She personally called Simone to come back and extended an olive branch. What more did Simone want?
Simone scoffed. “Madam Johnston, let me remind you that I’ve already cut ties with your entire family. So, stop with the emotional blackmail. If you’re feeling unwell, please go to the hospital. If your family has any issues in the future, please don’t come looking for me.”
She hung up before Salma and the others could respond.
At the Gray Residence, Salma’s expression turned even more sour upon hearing the busy tone from the phone. She tightened her grip on her water glass. “How… How can she be like this?”
She felt a strange sense of emptiness inside. Did Simone no longer care about her biological mother’s health? The four brothers also wore displeased expressions.
“She has fully matured now.”
Titus squinted. “Then, we’ll undermine her and ensure she never succeeds again.”
He refused to believe that with the four of them present, Simone would still be able to secure favorable opportunities and continue her career in the entertainment industry after completing this variety show.
She was the one who forced their hand.
Salma also wanted to teach Simone a lesson.
“Good idea. She’s crossing the line at the moment.” Then, she added, “But regardless, she is still your sister. Don’t go too far.”
Titus smiled. “Mom, rest assured. We have our methods.”
If she weren’t his sister, he would have resorted to more extreme measures long ago. And because she was their sister, he didn’t want her to slip away from their grasp.
On the other hand, Keira looked at Simone with sympathy. “Your mother and brother are going too far.”
She wouldn’t be able to endure it either if she had to deal with a family like that.
No wonder Simone cut ties with them.
Simone didn’t mind and simply smiled. “I’m accustomed to it.”
She, too, couldn’t quite comprehend the thought process of the Grays.
They didn’t like her and only cared about Jodie. They also instructed her not to compete with Jodie, so her decision to sever ties and leave should have satisfied them, right? Why did they insist on holding her back? What a group of oddballs.
As the two were conversing, a sudden knock on the door interrupted their discussion.
Upon hearing a knock on the door, Keira rose to answer it. As she opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of Leon standing there. “Mr. Foster, what can I do for you?” she inquired.
Leon glanced into the room. “I’m looking for Simone.”
Simone stood up and approached, asking, “What’s the matter?”
Leon explained, “Aaron is suffering from diarrhea and uncontrollable vomiting. He wishes to see you.”
Simone raised an eyebrow. “It’s not as if he’s on his deathbed, about to utter his final words. Why does he want to see me?”
Leon stared at her in astonishment. “How can you say that?” Aaron is her own brother, and yet she is so indifferent towards him!
Simone coldly replied, “What do you expect? I have no interest in seeing him, and that’s final.” With that, she reached out to close the door.
Leon quickly pushed the door, arguing, “Simone, regardless of any past issues you’ve had with him, now is not the time to be unreasonable. Aaron said you could find the herbs. He’s truly suffering, so why won’t you help him?”
Simone sneered in response, “It’s already dark outside, and now you want me to go searching for herbs in the mountains?” She continued, “Even if I had good vision, if something were to happen to me up there at this time of night, would you take responsibility? Is my life that worthless to you?”
Witnessing her eyes grow colder, Leon was stunned. He shook his head and said, “No, we never thought that way. I know what you’re capable of, and besides, I’ll accompany you.” Perhaps this will alleviate some tension between us. He added, “Simone, can you bear to see him suffer from vomiting and diarrhea all night?”
Aaron’s vomiting had become overwhelming for him. He wanted to ask Simone to make medicine for him, but he couldn’t bring himself to approach her again. That’s why
Leon volunteered to go to her on his behalf. In addition to genuinely wanting to help Aaron, he also wanted to confirm if Simone still cared for her own brother. Deep down, he was worried and afraid that she could be so heartless.
Simone replied with utmost seriousness, “Why wouldn’t I? I have no connection to him anymore. If he’s unwell, he should see a doctor; I won’t help him. There’s a clinic in the village. You can take him there.” With that, she slammed the door shut, leaving a dumbfounded Leon outside.
Leon couldn’t believe that she had completely disregarded Aaron’s suffering. It was true that it was already dark outside, but given her abilities, gathering herbs in the mountains and making medicine would be no problem for her. However, she refused to do so.
A sense of panic washed over him. If she treated Aaron – her own brother – like this, how would she treat him, her ex-boyfriend? Is she truly determined to sever ties with us? He stood at the doorway, contemplating knocking again. However, he knew her temperament well; no one could force her to do something she didn’t want to do. So, he had no choice but to turn and return to the room where he and Aaron were staying.
Aaron lay in bed, his face pale as he clutched his stomach. Seeing Leon enter, he anxiously asked, “What did Simone say?”
