement, she finally stepped inside.
But she still kept her distance, staying several feet away.
She kept her gaze lowered, her nerves a tangled mess.
When she heard the arguing up ahead, she flinched instinctively.
Aaron quickly reached out to steady her.
‘Poor girl. She lost the one she loved most, but instead of sympathy, all she gets is blame and harsh words,’ he thought.
“I… I don’t think I should go…” Night Owl murmured, shrinking back, not even daring to glance at the Wiggins family just a few steps away.
“Looks like they’re not yelling at you,” Aaron said, jerking his chin toward the commotion.
Night Owl looked up and saw Dawson’s mom rushing over, almost tripping over herself.
Totally out of character, she grabbed Night Owl’s hand, her voice desperate. “Please, save Dulcie. She’s Dawson’s only sister. We’ve already lost him. We can’t lose her too…”
“I… I…” Night Owl stammered, nerves getting the best of her. It had been ages since anyone from the Wiggins family had shown her any kindness.
Dawson’s dad followed close behind, his eyes full of sorrow as he looked at Night Owl.
Only Dulcie was still there, standing her ground in front of Dawson’s grave.
“Just one kidney–that’s the price for Dawson’s life!” Dawson’s mom said through clenched teeth.
Night Owl closed her eyes in agony, tears sliding down her pale cheeks.
She’d always intended to donate a kidney to Dulcie.
She’d give her both if that’s what it took.
But now, the whole situation just felt painfully ironic.
“Night Owl’s health isn’t good. Donating a kidney could put her life at risk,” Landon rushed over, stepping protectively in front of her. “Mr. Wiggin, I’ll figure something else out. Please, don’t worry.”
“Dulcie’s illness came on so suddenly. Can we really afford to wait?” Dawson’s mom asked Landon, though her gaze never left Night Owl.
Pleading, blaming, longing, and forcefulness–all at once. Her emotions were a tangled mess.
She’d lost her son because of Night Owl, and now she had no choice but to depend on her to save her daughter.
“I’ll do it!” Night Owl declared, her voice steady and unwavering.
She met their eyes, determination written all over her face.
‘Saving Dulcie–this is how I’ll repay Dawson for his life,’ she thought.