Chapter 21
Faith stayed by Ethan’s side the entire time, and Callie refused to leave as well.
Seven days passed in the blink of an eye, yet Ethan showed no signs of waking up.
“Mom, why isn’t Dad waking up?” Callie’s voice was hoarse, and her eyes were swollen and red after days of crying.
Faith’s heart ached as she pressed a cool towel to Callie’s eyes. “He will wake up.” ·
“Mom, I’m scared. I don’t want Dad to die.”
Faith choked up. “Ethan, if you don’t wake up soon, we will never forgive you!”
Ethan’s fingers twitched on the bed. His eyes started to move beneath his lids.
Slowly, he struggled to open his eyes. “Faith… Callie…”
“Mom, Dad woke up!” Callie ran over excitedly, her face full of joy. “Dad!”
“I’m sorry for making you worry.”
“We should be the ones thanking you. Thank you for saving us.” Faith’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she held back her emotions.
Ethan managed a weak smile but said nothing more.
Faith
Faith still wasn’t ready to forgive him.
“I’ll get the doctor.” She turned and left the room, tears finally slipping down her cheeks the moment she stepped out. Thankfully, he was going to be okay.
Ethan’s condition stabilized, and he was out of danger.
Faith took Callie back to Averna. She didn’t say goodbye to Ethan in person; instead, she sent him a message.
Faith wouldn’t stop him from seeing Callie, and hoped he would spend more time with her whenever he could.
Callie became even happier than before with Ethan’s love.
Every day, Callie would video call Ethan, watching him recover bit by bit. Ethan, in turn, grew more and more patient with her. No matter how busy he was–even in the middle of a meeting–he would keep the video on, watching over Callie as she studied.
He often secretly asked about Faith, and Callie never failed to report everything in detail.
“Dad, I’ve been stopping other men from getting close to Mom. You have to work hard to win her back!” Callie beamed, proud of herself for stopping yet another admirer from approaching Faith.
“Callie, you’re awesome! I will be in Averna for a business trip in a few days. What would you like?”
“Really? I only want you, Dad.”
“Alright. We’ll see each other next week.”
Standing at the doorway of the room, Faith listened to their conversation. She couldn’t stop smiling.
Faith wasn’t aware of Ethan’s arrival in Averna. On that day, she brought Callie home as usual, but she froze when she pushed open the door.
The house was filled with balloons and flowers. Each balloon had a ribbon tied to it, and the words “Faith, I love you” were on every one.
The couch was stacked with gift boxes, and a fluffy little teddy bear sat among them.
Ethan, wearing an apron, emerged from the kitchen carrying Faith’s favorite dishes.
“You’re back. Wash up. Let’s eat.”
“Dad, this is not bad at all!” Callie gave Ethan a thumbs–up before pulling Faith inside. “I learned all this from TV. Isn’t it romantic?”
Ethan scratched his head, looking a little shy. “Uh… Faith, I came uninvited. I hope you don’t mind.”
.
Faith glanced at the mastermind behind it all before shaking her head. “It’s fine. Romance is for the young. I don’t need it.”
“Who says so? Mom, you’re young too!”
“Exactly! Callie’s right.” Ethan agreed immediately.
“Let’s eat,” Faith said, changing the subject.
“Alright.”
Faith and Callie sat together while Ethan took the seat across from them. He kept looking at Faith, hesitating as if he wanted to say something
Callie gave him an encouraging nod.
Ethian pushed a dish in front of Faith. “These are all your favorites. Eat more.”
Callie frowned in exasperation, shooting him a look before whispering, “Hurry up, Dad.”
Chapter 21
2/2
With Callie’s encouragement, Ethan stood up and walked over to Faith. He knelt down in front of her.
“Faith, I love you. I know I can’t change the past, but I will keep trying to make you both happy. You don’t have to forgive me right away, but please, let me stay by your side and take care of you. I will always love you and Callie.“.
Faith was touched, but she didn’t respond right away.
“Mom…” Callie pouted, looking up at Faith expectantly.
Faith let out a small smile and helped Ethan to his feet. “Ethan, I believe you’ll be a great father from now on. As for whether or not you’re a good husband… we’ll see.”
Ethan nodded furiously, looking as if he wanted to hug her but was too afraid to do so.
His eyes glistened with emotion. “You… You’re giving me a chance?”
“That depends on your performance.”
“I’ll do my best!”
*
