chase a house lies with yo

ef. "How can you even say that? Aren't you aware of your real family ties? You lavish care on a stepmother with your money, yet refuse to purch

it supposed to be the other way around? I think you're mistaken. The money I earn i

freed herself from Judie's gras

After all, Eileen's influence was se

car, dwelling in a spacious home, and even tending to her sick st

wasn't

o the restroom to call Roderick. They ha

r desk, banishing all distractio

completed her tasks on time. Now, as the office emp

m both, so engrossed in her work that luncht

reason to hold her in high regard, just as Vivian ha

ff work, Eileen?" Vivian's inqu

et Bryan's. He stood casual, one hand resting in his pocket, his gaze

Vivian teased, "I'm whisking Bryan a

ks urgent? If not, perhaps she could tackle

his voice low but clea

earlier?" Vivian gently

arted, yet no w

tomorrow." Bryan tapped the desk lightly. T

it had been Vivian who had convinced Bryan to do so. Somehow

ponded with a touch of formality, "Ye

using only to give a playful

hought. What had Vivian and Bryan done inside th

e unwelcome tide of emotions and wand

organizing the documents and with her b

the time Eileen reached the hospital, darkness had al

er way to the inpatient wing, a path well-trodden over the

Eileen had been the quiet spectator of a bitter

her father

with Roderick. Visits had ceased until two years prior, spurr

towards Eileen, demanding she quit school. Her defiance had near

sessions to ensure Eileen's education. Eileen had excell

leen was in high school, eventually s

we need to discuss," called out Dr. Emilio White,

mile. "Please, Dr.

rd, Emilio said in a hushed voic

ost seventy, his age evident in the

nding as Emilio took his seat, the ove

eat your mother's illness. However, they are l

tion, had prompted Emilio

ows together in conce

existing medication fee for

s stark. Without the new treatment, she has, at bes

ted, yet Emilio's clear briefing sh

fer precious years-a decision she once w

Bryan cast a shadow over her financial security. The future hel

I take a few days to cons

's not every day such a chance co

rd. It was no suite, yet it was more than comfor

saw Eileen. "Eileen, what brings you here?

n advance due to her demanding job, and Ruby

I'd drop by," Eileen explained, placing her belongi

t facing the trial of breast cancer,

e," Eileen greeted them politely

et for many, the day had already wound down,

ered a nod as a respo

ained, reached her. "Eileen, it looks like you've los

. "That's the trend these days, isn't it?" With the bed

runt of time, and a scar on her forehead

. It's too much for her family t

the Baker family she knew well, who wa

mine, too. It's incurable, and it's causing you so much pain.

when her daughter, Bailee Brooks, was still young. Then, she h

I have no obligation there. You need

was only saying that to persuade her

bed ready, Eileen motioned for Ruby to rest. "Bailee knows I'll be h

tled into the bed, succu

by wanted to say; s

ng suit. She was more adept at firm d

iment frightened her. It felt l

sounds of activity disrupting any chance of peace. Her

e sun, but by the clamor of the nea

ears. "Could you please lower your

ut words, their volume sof

ing up in the communal bathroom b

y, Ruby's curiosity broke the silence.

Eileen's mind. She was married, th

is. Eileen just smiled

to do the same." Ruby looked at Eileen thoughtfully. "I once worked as a