Chapter 253
At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion
Sanya couldn’t believe what she was doing. William was in her arms, and she was gently soothing him to sleep. He’d been crying, stopping only to start again, waves of emotion refusing to ebb.
“I’m sorry. I don’t think you’ll be able to sleep if you stay here like this. I have guestrooms; you could stay there instead and get some real rest,” he whispered, wiping his tears.
Sanya smiled and held him closer, softly stroking his hair. “It’s fine, really. Just try to sleep,” she murmured.
“I’m trying, but it’s hard,” he admitted. “Tomorrow, I’ll definitely scold my brother. He should’ve told me sooner! No wonder Dad’s been reaching out more often, wanting to do things together like we used to. Now it makes sense why he’s been so persistent, trying to be involved in our lives. Usually, he lets us be independent, trusts us with our choices p>
“Older people like your father, who already have everything, often want nothing more than to see their children happy and settled. It’s usually about having a family of their own so it’s no wonder he’d love to have a grandchild soon,” Sanya commented gently.
But she had her own struggles to face. She had recently found her biological mother, and now, finally, her mother’s operation was scheduled. The funds she was using came from William, and she hoped the surgery would go well.
Deep down, Sanya wanted a chance to ask her mother, face to face, why she had abandoned her. People might call her foolish for reaching out, even saving her mother’s life, but no matter what had happened, this woman was still the one who had given her life.
A tense silence settled over them, and Sanya felt her eyelids grow heavy. Just as she was drifting off, she felt William shift beside her, followed by the sound of his quiet, suppressed sobs. Her heart went out to him. She remembered how she’d cried upon seeing her biological mother’s condition—it had been so overwhelming. But William’s pain must have been even greater. He was grappling with the thought of losing the father who had been there for him his entire life.
“Sanya, can you do me a favor?” William’s voice broke the silence. She looked over to find him watching her intently.
She nodded. “Tell me, what is it p>
“Can we not delay things?” he asked, his gaze unwavering. “As soon as you feel ready—as soon as you see me as someone you could grow old with—can we get married? And maybe… have a baby?” he asked, his words straightforward and sincere. Sanya felt her heart skip a beat. It seemed she might find herself in a whirlwind romance like her friend’s, but she loved how candid William was.
“Hmm… is that so?” She raised an eyebrow, teasing. “Do you already see me as the woman you want to grow old with? That fast p>
“For me, loving someone is always a choice,” William began thoughtfully. “I told you before that I like you… Since then, I decided you’re the woman I want to love. Love, to me, is about how committed you are to someone p>
He paused, then continued, “Like Aunt Ava always says, love isn’t something permanent. There comes a time when the spark might fade, and the love between two people could feel like it’s disappeared. But what really matters is that those two people are committed enough to choose to love each other again and again, no matter what p>
Sanya was speechless. She’d always seen William as a happy-go-lucky guy, but now she could sense the depth in his outlook on life. Smiling at him, she jested, “Hmm, I like you too… but I’m not yet at that stage where I’m ready to say you’re the man I want to love and commit to p>
His face fell slightly, making her chuckle. She quickly added, “But… I’m getting there, so don’t worry. I just need to be sure. You know, it’s never good to rush decisions like this. Marriage and starting a family aren’t easy steps. I want to be ready for it, not just physically, but emotionally too p>
“Of course… take your time,” he said, though his voice held a note of hope. “But I do hope it won’t take too long p>
“Would you give up if it did?” she asked playfully.
He flashed a roguish grin, his confidence returning. “Not at all. I’ll just have to help you decide faster… to take me as yours p>
At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion
“Sanya sent me a message. William is fine, so don’t worry,” Rain informed Alexander as he joined her on the bed.
“Somehow I feel lighter knowing William already knew about it. I’m sure he’ll be here as early as he can tomorrow morning… with swollen eyes,” Alexander said with a sigh.
He knew William well; if he wasn’t crying nonstop, he was likely tearing up now and then. Between the two of them, William was the more emotional and sensitive one.
“We should be prepared for tomorrow, then Rain commented, snuggling closer to Alexander.
“Yes, he’ll confront Dad in the morning, I’m certain of that,” Alexander murmured, pulling her closer. “Also, I have a lot to discuss with William. I need him in the loop before I make any crucial plans regarding Dad p>
He sighed deeply. “So far, there’s been no good news. The last update from Lamey Research Facility… their test patient ended up in a coma after a month of treatment trials p>
Rain was about to mention her research facility when Alexander suddenly spoke again, “It’s the worst feeling… having hope, only for it to shatter p>
She swallowed hard, acknowledging the truth of his words. Her own research facility was in the midst of a clinical trial for a test patient, but success was far from certain. Seeing Alexander’s downcast expression, Rain hesitated, wondering whether to mention her facility’s efforts or to wait until there was a clearer sign of progress p>
A terse silence settled between them, and Alexander seemed to sense that she had drifted into deep thought. “What’s wrong? Something on your mind, wife?” he asked gently, breaking the stillness.