SWNOVELS Chapter 17
Lauren was fuming and blurted out, "It must have been that little hussy! I always said she didn't fit in with our family!"
Billy retorted with a hint of sarcasm, "Oh, you are one to talk! Remember when I wanted to do a paternity test, and you threatened to divorce me? Lauren, why didn't you go through with it back then?" Lauren felt guilty because she had a boyfriend at the time. There was no way she could take that risk and get the paternity test done!
Later on, Lauren sent Josefina to live in her village. As time passed, Lauren had a son, and the couple almost forgot they had another daughter.
Lauren snapped at Billy, "I married you, and you doubt me. Let's get a divorce right now!"
Ruby grabbed Lauren's arm, scared that in Billy's rage, he might actually go through with the divorce. She didn't want to lose her shot at being the pampered princess. Compared to her former life, she much preferred the current luxury and abundance.
"Mom, don't be mad at Dad. Blame me if you have to. If I hadn't come back, my sister wouldn't have done things to hurt you both. It's my fault for being useless. Just blame me. It's all because I'm not capable enough to help you and Dad."
As tears welled up in Ruby's eyes, Billy and Lauren couldn't help but feel sympathetic. After all, she was their biological daughter who had suffered out in the world for many years; of course, they loved her. Lauren said affectionately, "Ruby, it's not your fault, and we don't blame you. It's all Josefina's fault!"
Billy frowned and said, "I'm going to ask an old friend for help."
Watching Billy's retreating figure, Ruby knew that her dad still prioritized profit above all. If she couldn't bring profit to the company, she knew she could very well be abandoned.
Ruby thought of something and planned to seek help from a certain man tomorrow.
Josefina sat in the living room, eyeing a table full of various dishes with a raging appetite.
Garrett said, "Josie, we didn't know what you liked to eat, so I told the kitchen to whip up a bit of everything. Later, you can tell the kitchen your preferences, and they'll cook according to your tastes." "Thank you," Josefina said, genuinely touched.
Hattie watched Josefina with a warm smile and picked up a rib with the serving cutlery. "Try the ribs I made."
Josefina took a bite. They were tangy and delicious, just to her liking. She didn't skimp on praise and sincerely said, "They're delicious, the best ribs I've ever had."
Hattie couldn't be happier hearing the compliments from her daughter. She glanced at Garrett with a gleam of pride as if showing off.
Garrett chuckled, "Your mom's ribs are the best. They're the best I've ever had, too."
Hattie blushed with a mix of delight and shyness, playfully glaring at Garrett for flaunting their affection in front of their daughter. Josefina ate another rib, smiling without a word.
Garrett suggested, "Josie, after dinner, come with me to see your grandma. Maybe your arrival could wake her up."
Josefina nodded, "Okay." She was curious to see if she could indeed awaken her grandmother.
At the hospital.
Josefina's grandma, Clover, was lying in the hospital bed, her complexion pale and lips colorless, the image of chronic illness.
Garrett and Hattie brought Josefina to her bedside, and the three of them stood there looking at the old woman. Josefina sat down, her fingertips resting on Clover's wrist, feeling for her pulse. Watching Josefina's actions, Garrett and Hattie didn't ask any questions. They actually had quite a bit of faith in Josefina's medical skills. They just felt sorry for their daughter for having endured so much hardship.
Josefina's brow was furrowed as she examined her grandma, deep in concentration. It wasn't until Josefina's hand relaxed that Garrett gently said, "Honey, your grandma has been sick for a long time now. There's really nothing we can do, and it's okay."