Josh felt his effort crumbling, and he could bla nobody but his family who had dealt him such a hand.
His fists clenched and unclenched, his chest heaving with unspent rage. His heart raced with thoughts that stabbed at him like blades.
So many 'ifs' swirling in his thought;
If only I could turn back the hands of ti,
If only I hadn't kept quiet
If only I hadn't gone ahead to continue living in the Anderson family
If only I had left the family, been the man I should have been…
If I haven't obeyed hoping I was doing the right thing.
No matter how he thought about it, Josh knew for certain he wouldn't be able to turn back the hand of ti.
Because, there was never any dicine for regrets and more so now.
Davis stared at him for a mont, reading the storm on his face, and quietly excused himself. He pushed open the ICU door and stepped into the ward.
His footsteps echoed softly, steady and asured, until he reached the bedside. He sank into the chair with a heaviness that weighed on his soul.
Carefully, almost reverently, he took her hand in his. His thumb traced every inch of her palm, morizing again what he already knew by heart.
He had done this countless tis before so that; every line, every curve, every distinct feature was etched into his mory.
His voice broke the eerie and suffocating silence.
"Babe, it's been more than two weeks." His tone cracked, tender yet burdened with despair.
"So many things have happened… and you weren't awake to see them."
He let out a hollow laugh. "If you were awake, maybe you'd have frowned at the constant intrusion into your space. You always hated when anyone disturbed your rest."
His grip tightened slightly. "But it's your father and grandmother. They can't agree on anything. At this rate, the Santiagos and Andersons might revive their old feud."
He sighed deeply, his tone pained with emotion. "Can you please wake up? I'm losing it, Babe. I don't know what to do anymore. With so many unresolved matters surrounding your identity, I don't even know where to start."
His eyes watered as his voice fell to a whisper. "And the babies… they'll be discharged in a few days. Tell , should they be regarded as motherless? Or should I…" his voice cracked, "...should I send them to an orphanage? Because you know I can't do this alone. Deborah and I… we can't."
He drew a trembling breath. "You have to wake up. This… this wasn't part of the plan."
"..."
He exhaled, defeated, his head bowed. "Why should I even expect a response?" he muttered bitterly.
He lowered his forehead to the bedside, her hand still clasped in his. His eyes stung with unshed tears.
Then, a twitch. Jessica's eyes fluttered faintly, her index finger moving—so subtle it could have been imagined.
Davis stiffened. He felt the faint shift in her hand against his palm, his heart leaping.
His head shot up, eyes searching her face. But she remained still, her features serene, her breathing unchanged.
"My illusion," he whispered, rubbing his brow with his free hand.
Yet the sensation lingered…the tingling warmth in his palm. It felt real. Too real.
==========
anwhile, outside the hospital lobby, Donald guided Lady Matilda toward their car. Just then, another car pulled up.
Her gaze trailed over to the car, as a young man stepped out of the car, her eyes narrowed in recognition.
Julian Anderson.
She looked back towards the hospital elevator hoping to see if Josh was coming out but no.
"Josh… Julian Anderson?" she muttered under her breath. "How are they related?"
Her steps slowed, then halted altogether. She turned to Donald. "I have to verify this identity. Now is the only chance."
Donald frowned. "But Mom, don't you think it might be coincidence?"
"But Mom, don't you think they are different? Or maybe coincidence?"
Lady Matilda shook her head. "My son, there are not many coincidences in this life and for every coincidence there is a reason."
Julian walked toward the lobby in long stride just as he walked past Lady Matilda, she lost her balance.
Julian's footsteps halted imdiately, swiftly holding her up. "Are you okay?" Julian asked. His gaze worried as he looked around for a nurse to attend to her.
On a second glance, he felt the familiarity of the face. His breath caught. "Lady Matilda," he greeted softly.
Lady Matilda took a deep calming breath as she steadied her fra. A soft smile curled her lips.
It wasn't that she was weak but she had wanted to put Julian to a small test and also to get his attention.
And she had succeeded in drawing his full attention.
"Julian, I hope you wouldn't mind my bluntness," she asked.
Julian felt weary at her apology before words, he shook his head lightly just as Lady Matilda's voice fell. "Are you the son of Josh Anderson?"
Julian's gaze narrowed at her.
"You don't get wrong, but I feel you look like my granddaughter Jessica."
Julian froze.
If his mory was right, a few weeks ago he had been at her hocoming banquet of this granddaughter but being in a hurry, he didn't et her in person.
Now that he thinks about, "is it possible to be the sa Jessica, my sister," he mused.
Lady Matilda didn't give him a chance to think. "It's a pity, she was in an accident and currently living in the ICU."
"What?" Julian shrieked with surprise.
"My granddaughter, the one you attended her banquet, is now living…."
"In this hospital?" Julian asked, her voice few decibels higher in surprise.
Lady Matilda nodded. Julian closed his eyes briefly. "It can't be a coincidence. Not in any way." He mused.
While they were still talking, the elevator chid its descent and their gazes snapped towards the direction.
Josh Anderson stepped out. His gaze settling on his son and Lady Matilda, he sighed. But then he couldn't help but wonder had they also t?
Cautiously he walked up to them. Julian looked at his father, "Dad, she is Lady…"
"You don't have to introduce her to , I believe I know her before you do," Josh interrupted. "She is your grandmother." He concluded, his tone calm and even.
Julian blinked, stunned. His mind lagged behind the words.
For the first ti, Julian felt his brain too slow in processing information.
"Dad… you aren't joking, right?" His voice was tentative, desperate.
Josh's expression softened with helplessness. "No. Your mother, Nora, is her daughter."
The truth hit Julian like a blow. He nodded slowly. "So it wasn't a lie… that feeling I had about the na."
Lady Matilda's eyes glistened. "Just like her," she murmured, almost to herself. "Never thought she had a twin."
Her gaze turned cold as steel, snapping back to Josh. "Josh, you owe an explanation. Why did the Santiagos never know that Nora had a son? Why did you keep him with you, even after your family ruined her life?"
Her words cut deep, but then her eyes softened as they moved back to Julian. A smile tugged at her lips, though pain and regret flickered in her gaze. She reached to pat his hand gently.
"You must have suffered so much. Grandma never knew about you. But this… this score I will settle, Josh Anderson."
Lady Matilda took a deep breath. With her purpose achieved, there's no reason to linger anymore.
"Grandson, I guess you have sothing to discuss with your father. Pay a visit soon. I'd like to see you."
"I will…and very soon." Julian replied.
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