Chapter 25
Simon’s sister had once made the bold decision to abandon her hard–earned position and join the army as a medic, even if it meant severing ties with her family. Sophie always admired her sister’s courage, so when she heard the news of her sister’s passing, it hit her hard.
“My sister became an army medic because my brother–in–law was a soldier. Mia is their child. After he passed away, Mia was entrusted to me.”
Only now did Sophie learn the full truth. The weight of such a heavy story left her feeling a bit melancholic as she looked at Mia, who was obediently sitting beside Tia Clark in the hospital room.
“But Tia Clark’s been doing a wonderful job raising Mia,” Simon said with a smile. “Don’t feel sad for her. Mia has a great mom now, and soon she’ll have me as a great dad. Although she’s already used to calling me Uncle.”
Sophie felt a bit awkward. As Simon’s cousin, she hadn’t immediately recognized the relationship between Tia Clark and Simon, and even contemplated helping a rival take her cousin–in–law away. This left her feeling embarrassed in front of Simon, and she shook her head helplessly.
“Simon, there’s something else,” Sophie paused. “You know that Ethan Harrison has always…”
“Loved Tia Clark?”
“Yes.”
Simon had witnessed those five years firsthand. He had seen Ethan’s cold and harsh behavior towards Tia Clark time and again, and he couldn’t comprehend how Ethan could now claim to love her.
“He’s a jerk,” Simon said flatly. “Sophie, your job isn’t at his company, is it?”
“Well…” Sophie hesitated before continuing, “But Ethan has a long scar on his arm.”
This was news to Simon, and though surprised, he merely raised an eyebrow, encouraging Sophie to go on.
“I don’t mean anything by it,” Sophie said, recalling the accidental glimpse she caught when Ethan had reclined in his office chair, unfastening his watch. “Maybe Ethan really has changed.”
“If apologies were enough, we wouldn’t need the police.”
Simon succinctly summarized their five years of shared history.
On the day of Tia Clark’s discharge, the skies over Kingsbury City were clear. Tia had recovered well, and as Simon carried Mia to the car before turning back to help her, she protested with a laugh.
“I’m fine now,” Tia Clark said, amused. “Do you think I’m made of glass?”
Ignoring her protests, Simon scooped her up as well, much to Mia’s delight. The little girl giggled, “Is Mommy a kid too? Uncle Simon, you’re amazing! You carried Mia and Mommy!”
“That’s right,” Simon replied proudly while fastening Tia’s seatbelt and playfully ruffling Mia’s hair. “Remember to praise me like that next time, okay? No more calling Uncle an old fart.”
Mia stuck out her tongue at him.
In the sunlight, everything seemed especially beautiful. Tia Clark’s eyes crinkled into a smile as she gazed past Mia’s fluffy head out the window, spotting a figure standing straight outside the hospital.
Startled, Tia Clark paused.
Just as the car was about to pull away, she gently tapped Simon’s shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”
Simon had noticed Nathan earlier but chose to ignore him. He hadn’t expected Tia to see him too. With a
resigned sigh, he turned off the engine. Tia chuckled and leaned over to kiss his cheek. “I’ll be quick. Stay here
with Mia.”
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Chapter 25
“Uncle, your face is so red!”
Mia giggled loudly as Tia stepped out of the car. Despite having regained her strength, Simon remained overly
cautious.
“Nathan,” Tia Clark called out as the wind tousled her loose hair. Her complexion had improved significantly, and she looked as innocent as she did in the past. “What happened to your leg?”
Nathan was taken aback, not expecting her to approach him. He turned his gaze to the ground, torn between looking away and staring at her.
“Are you leaving?” he asked, his voice hoarse and barely audible. “When do you leave?”
Chapter 26
