Within the medical room, Laura and Wesley were locked in a tearful embrace, weeping uncontrobly.
Outside, Sheldon stood next to Charles. Hearing the muffled cries from within, both felt a deep sense of sorrow.
Charles was disheartened to witness such a solid family unraveling, yet he empathized with Laura''s fear and anxiety.
He felt sympathy for his son Wesley and trusted his loyalty to his wife. Yet, he understood that hearts and emotions were fickle and could change over time, making it nearly impossible for them to stay constant forever.
"Sheldon, let''s go! We need to organize Wesley''s assets," Charles said with a sigh, feeling as if he had aged significantly in such a brief span of time.
Sheldon quietly brushed away his tears and helped Charles as they departed.
"Contact Marcus and advise him to have a meaningful conversation with his father before addressing the issues," Charles added.
"Understood, Mr. Holden Senior."
Charles hurried back to the guesthouse to rest. He understood Wesley better than anyone else. As soon as he learned that Wesley had agreed to Laura''s divorce request, he anticipated the decision his son would make.
He organized Wesley''s assets to facilitate transferring them to Laura. The Holden family had a significant debt to her. While being Mrs. Holden might appear prestigious and morous, over the years, her life had been more difficult than that of a typical person.
This status had actually caused her more harm than good. Charles sympathized with Laura''s wish to depart. However, his heart ached for his son.
Wesley had stood by his wife''s side through all the ups and downs for so long. Now, just when she had finally recovered, he was facing the prospect of a divorce.
Sheldon turned back and dialed Marcus'' number. With a sniffle, he recounted the entire situation.
As he finished, Sheldon couldn''t contain his tears any longer and cried out, "Mr. Marcus, please convince Mrs. Holden! Beg her not to divorce Mr. Holden. It''s so difficult for the family toe together, and a sudden divorce is just too much to handle!"
However, Marcus'' response was to abruptly hang up the call. This left Sheldon crying even harder.
Once Marcus ended the call with Sheldon, nearly an hour passed before he returned to The Herbalist''s Sanctuary.
Meanwhile, Wesley and Laura had settled down. The two sat opposite each other in a rxed manner. Light snacks, tea, and drinks were arranged before them, and they both wore serene and pleasant smiles.
Marcus was nearby, observing for a moment before gradually making his way over. "Father, Mom," he greeted.
"Marcus has arrived. Come, sit down," Wesley and Laura both said in unison, patting the spot next to them at the same time.
After their simultaneous invitation, they exchanged smiles, their natural and warm connection evident.
Marcus took a seat, and Laura set a mini fruit tart in front of him. "I heard Nat enjoys mini fruit tarts, so Joshua arranged for someone to make them for us."
Marcus gave a slight nod. "Yes."
Laura then suggested, "Marcus, you should talk to your father." She rose from her seat and added, "I''ll go and speak with Nat."
"Alright," he responded politely.
She smiled gently before turning and walking away.
She was allowed to take a brief stroll outside the pharmacy today, but she absolutely couldn''t remain outdoors for an extended period. Her skin was still unable to handle the harm caused by sunlight and UV rays.
Once Laura departed, Wesley served Marcus a cup of tea. "This is the herbal tea Mr. Brown arranged for us. It will rejuvenate your senses and bring you a sense of tranquility once you drink it."
He then asked, "Marcus, are you upset with me or holding any resentment?"
Marcus lifted the teacup and took a gentle sip. "Father, do you believe I ought to be upset with you? Should I harbor any resentment?"
"Yes, you should," Wesley said with a bitter twist of his lips. "Marcus, I''m to me. I didn''t do enough to keep your mother safe.
"Since my memories came back, I''ve been pondering if either your grandfather or I had recognized Cassie''s unusual affliction back then and intervened, could things have turned out differently?"
Marcus stayed quiet, simply holding the cup and sipping his tea slowly and deliberately.
Wesley said, "Later on, I reflected on it. Life doesn''t present many what-ifs. Cassie was the daughter your grandfather cherished the most, and she was also my most adored younger sister.
"When I first introduced your mother to the family, Cassie reacted with intense anger and displeasure. Both your grandfather and I reprimanded her. But how did she respond?"
Wesley knitted his brow, pausing to
think. "She red at me, filled with
anger and resentment. She even
pped me and said she despised me, insisting I shouldn''t have girlfriend. I assumed she
like a spoiled child, so was acting
your
grandfather and I decided to freeze her bank card.
"A few dayster, her demeanorpletely changed. She began to behave affectionately toward your mother and apologized to both me and your grandfather. We were genuinely pleased to see her get along with Laura.
"Your grandfather and I always wanted a peaceful family without daily disputes and conflicts. As
Cassie''s bond with your ve
strengthened, we generously supported her financially. But who could have predicted that this money would eventually be the weapon she used against us?"
Wesley paused, sipping his tea before he continued. "Marcus, you''re now mature enough to protect your mother and grandfather, which brings me greatfort. There are certain things I wish to discuss with you, not as your father, but man to man."
"Go ahead," Marcus said, setting his teacup aside. "Sheldon told me that Mom has asked you for a divorce. If you''re hoping I''ll convince her otherwise, it''s unnecessary."
Wesley replied with a sigh. "No, I''ve already agreed to the divorce. Marcus, I will be divorcing your mother, and I''ll leave the marriage empty-handed. All assets under my name will go to her.
"However, your mother has been unwell for many years and hasn''t had much opportunity to engage with the outside world. I hope you''ll assist her in managing those assets."
"I will do that." Marcus nodded. "What else?"
Wesley continued. "Following the
divorce, I hope you and Nat can spend more time with your mother Throughout her illness these past years was always there, caring for andforting her. Now that she''s recovering, she won''t be able to fully manage on her own just yet.
"I hope you can find reliable people to help with her meals and other needs. I''ll be away for some time, and during that time, please promise me that you''ll stay with your mother and not get involved in anything else. Marcus, is that alright?" With that, Wesley gazed at Marcus with intensity. "You''re my son. For over 20 years, I''ve never held you, never fed you once, and never walked beside you. "I''ve missed countless milestones in your life, yet here I am, making this unreasonable request. Honestly, it''s embarrassing for me. But son, I need to ask you for this favor."
"I promise," Marcus responded instantly. "Father, I ept your request."
His swift agreement surprised Wesley, and it took him a moment to gather
himself.
"Great, excellent," Wesley grinned with relief. "It''s settled between us, father and
son. And remember, don''t mention this to your mother, alright?"
"Alright."