Valerie's voice carried a hint of desperation.
"If you don't agree, I'll pull out the oxygen tube right now."
"Mom, don't do this."
Cyril quickly stepped in to stop her.
"Can you at least let me think about it?" A flicker of hesitation flashed in his eyes.
Valerie caught it immediately and, instead of pressing further, she took a step back. "Fine. I'll give you a few days to think it over."
Even though Cyril didn't explicitly agree or refuse, she knew—sooner or later, he would say yes.
After calming Valerie down, Cyril left the hospital, his expression dark and heavy.
For the first time, he truly felt the weight of loneliness. The cold, sterile hallways of the hospital made it even worse. His heart was a mess, torn between duty and desire.
On one hand, there was the pressure from
