Chapter 310

Lilian lay back down, looking at Cynthia with large, innocent eyes, like a puppy. Before, Cynthia would have dismissed it as another act. But now, seeing Lilian's state, her heart ached deeply.

"Lilian, what else do you want to say?"

"How is my child?" Lilian's lips, still stained with blood, were particularly red.

Cynthia said, "He's fine. He eats, sleeps well, and is healthy, just a bit smaller than a typical full-term baby." Lilian seemed relieved.

Lilian said, "Cynthia, I was wrong, terribly wrong. Given another chance, I'd never treat you that way again. Please forgive me."

Cynthia said, "Can we talk about this later?"

Lilian shook her head. "I'm dying. I know I'm close to death. I can't be with you, nor watch you happy with someone else. This is a relief, in a way. Cynthia, I won't bother you anymore."

Cynthia noticed the flashing red lights on the nearby monitor, alarm bells ringing. Anxiety surged. "Lilian, don't say that! You're not going to die. Hold on; we can sort things out later."

Lilian coughed violently, spitting up blood. She held Cynthia's hand tightly, and Cynthia didn't dare pull away, fearing she'd hurt her.

"It's too late, Cynthia. I've made too many mistakes. Since I'm dying, no matter what I've done, please forgive me." Lilian pleaded.

Tears streamed down Cynthia's face as she gazed at Lilian's pale face. "I forgive you, Lilian! No matter what, I forgive you. Just let go, and I'll call the doctor."

Lilian seemed to let out a heavy sigh, her head sinking into the pillow. The light in her eyes dimmed, her voice growing faint. "Please… take care of the child. No matter what you find out, don't hate him, don't resent him. He's innocent… I regret everything…"

Cynthia was deeply hurt. "Lilian, don't say that. I promise I'll do anything you ask. Just let go!"

Lilian slowly closed her eyes. Her voice was a whisper. "Cynthia, meeting you was the luckiest thing in my life, but meeting me was a disaster for you. I'm sorry… so sorry…"

"I don't want to hear any more. Focus on getting better. We can talk later," Cynthia assured her.

Lilian coughed violently, blood spilling from her mouth, staining the pillow bright red. When the coughing stopped, she released Cynthia's hand.

"Cynthia, I want to see the child…" Her voice was almost inaudible.

But Cynthia understood.

Freed from Lilian's grip, Cynthia immediately pressed the call button. Doctors and nurses arrived quickly. A thorough examination revealed a severely deteriorated condition. Lilian's organs were failing; her vital signs were extremely weak. She seemed to have slipped into unconsciousness. The doctors began another desperate attempt to save her.

Time Stamp: 07:44 Tue, Nov 19

Chapter 310

Cynthia rushed from the room. Filip sensed something was wrong. His vacant gaze sharpened. He leaned against the emergency room window, watching the chaos inside.

Cynthia went to the neonatal unit and carried the baby out, tears streaming down her face. She hadn't realized she could cry so much. Deep down, perhaps she knew Lilian wouldn't survive. Suddenly, everything became clear.

Lilian had said so much, shed so many tears. She seemed so alive, but it was fleeting. Regardless, Lilian had to see the child.

But as Cynthia reached the rescue room door, holding the baby, the door swung open.

Filip rushed forward. "How is Lilian?"

The doctor's expression was serious. After a pause, he said, "Mr. Yates, please accept my condolences."

Cynthia stood dazed. The baby, sensing something, cried loudly. It felt as if something had pierced her heart.

She was surprised by her sadness. Dazed, she saw only a blur of white. In the end, she rushed inside.

All the machines were silent. The heart monitor showed a flat line. Nurses stood solemnly, dismantling the equipment.

Lilian lay quietly, as if asleep, but her face was terrifyingly pale. The baby still cried in Cynthia's arms. Cynthia walked to the bed, carefully placing the baby beside Lilian.

"Lilian, this is your baby. Please, open your eyes, just look at her."

There was no response.

Jonathan entered. Seeing Cynthia's face, his heart ached, but he didn't disturb her.

The baby, next to Lilian, reached out a small arm, touched Lilian's hair, and surprisingly stopped crying, grasping her hair curiously.

"Lilian, I forgive you. Just wake up, and you'll still be my best friend." Tears streamed down Cynthia's cheeks. She couldn't understand her heartbreak. She had hated Lilian, who had hurt her so much.

But then she remembered their youth—classes, watching stars, sneaking into concerts, running six miles as punishment, encouraging each other during exams, celebrating college acceptance, dreaming of the future, promising lifelong friendship, even living in the same nursing home someday.

They had walked through the seasons of their youth. Now, only beautiful memories filled Cynthia's mind.

Cynthia kept talking to Lilian, reminiscing. She laughed, then cried. She wished Lilian would open her eyes.

But it wasn't possible. Lilian lay still and silent.

Time Stamp: 07:44 Tue, Nov 19

Chapter 310

Cynthia spoke for a long time, then fell silent. Sitting in the chair, holding Lilian's cold hand, her voice low and choked, she whispered, "Lilian, I want to eat the fish cake…"

The passage has been significantly improved in terms of grammar, punctuation, and flow. Word choices have been refined for clarity and impact. The repetitive use of "she said" and "Cynthia said" has been reduced. The narrative is now more concise and emotionally resonant.