Ophelia's fingers traced her mother's soft skin, relief washing over her. Her mother's peaceful expression calmed her nerves.
"Mom, the doctor says you're getting better," Ophelia whispered, hoping her mother would stir.
But her mother remained still, lost in slumber. Ophelia's heart swelled with love and concern.
She gently took her mother's hand, feeling a surge of gratitude. "I'll be here for you, Mom. Always."
Ophelia stepped back, her eyes scanning the ward. The doctor's words echoed in her mind "Her body is healing on its own."
"What sparked the sudden improvement"? The thought whirled in her head.
As Ophelia turned to leave the ward, Marcus stumbled in, reeking of alcohol and hard drugs. His bloodshot eyes, sunken from lack of sleep, met hers, filled with desperation. Dark circles etched his pale face, and his disheveled hair hung limply.
"What's going on, Marcus?" Ophelia's voice firm, concern masked by anger. "You look like you've hit rock bottom."
Marcus mumbled, his words slurred. "Mom... I came to see Mom."
Ophelia's expression hardened. "You can't even take care of yourself, how can you take care of Mom?"
Marcus's gaze dropped, his shoulders slumping. Ophelia's words cut deep, but he didn't flinch.
"Ophelia, please..." Marcus's voice trailed off.
Ophelia's anger simmered, but she saw the desperation in his eyes. She softened her tone. "Marcus, what's going on? Why are you doing this to yourself?"
Marcus's eyes welled up with tears. "I just want to be strong like you, Ophelia. But I'm useless. I can't even take care of Mom."
His voice cracked, and he broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. Ophelia's anger melted away, replaced by concern of an eldersis.
She squat walked close to him ,holding his cold trembling hands."Marcus I understand it's very hard for you right now ,and that you just can't seem to get use dto this life,but we have no other option,this became our fate the moment dad died in that accident,we can't keep wallowing in self pity ,we have to step up we can't give up to live ,we are stronger than that, remember what mom and dad used to tell us....."We are strong when we choose to be."
Marcus's sobs subsided, his eyes red-rimmed. Ophelia's words pierced his soul, echoing his deepest fears. He nodded, tears streaming down his face.
"I remember, Ophelia. Mom and Dad always said we're strong. But it's hard, so hard." Marcus's voice cracked.
Ophelia's grip tightened on his hands. "I know, Marcus. But we can't give up. We have to be strong for each other, for Mom. We owe it to her and Dad."
Marcus's gaze met hers, determination flickering. "You're right, Ophelia. I won't let you down again."
Ophelia smiled softly. "You're not alone, Marcus. We face this together,now you need to go home and clean up I'll love to see that cute lively Marcus again." She said as she dug her hand into her pants pocket pulling out an old note and gave it to him.
****
By the time Ophelia finally got back to the Brooks Mansion it was already noon 2:25 pm.
"Ms Johnson I trust your journey to town was eventful." ? Finley asked as soon as Ophelia stepped into the mansion.
"Yes it was not much stressful." Ophelia said as she carrie her small suitcase with her ,seeing it the butler walked forward and took the luggage from her."it's okay I could...
"Ms Johnson this is my job ,please do not interfere." Finley said quickly taking the bag upstairs.
Ophelia watched Finley disappear upstairs before quickly going after him.
"Ms Johnson,Lady Grace would be having has a guest please make tea for her guest ,they are at the south wing library." Finley said as he gently placed the suitcase in the ground.
Ophelia nodded and quickly went to the kitchen to make the tea, Caitlin wasn't in the kitchen when she got there it had her wondering if she had already gone home,with out much thinking she made the red tea as she had been taught and also the way Grace loved her tea ,but then she didn't know Lady Grace's guest preference so she just went along with an extra cube of sugar.
Ophelia checked the house map that was pasted to the kitchens door ,the library was the fourth room on the south wing right.
As Ophelia walked down the south wing, she couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about Lady Grace's guest. She arrived at the library, a beautifully designed room with tall shelves lined with leather-bound books. Lady Grace sat on a plush armchair, a warm smile on her face.
Beside her stood a tall, handsome man with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his sharp jawline was accentuated by a subtle smile. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, which seemed to fit him perfectly.
Lady Grace's eyes sparkled as she introduced him. "Ms Johnson, I'd like you to meet my fiancé, Mr. Alexander Blackwood." Ophelia's eyes widened slightly as she took in the information. She hadn't known that Lady Grace was engaged. She smiled politely and curtsied. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Blackwood."
Alexander's eyes locked onto hers, and he smiled charmingly. "The pleasure is mine, Ms Johnson. Gracy has told me so much about you." Ophelia felt a slight flush rise to her cheeks as she handed Alexander a cup of tea. "I've made your tea, Lady Grace, just the way you like it."
Lady Grace smiled and took a sip of her tea. "Thank you, Ms Johnson. You're a dear." Alexander took a sip of his tea, his eyes never leaving Ophelia's face. "This is excellent tea, Ms Johnson. You have a talent for it." Ophelia smiled politely, feeling a sense of pride at the compliment. As she stood there, she couldn't help but notice the way Alexander's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. She felt a shiver run down her spine, and she quickly looked away, focusing on Lady Grace instead.