Chapter 383
Chapter 383
Officer Chad, who was fed up with his sister, retorted, “So, my hospitalization is good news for you?”
Molly gave him an annoyingly mischievous grin.
Before long, the couple returned to the room, making the atmosphere a tad more relaxed with the
family of four together.
His mother, Coleen, asked, “Why did those two bigwigs drop by today?”
His dad, Kendrick, replied, “They’re still investigating Chad’s case and the incident in River City. The
recent news online has been putting pressure on them, so they had to show up and assure the public.”
Molly, turning round to her parents, announced, “I’m not leaving tonight, just FYI.”
Coleen replied, “Don’t cause more trouble, Molly. Your dad and I will stay in the hospital tonight.”
Molly threw off Chad’s blanket, took off her shoes, and snuggled her legs into the bed, “You two should
leave now.”
Mr. & Mrs. Byrne looked at their mischievous daughter in helpless silence.
Chad knew there would be a lengthy debate with his parents if Molly didn’t stay. Fortunately, he could
take care of himself. So he suggested, “Let her stay. It will make her feel useful, and we won’t have to
deal with her fussing.”
Molly nodded approvingly.
Later, Coleen and Kendrick left with a sense of relief. Molly joyously saw them off at the door, watched
them get into the car, and then dashed back to the hospital room.
“Guess who’s back, Chad?” Molly announced cheerfully, interrupting Chad’s thoughts and bringing a
smile to his face.
Molly locked the door and started to arrange the couch for the night’s sleep. Her excitement about
finally being able to lend a hand was infectious, because Chad found himself in a similarly cheerful
mood.
“Chad, can you eat watermelon?” she asked.
Chad replied, “I can.”
Molly, having removed her makeup, stepped out with a mask on. Then she returned with a hefty
watermelon and a pair of spoons.
“How are we going to eat it without cutting it open?” Chad asked.
Molly replied, “Mia can split a watermelon with a single punch. Try it, Chad.”
Chad simply shook his head, reached for Molly’s bag, and retrieved a small knife. He cut the
watermelon open.
“Huh, I don’t remember putting a knife in my bag.” Molly said, seemingly forgetting again.
Chad handed her half of the watermelon, “You said you needed it when you bought this bag. You were
worried about being targeted because you’re pretty and carry expensive bags. So you put a knife in
there for self-defense.”
Molly concurred, “That sounds like something I would do.”
She sat down at Chad’s bedside, placed the watermelon on her lap, and started browsing for a movie
on her phone.
Chad, meanwhile, was checking his Whatsapp. Ever since he was on the news, a lot of people had
reached out to him. He had spent the day replying to dozens of messages, but still had over two
hundred unread.
What are you doing?” Molly asked, stealing a glance at Chad’s phone screen. Seeing the numerous
messages, she gasped, “You have so many messages! When will you finish replying to all of them?”
Chad handed his phone to her, “My neck hurts from looking at the phone. Can you help me reply?” He
spooned a piece of watermelon and fed it to Molly.
Molly put down her phone, took Chad’s, and opened her mouth to eat the watermelon piece. “Officer
Shawn is asking where the hospital is. He wants to visit you.”
Chad replied, “Turn him down. He’s out of town. It’s not worth it for him to make the trip. It’s the thought
that counts.”
Molly summarized his words and sent them as a reply, acting as Chad’s little assistant.
“How should I reply to this one?” Molly held up the phone for Chad to see without having to move his
head. Chad dictated the reply, and Molly typed it out. Their planned movie night turned into a
messaging marathon. Sometimes, Molly would lean on Chad’s shoulder. Other times she would sprawl
on the edge of the bed, and occasionally she would lie down at the foot of the bed.
When they finished, Molly was tired, and her belly was full of watermelon.
She poured a glass of water for Chad, told him to freshen up, and then collapsed on the couch, pulling
a blanket over herself. Within moments, she was fast asleep.
Chad frowned, realizing his neck brace was still on. He decided to take it off himself, because Molly
was really tired.
Just as he was about to get up, Molly jolted awake. Surprised, Chad froze. “Right, I forgot something.”
Molly muttered as she climbed onto Chad’s bed. Then she carefully removed his neck brace.
Chad said, “Alright, go sleep now.”
Molly yawned, rubbed her hands together, and gently placed them on Chad’s neck where the brace
had left marks. She began to massage him slowly.
“I’m not a professional masseuse, so bear with me. Let me know if it hurts.” she warned.
Chad could feel her soft, feathery touch on his neck and shoulders. He didn’t object. The room was
quiet, making him drowsy. He could hear Molly yawning from time to time, but she never took her
hands off his shoulders.
After half an hour, Molly’s hands were sore, so she couldn’t continue. She sighed and slumped onto the
bed. “Lie back slowly. Use my arm as a pillow. I’ll withdraw it slowly.”
Chad looked at his sister. Her eyes were heavy with sleep. He took Molly’s sore hand, massaging her
wrist. “Bear with it tonight, and get a good sleep at home tomorrow.”
Molly shook her head, “I promised to stay with you.”
Meanwhile, the Cedillo family was having their own moment.
Mia was delighting in the flutters in her belly. “Honey, come! The baby is moving again.”
Andre, fresh from a shower, towel-drying his hair, came over and placed his hand on Mia’s belly, feeling
the tiny movements. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
Mia covered his hand with hers. “Honey, do you think the baby knows we’re its parents?”
“Probably not.”
“Oh!”
Mia continued, “Leo and Molly were so eager to feel the baby move, but neither of them is here.”
Mentioning Molly, Mia suddenly asked, “Honey, can we go to the hospital to see Chad? But will people
accuse us of colluding if we go?”
Andre replied, “It’s not that sensitive. If you want to visit him at the hospital, I’ll accompany you
tomorrow.”
Mia said, “In such critical times, it’s better to tread carefully.”
“Chad’s car accident happened while he was investigating the Mastin family. If we don’t visit him, it
would seem as if our Cedillo family is heartless. Plus, we are also representing Molly’s family as well.”
Andre looked at his young wife. His heart was feeling warm at her comprehensive considerations.
“Tomorrow, let’s take Dad too. Bruce and Naomi will go with their colleagues. We can visit privately, and
also get you a check-up while we’re at it.”