?<strong>Chapter 386:</strong>


    Kristopher said firmly, “She is my wife, not a maid bound to tiptoe around me at all times!” After the nursepleted the bandaging, Kristopher nced at his stained coat and discarded it. The nurse, eyeing the discarded designer suit in the trash, contemted discreetly salvaging it.


    Carrie pulled out her phone, saying, “I’ll call Oliver to fetch the backup outfit from the car.”


    Having called, Carrie observed the strained exchange between Kristopher and Billie. She recalled how Billie had softened during their ride, even expressing concern after they saw the Campbells. A rtionship should not hinge on one-sidedpromises.


    Carrie, not one to exploit situations, moved closer and said, “Billie makes a valid point. I’ll be more cautious in the future.”


    ustomed to Carrie’s sharp retorts recently, Billie was taken aback by her soothing tone. After a brief pause, Billie responded, “Very well, as long as you’ve understood.”


    Her voice clearly became gentler. Kristopher watched, taken aback by the shift in dynamics between Carrie and Billie. Could it be that their rtionship as mother-inw and daughter-inw was actually evolving?


    Once Kristopher was in fresh attire, Billie insisted on aprehensive health check for them both, redoing some tests they hadpleted just months earlier. The doctor assured them of their excellent health. Still notpletely convinced, Billie requested additional nutritional supplements.


    Following the examination, Kristopher suggested to Billie, “Mom, why don’t you go ahead home? Carrie and I need to stop by to see Gracie.”


    Billie harbored little warmth for the Campbell family and held simr sentiments toward the elder from the small town. She had never once visited Carrie’s grandmother, Gracie, since the couple’s wedding. Reflecting briefly, Billie replied, “I wille with you.”


    She promptly used her phone and instructed the driver, “Please bring two boxes of the fish oil I picked up today.” Carrie moved closer and expressed her gratitude quietly. “Thank you, Billie.”


    Kristopher’s intrigue grew. Yet, he opted to keep his thoughts to himself, sensing that anyment might disrupt the current harmony.


    In the hospital room, Gracie had just enjoyed a massage and was reclining on her bed, visibly rejuvenated. The arrival of Carrie and Kristopher caught her off guard, but she quickly weed them with a smile. Just as she was about to speak, she spotted Billie next to them and inquired with a hint of surprise, “And who do we have here?”


    Billie stepped closer to the bed, grasped Gracie’s hand gently, and introduced herself, saying, “Gracie, I’m Kristopher’s mother. I’ve been caught up with family issues and regret noting by earlier.” As she offered this exnation, Billie felt a twinge of embarrassment, recognizing the frailty of her justification.


    For two years, she had been too “busy” to visit. Billie took the fish oil from Kristopher and set it on the bedside table, saying, “Gracie, I rmend this fish oil. Even my mother-inw finds it beneficial for health.”


    Gracie sped Billie’s hand with a warm smile. “It’s kind of you to consider my health.”


    Beside them, Kristopher arranged his presents, prompting Oliver to quickly exin to the caregiver the correct usage of each item. Gracie’sughter filled the room. “Knowing that Carrie and Kristopher are content, I feel at peace even if I meet my end tomorrow.”


    “Billie, please, take a seat,” Carrie said. She fetched a chair for Billie and then seated herself near the bed, fussing with the nket. “Oh, grandma, you’ve always held the belief that words hold mysterious power in fulfilling themselves, yet now you talk like that.”


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