Leon shook his head. “She said she doesn’t care.”
Disappointment filled Aaron’s face. He took a deep breath and said, “I’m in such a condition, and yet she can just stand by and do nothing.” He felt overwhelmed with distress.
Leon let out a sigh. “I think she means it this time. She’s truly determined to cut ties with you guys.”
Aaron pursed his lips. “Is it necessary for her to go to such extremes over such trivial matters? It’s not as if we mistreated her or anything!” In his heart, he was glad that his sister had been found and brought back. Over the past year, he had grown close to Simone, who had been kind to him. He knew she cared about them, but now, she was willing to abandon her sibling affection? How had things come to this?
Observing his disappointment and inability to accept the situation, Leon also felt uneasy deep down. He couldn’t help but wonder: If it were him suffering from vomiting and diarrhea, needing her help to gather herbs in the mountains and make medicine, would she be willing to do so? He used to be certain that she would never abandon him, but now, he wasn’t so sure.
At that moment, Aaron began to feel unwell again and rushed outside to continue vomiting. When he returned, Leon suggested, “Let me find someone from the production team to take you to the clinic for a checkup.”
Just then, Jodie entered, holding a glass of warm water. “That’s right, Aaron. I’ll take you to the village clinic.” She knew that Leon had gone to Simone to ask for her help in gathering herbs, but she found herself unable to intervene, or it might seem like she didn’t want her brother to get better. However, deep down, she didn’t want Simone to get involved. Just as I expected, that woman has become so heartless that she doesn’t care about Aaron at all. This way, he won’t keep thinking about her, will he?
Feeling too unwell to object, Aaron had no choice but to agree to their suggestion.
Soon, someone from the production team arrived and took him to the village clinic for intravenous therapy.
Jodie looked at her brother and said, “Aaron, I’ll stay here with you.”
Aaron shook his head. “There’s no need. You’ve had a long day. Go back and get some rest.”
Jodie argued, her expression filled with worry, “But I’m concerned about you.”
Aaron gave her a reassuring look. “I’ll be fine. The person from the production team is here, anyway. Get a good night’s sleep so you’re ready for tomorrow’s live stream.”
Jodie never wanted to stay here in the first place; the place reeked of cheap disinfectant, making her uncomfortable. Besides, after a long day, she wanted a good night’s sleep. However, she couldn’t just leave immediately, so she pretended to volunteer to stay with him, knowing that Aaron cared about her and wouldn’t want her to do so. After he finished speaking, she reluctantly replied, “Alright, then. I’ll go back first. If you need anything, just give me a call.”
Aaron nodded. “Okay.”
Jodie reached out and tucked him in. “Good night, Aaron.”
Aaron mustered a forced smile and bid Jodie good night.
As he watched Jodie walk away, a thought crossed his mind: If they hadn’t decided to cut ties with each other and if Simone had been in Jodie’s position today, would she have stayed to take care of him?
Closing his eyes, memories of the past flooded his mind. His stomach had been in poor condition, and he had experienced episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. During that time, Simone had put her work on hold, taking days off to stay by his side and care for him. She would prepare herbal medicine and congee for him, advising him to eat his meals on time and avoid cold food. Not only that, she even cooked and delivered meals to his workplace every day.
Back then, he had appreciated her care and the meals she provided, but at times, he found it somewhat bothersome, questioning why she felt the need to be so involved in his life. Now, however, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia.
Being alone in the hospital, hooked up to an IV, he felt a sense of vulnerability. At the same time, he wondered if Jodie truly cared about him. She knew I had diarrhea after eating dumplings in the morning, yet she served me fish with such a strong smell for dinner. Was it thoughtlessness on her part, or did she assume I wouldn’t refuse? Shaking his head, he realized he couldn’t dwell on this. Deep down, he reassured himself that Jodie was kind-hearted and couldn’t have done it intentionally.
The next day, Simone prepared congee and burritos for breakfast.
Meanwhile, Jodie accidentally overslept and didn’t have time to make breakfast for her group. They decided to have breakfast at the family’s house where they were working.
After receiving an intravenous drip the previous night, Aaron’s vomiting and diarrhea had subsided. However, he still felt weak and his legs felt shaky. Leon suggested that he rest in the yard.
As Aaron struggled to get up, he saw Simone and her teammates enjoying their breakfast of congee and burritos. On the other hand, Zac and the others were also happily eating their breakfast. The delicious aroma made Aaron suddenly feel hungry, but Simone didn’t even acknowledge him or invite him to join them. This made him feel even worse, and he realized that Jodie and the others were having breakfast at a villager’s house. He felt dejected and abandoned.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.