Chapter 484
484:
Christina felt a deep wellspring of emotion, genuinely touched. Even with all of Bethel’s meticulous planning for the future of the Dawson family members, it was clear that Bethel still held her in a position of distinct favor.
Christina had endured countless hardships, faced endless scorn, and suffered years of ridicule throughout her life. To find someone like Bethel, who genuinely treated her like family, was an incredibly rare and precious blessing.
“Bethel, I promise, if they don’t cross the line, I won’t start anything,” Christina said. “But if they come at me first, I won’t stay quiet.”
Bethel softly touched Christina’s face, her old eyes brimming with tears. “Thank you, dear.”
“You don’t have to thank me,” Christina replied gently, her own eyes welling up as she laid her warm hand over Bethel’s. “You’ve got to take care of yourself, Bethel. I’ll bring you home in a few days. After Brendon’s engagement party next month, I’ll ask Dr. Emmett to go ahead with the surgery. Don’t stress. Dr. Emmett knows what he’s doing. He’s one of the best, and he won’t let anything go wrong. You’re going to be fine for a long time.”
Hearing Christina speak so calmly about Brendon’s engagement made Bethel’s chest tighten even more. She wished she could do something, but there was nothing in her power. Pushing Brendon to stay with Christina would only hurt Christina more in the long run.
“Find yourself someone better than Brendon just to piss him off. And don’t worry, I’ve got your back,” Bethel said, trying to shift Christina’s thoughts, worried she might break down.
Christina let out a soft laugh. “Bethel, life’s not just about romance or getting married. Finding a great guy isn’t nearly as important as becoming someone great myself. That’s something no one can take from me—and I sure as hell won’t lose it easily.”
Bethel froze for a moment, caught off guard and lost in thought. Then, as if a light had switched on, she let out a soft laugh. “You’re absolutely right, Christina. I didn’t even think of it that way. My first instinct was just for you to find a good man to make Brendon regret everything…”
Bethel sighed deeply. “This is the limitation of our times. Even though I like to think I’m open-minded, I still fall into that old way of thinking without realizing it. But you’re right—the brilliance of others belongs to them. It doesn’t rub off on us. What really matters is learning to shine on our own. When we do, no one can take that away from us. Only then do we hold the reins in our hands.”
Bethel smiled warmly at Christina, admiration filling her eyes. “If you shine, others will be drawn to you,” Bethel and Christina said in unison, sharing a quiet laugh.
Two women from different generations had found a connection—real and rare. They weren’t just friends; they understood each other, heart to heart. Though shaped by different times, their thoughts collided, exchanged, and grew. And in doing so, they gained something new—something lasting.
Outside the hospital room, Katie had just arrived. She paused when she heard her grandmother’s and Christina’s laughter. Through the glass, she saw her grandmother and Christina beaming at each other like they shared some special bond. Her eyes darkened. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought they were real grandmother and granddaughter—close and loving. Katie couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen her strict grandmother so happy, not since childhood, maybe. Somewhere along the way, the gap between them had grown too wide to cross. They didn’t get along. The dislike between them ran deep. But ever since Christina entered their lives, everything had changed. Her grandmother smiled more—only when Christina was around.
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