Chapter 158
Jacob was sitting in front of his laptop, scrolling through something. He looked up and said, "Sir, I found out that Mrs. Harrison's grandmother is in this hospital. She's got a broken leg. It seems like Mrs. Harrison came to visit her."
Henry's eyes softened instantly. He barely blinked before saying, "Find out where she's staying."
He'd never met Ava. The wedding had been rushed. Only their direct families were invited. It was more of a formality, and he hadn't stayed long. He didn't even know which relatives from the Hardwick family had attended.
Over the years, Victoria hadn't mentioned Ava much. To be honest, they hadn't talked much at all. And when they did, it was mostly just sweet nothings between husband and wife, especially in bed.
Henry rubbed his forehead. He needed to contact her and then go visit Ava.
Pete watched Victoria's nervousness and gave a small, helpless smile. "You're acting like you're about to go to court. You've never been this scared before."
Victoria forced a smile, though it looked strained. "You don't get it. I'm just a little... nervous."
"But no matter how nervous you are, you still have to face it," Pete said gently. "Go in. Ava will be so happy to see you."
Victoria closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and then pushed open the door.
"Pete, I told you to go back. You don't have to keep looking after me. The nurse can handle it."
A voice from inside the room spoke up, tinged with mild irritation.
"Grandma..."
Victoria thought she had herself together, but as soon as she saw the elderly woman sitting on the bed, wearing reading glasses and fiddling with her phone, her throat closed up.
Ava, who had been watching videos on her phone, froze when she heard Victoria's choked voice. Her smile faltered, and she slowly looked up.
She took off her reading glasses and gave the young woman entering the room a careful look.
"Vicky?" she said cautiously, almost as if unsure. It had been five years, after all.
Victoria's tears came flooding out. Everything she was holding slipped from her hands, and she rushed over to Ava, throwing her arms around her.
"Grandma, I'm so sorry..."
Ava slapped her gently on the back. "You little brat. Don't call me Grandma. Let go of me!"
But despite the harsh words, her voice also choked up. This was the girl she had raised herself. She had poured everything she knew into her, watching her grow, bloom, and flourish.
But five years ago, everything had changed. Victoria, who should've been strong and stubborn, should've fought for the truth and cleared her name.
Instead, she'd let so–called love blind her. She didn't question the lies, didn't defend herself, and rushed into marriage without looking back.
Ava was angry and disappointed. But time, as it always does, had a way of healing old wounds. All that remained now was longing.
She often remembered Victoria as the little girl who'd sat beside her, serious about learning the art of incense–making, the way she'd sneak away to play up in the mountains, and how she'd always find excuses to get out of work.
Now, Victoria had finally come to visit her.
Victoria cried uncontrollably, overwhelmed by guilt and self–blame. As Ava's words hit her, it felt like the floodgates had opened inside her, and all the emotions she'd kept bottled up came rushing out, drowning her. She cried so hard and could barely breathe.
Ava quickly called out, "Pete, quick! Call a doctor. She's going to pass out!"
Victoria's sobs suddenly hitched, and before she knew it, she was hiccupping uncontrollably. Her face flushed bright red with embarrassment as she clung to Ava, not letting go.
Even though they hadn't seen each other in five years, the moment their arms met, the old, familiar warmth swept over her. Ava smelled like sun–dried warmth, mixed with the faint scent of hospital disinfectant.
Victoria missed this so much.
Standing quietly to the side, Pete watched the scene unfold. He could tell that Victoria's tears weren't just from missing Ava. Her sobs were full of frustration, regret, and years of repressed emotion finally breaking free. He handed her a tissue.
"Thanks," Victoria murmured, her voice muffled.
Ava's gaze softened as she looked at Victoria's swollen, tear–streaked face. Sighing, she said, "You little brat, is it only when something happens to me that you show up? Do I even still matter to you?"
Victoria immediately shook her head. "No, Grandma, it's not like that. I'm sorry."
Though she scolded her, Ava's smile betrayed her true feelings. She gently wiped the tears from Victoria's face and said, "Why didn't you bring him to see me?"
Victoria's chest tightened. She took Ava's hand in both of hers. "I can't bring him. What if you don't like me anymore when you meet him?"
Ava chuckled, rolling her eyes. "What kind of silly talk is that? Are you jealous of your own son now?"
Victoria sank back into Ava's arms, her voice muffled as she pouted, "I don't care."
There was a childish stubbornness in her tone, as if she'd finally found a safe place where she could throw caution to the wind, act spoiled, and just let herself be vulnerable.
Ava gave her a light slap on the back. "You're married now, and you're still acting like a kid? Pete's right here. Aren't you worried he'll laugh at you?"
Victoria quickly wiped away her tears, trying to compose herself. "Sorry, Grandma. How's your leg?"
Ava smiled, "It's getting better. I found a flower I like. The scent from its pollen would make great incense. Once I'm up and about, I'm going to get some."
Victoria sighed, exasperated. "You've barely healed from your fall, and you're already thinking of going back up the mountain?"
"Of course! It's just a broken leg, not the end of the world," Ava said dismissively.
Ava's eyes softened with affection. "You look exhausted. Go get some rest. Come back tomorrow to keep me company."
"No," Victoria said immediately. "I'm staying here tonight. I want to be with you."
Pete, who had been quietly watching, spoke up. "Ava, let her stay. If she goes back now, she won't get any sleep anyway."
With a soft sigh, Ava gave in. "Alright, stay if you want to."
"Alright, it's getting late. I'll head out. If you need anything, just call me," Pete said, offering a smile.
"Okay, be careful on the road," Ava nodded.
"I will, Ava."
With that, Pete left, and the door to the room clicked shut. Victoria nestled into Ava's side, her emotions a confusing jumble inside her.
She had so many things she wanted to say, but the moment she saw Ava's aging face, all the words just seemed to disappear. The only thing she could do was cry in the beginning, and now, nothing came out.
The last five years and the truth about not being the Hardwick family's daughter all felt like a dense fog that had swallowed her whole. She couldn't find her way or even see where she had come from.
Instinctively, she just wanted to stay close to Ava, trying to hold on to the warmth for as long as she could.
After a long silence, Ava sighed deeply. "Vicky, has something happened?"