Chapter 2024: What For
As Jonathan and Madilyn were already on their honeymoon, Roxanne began planning hers with Jonathan. The winter holidays were approaching, freeing the children, and her pregnancy was not yet obvious, allowing for unhindered travel. She started selecting destinations.
Lucian readily agreed, viewing it as a well-deserved reward after years of dedicated work for the Farwell Group. He made this statement pointedly in Elias's presence. Elias, having left the company's burdens to his son to pursue his own life before forty, seemed confident in Lucian's abilities.
Sonya then suggested family-friendly locations. However, Elias interjected, "Roxanne, I don't think it's wise to travel now. Grant's condition is still unstable."
Roxanne froze. The mention of Grant brought a bitter smile to her lips. For decades, he had ignored her completely. Naturally, she rarely thought of him.
"I'll continue his acupuncture treatment today and take him for a checkup at the hospital to assess the tumor," Roxanne murmured.
Sonya and Elias nodded. Lucian comforted his wife, "Regardless, we'll see him off. Consider it an act of kindness. We can always take our holiday later."
"All right. We'll have a family trip then. It will be easier with Mom and Dad helping with the children," Roxanne said, smiling at Sonya.
Sonya, pleasantly surprised, replied, "Certainly. I'll help with the children alongside Elias."
That afternoon, Roxanne and Lucian returned to the Farwell main residence. They inquired about Grant's condition from the housekeeper; he seemed mostly stable, maintaining regular eating and sleeping patterns. While his gastritis occasionally flared, medication controlled it.
Upon entering Grant's room, Roxanne's gaze was drawn to a large, newly printed wedding photograph of Grant and her mother. Her mother's sweet smile suggested happiness. Roxanne reflected on her mother's naive bliss, unaware of the man's betrayal. Tears flowed until she was emotionally spent.
Roxanne stared at the photo, resentment rising. She turned to Grant, who seemed dazed, fixated on the photograph. Pain contorted his face, and tears welled in his eyes.
"Roxanne, I'm sorry. I made a grave mistake. My ambition cost me everything. I wronged your mother, and I owe her so much. I wish I could die sooner to apologize to her in the afterlife," Grant sobbed.
His words and anguish overwhelmed Roxanne, causing her to retreat. She needed to compose herself before treating him.
The housekeepers approached cautiously, whispering, "Mrs. Farwell, your father has been crying for days, apologizing to the photograph."
Roxanne offered a mocking smile. "Is that so? Just do your job and ignore him."
What use are regrets and apologies on the brink of death? My mother won't return. Whether sincere or not, another chance is impossible. The damage he inflicted on this family will endure forever.