Chapter 6

After being rushed into the operating room, and after what felt like ages, Leo was finally out of danger.

After Edith had taken care of him for a whole day and night, Leo finally woke up.

He glanced around the hospital room, and the hope in his eyes visibly faded into disappointment. His eyes were rimmed with tears as he said, "Mr. Carter isn't here?

"I dreamed he was taking care of me, but it turns out it was all just a dream. Maybe it would've been better if I never woke up."

Edith thought of what had happened yesterday, and her heart felt like it was being torn apart. She struggled to hold back her emotions and said, "He's probably busy. Sweetie, let's focus on getting you healthy again."

Leo was just about to nod when, suddenly, Jason's voice sounded from the hallway.

Leo's eyes lit up instantly. He jumped out of bed and hurried out. "Mr. Carter!"

But as soon as he ran out, he saw Jason walk right into another room.

Jason picked up a bowl of soup, checked if it was too hot, and fed Max spoonful by spoonful. His gaze was soft as he said, "Come on, eat a bit more. The more you eat, the faster you'll get better."

Edith rushed out and found Leo standing outside the room, frozen as he watched everything unfold.

"Leo, don't watch that, okay?" Edith held back her tears and carried Leo up.

Leo forced a smile and said, "Mom, I want to watch a bit more. Mr. Carter has never been that gentle with me."

Edith's tears finally broke free, streaming down her face.

But Leo reached up and carefully wiped her tears away with his little hands. "Mom, it's okay. Mr. Carter doesn't get many chances left."

Right as Leo finished his sentence, the hospital room door suddenly swung open.

Jason stepped out, his face cold as he asked, "What chances?"

Edith was about to speak, but Jason frowned and went on, "What are you two doing here? If you need to talk to me, do it somewhere else. Don't stand here blocking the way for others."

Edith saw Jason scanning the area, looking a bit anxious, as if he was searching for someone nearby.

She immediately understood that he was worried Selina might see them together and have some misunderstandings.

But Edith and Leo were his wife and son, after all.

There was nothing to misunderstand.

Edith gave a self-mocking smile, took Leo's hand, and followed Jason into the stairwell.

"Why did you call me so many times yesterday?" Jason asked.

His expression was icy, and there was even a hint of annoyance in his eyes.

Edith wondered what he was so annoyed about. Maybe it was because she interrupted him while he was with Selina.

"Leo had a really high fever last night. I called because I needed you to take him to the hospital," Edith said.

"What, you broke your hands or something? Can't you drive yourself?" Jason replied, his tone dripping with impatience.

Edith let out a bitter laugh. "I got injured by that chandelier in the private room, remember?"

Only then did Jason's expression shift, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes. He paused, and his face softened a bit.

"Since he's pretty much better now, I'm leaving," he said.

Just as Jason turned to leave, Leo suddenly grabbed his hand. "Mr. Carter, I've been really good lately. I always call you the right name. My birthday is in five days. Could you spend it with me? Just this one day, please."

He looked up at Jason, his heart pounding with nerves.

Jason stayed silent, not giving an answer for a long moment.

Just when Leo thought his wish was about to slip away, Edith suddenly spoke up, "Jason, could you spend Leo's birthday with him? You haven't been there for any of his birthdays these past few years.

"I'm begging you, please. I won't be there, so you don't have to worry."

It took a lot for Edith to say those words.

She knew the only reason Jason didn't want to spend Leo's birthday with him was that she'd be there.

So she chose to step back, not wanting to make things harder for Jason.

Jason was silent for a moment, and then finally nodded. "I'll come pick you up that day."

When Leo finally got a yes, a big smile broke out on his face.

For the next few days, Leo was practically bursting with happiness. He couldn't wipe the grin off his face, and every night he was too excited to fall asleep.

He used to make a big deal about taking his medicine, but now, to get out of the hospital faster, he gulped it down without a single complaint.

After getting out of the hospital, Leo tried almost all his clothes before finally picking the perfect look for his birthday.

He already had his birthday wish all planned out, ready for when he blew out the candles.

Leo was rarely this happy, and Edith felt her heart swell with joy for him. She hoped that, on his birthday, all his wishes would come true.