Chapter 381

Rosalind's lips curved into a gentle smile as she responded to Margaret. "I didn't want to interrupt your family time, so Everett and I usually meet at university."

Margaret chuckled softly, the sound warm with approval.

Just then, Theodore entered, prompting Rosalind to step outside.

In the physician's office, Theodore handed Rosalind a medical file. "Ms. Fairchild, we've received the patient's test results."

Rosalind's eyes searched his face anxiously. "What do they show?"

Theodore shook his head gravely. "The patient has terminal stage cancer."

What?!

Rosalind froze. "Terminal? Are you certain? Mrs. Sinclair always seemed so healthy."

"I'm afraid so," Theodore confirmed. "She's likely been battling this for years. She knew but never sought treatment or told anyone. The cancer has metastasized to her heart and brain. She has approximately two months remaining."

Rosalind collapsed into the chair, stunned. Only two months left for Margaret.

Why had she kept this secret? Why refuse treatment?

Everett and Lillian remained completely unaware.

In the hospital room, Beatrice and Lillian kept vigil by Margaret's bedside. Lillian poured a glass of water. "Mother, please drink something."

Margaret leaned back against the pillows, taking a small sip. She turned to Beatrice with a weak smile. "Beatrice, I'm so grateful for your help."

Beatrice gently squeezed Margaret's hand. "No thanks needed. I know how difficult it's been raising two children alone. You've endured so much."

Margaret's sightless eyes turned toward Lillian, still so young. "No matter the hardships, we've survived. Everett's grown strong, but I regret not being able to provide more for Lillian."

Beatrice sighed. "Everett has become remarkable. He takes after his father, Frederick. He's grown into such a capable man."

At the mention of Frederick Sinclair, Margaret's unfocused eyes suddenly brimmed with tears.

Beatrice immediately realized her mistake. Frederick remained an unhealed wound, a shared pain.

Margaret hadn't been born blind - she'd lost her sight from weeping for Frederick.

Beatrice quickly changed subjects. "That young woman, Rosalind - she's absolutely striking. Such delicate features, skin like porcelain, and eyes that sparkle. Her figure is exquisite too. Clearly a city girl through and through."

Margaret smiled softly. "Is Rosalind really that beautiful? I could tell from her voice - so sweet and gentle. She must be lovely."

Lillian chimed in proudly. "Mother, Rosalind is the prettiest girl I've ever seen."

Beatrice added, "And it's not just her looks. She's clearly well-educated, attending university with Everett. She must come from an important family. One phone call from her got you admitted here. That doctor examining you - Dr. Theodore - I recognize him from medical journals. He's quite renowned. Is she Everett's sweetheart? He's done well for himself, attracting such an exceptional young woman."

Margaret listened quietly before responding, her voice measured. "We shouldn't assume anything about their relationship. We mustn't risk damaging the girl's reputation. She's likely beyond Everett's reach anyway. He's never mentioned courting anyone, and a girl like her must have many admirers."

Beatrice patted Margaret's hand. "I understand, but Everett's grown now. Don't you want him to marry? Without a wife, he'll spend his life alone."

Margaret remained silent.

Lillian, with childlike sincerity, added, "Everett won't be alone. He'll always have me."