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Novel Catalog
Chapter 43:
Equally concerned about Elizabeth’s well-being, Veronica followed Matthew toward the doctor.
“The patient suffered from an intracerebral hemorrhage, which means there has been bleeding in her brain tissue,” the doctor explained as she removed her surgical gown. “The symptoms were as she had displayed earlier. Thankfully, we got to her just in time. If it had been any later, the outcome could’ve been far worse.”
Veronica let out a huge sigh of relief upon hearing the doctor’s words. Intracerebral hemorrhage. The symptoms matched what Tony had experienced two years ago. She vividly recalled the panic she felt when Tony had collapsed while working in the fields, foaming at the mouth and convulsing because a blood vessel in his head had ruptured.
She had rushed to call for emergency help, briefly describing Tony’s symptoms, and the doctor had given her instructions on what to do. She followed them as best as she could, managing to save him from the brink of death. Since then, Veronica had made sure to teach Daniella the proper steps in case such an emergency occurred again, knowing that Daniella would be the one by Tony’s side.
“Is she awake?” Veronica asked with a concerned expression.
The doctor nodded and reassured her, “Yes, she has regained consciousness.”
As the doctor spoke, a nurse appeared, pushing Elizabeth in a hospital bed from the emergency room. Matthew, looking worried, hurried over to her.
“How are you feeling right now, Grandma?” he asked with genuine concern.
Despite her life-threatening ordeal, Elizabeth still managed to smile warmly at her grandson. “I’m fine. I was just—” Her words stopped abruptly as she noticed that Matthew wasn’t the only one present.
“Veronica? What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
The doctor answered for Veronica, “This is the young lady who saved your life! If she hadn’t been there, things could have turned out very differently. You should thank her.”
Turning toward Veronica, the doctor gave her a thumbs-up. “You did a great job! Have you ever had first aid training?”
“No, I’ve never had formal training,” Veronica replied politely with a smile. “It’s just that my father went through something similar two years ago.” She glanced toward Elizabeth. “I’m so glad to see you’re okay, madam. I’ll be on my way now.”
But to her surprise, Elizabeth reached out and gently grasped Veronica’s wrist. “Hold on. I’d like to have a word with you,” she said with a smile.
After the nurse hung an IV drip on Elizabeth, she exited the room. Elizabeth beckoned Veronica closer, and as soon as Veronica was by her side, she held her hand again, her voice soft and grateful. “Dearie, thank you so much for saving me. If it weren’t for you, I’d be gone by now.”
“Don’t say that, madam. You’ll live a long, long life,” Veronica replied, trying to reassure her with a warm smile.
Elizabeth chuckled softly. “I’ve been living alone ever since my husband passed. I tend to overthink when I’m by myself, so I go to the park every morning to clear my mind. There, I practice Tai Chi and chat with other folks my age. It helps me feel less lonely.”
Veronica hadn’t expected Elizabeth to open up like this. In that moment, Elizabeth seemed no different from any other elderly person who craved companionship. Veronica realized that despite her social status, Elizabeth was just another human being, susceptible to the same emotions as anyone else.
“Madam, you should consider having someone accompany you, even if it’s just for exercise,” Veronica said gently.
Elizabeth waved her off with a smile. “I go to the park to find peace of mind. Having someone tag along would defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it?” She patted Veronica’s hand affectionately. “But listen, you saved my life. What can I do to repay you?”
Veronica hesitated, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. “It’s really fine, madam. I didn’t do it for a reward. I’d have done the same for anyone in need.”
Elizabeth smiled warmly, clearly touched. “What a nice young woman you are.” Then her gaze shifted to Matthew, and she sighed. “It’s a pity there isn’t a lady like you in our family. How about this? Why don’t I make you my god-granddaughter?”
Veronica blinked in surprise. “Huh? Make me your god-granddaughter?” That was unexpected, and it took her a moment to process what Elizabeth had said.
“Yes!” Elizabeth insisted. “I know you and Matthew couldn’t get married, and I feel bad about what happened with the child. But I really like you, Veronica. I can tell you’re a good person. Please, would you accept my offer?”
Veronica opened her mouth to respond, but the words didn’t come immediately. She had saved Elizabeth purely out of compassion, and now, she found herself considering a proposal that could have far-reaching consequences. Accepting could certainly protect her from future complications with the Larsons. Moreover, having Elizabeth’s backing would likely put an end to Matthew’s harassment.
As she pondered, Elizabeth subtly slid a jade bracelet off her wrist and onto Veronica’s without her realizing. “I’ve worn this bracelet all my life,” Elizabeth said softly. “I’m giving it to you as the first gift I’m giving you as your god-grandmother.”
Veronica’s brow furrowed as she looked at the bracelet, unsure of how to feel. She could sense the weight of the gesture, yet she was conflicted.
Matthew, who had been standing quietly by, looked perplexed at his grandmother’s actions. He finally spoke up. “Grandma, are you sure about this?”
Elizabeth held onto Veronica’s hand with a firm grip, glancing at Matthew with a stern look. “I’ve made up my mind. From now on, you will treat her as you would an older brother.”
An icy chill seemed to settle over the room as Matthew’s gaze flicked from his grandmother to Veronica. He looked like he was about to say something, but then he sneered. “Are you sure she didn’t approach you on purpose?”
Elizabeth didn’t wait for Matthew to finish. Without hesitation, she reached over and pinched his thigh hard. “I’ve lived a long life, Matthew. I’m not wrong about this.”
Matthew gritted his teeth, frustrated, but remained silent. It was clear he was upset, but he wasn’t going to challenge his grandmother further.
With a deep sigh, he muttered, “She’s not as simple as you think she is.”
Elizabeth waved him off. “If I wanted a simpleton, I could find one easily enough!”
Her words shut Matthew down instantly. Meanwhile, Veronica couldn’t help herself. Laughter bubbled up from within her as she realized how adorably stubborn Elizabeth was.
Elizabeth then smiled at Veronica. “My birthday is in two months. I’ll be inviting all the prominent figures in Bloomstead to celebrate. Come to my party, and I’ll introduce you to them.”
Veronica’s eyes widened slightly. She knew Elizabeth’s birthday parties had always been private affairs, limited to family. The fact that she was now willing to invite a wider circle spoke volumes about how highly she regarded Veronica.
It was a strange new chapter beginning for Veronica, and she could already feel that her relationship with the Kings family was about to take an unexpected turn.
