Estelle flashed a gentle smile, "No worries, keep Sophia company for me, I'll head out first."
With a small nod to Sophia, she strode towards the door, leaving the space open for Robin.
Seated at the bedside, Robin held Sophia’s hand with an apologetic look, “I’m sorry, Sophia. I’ve really been a louse.”
Sophia shook her head, her understanding smile brightening the room, “It’s alright. I know you've been busy. It’s just a cold; a bit of rest, some meds, and I’ll bounce back in no time.”
Robin nodded, “How are you feeling now?”
“Much better, my throat isn’t sore anymore,” Sophia’s voice was cheery, “I’m thinking about checking out soon. Estelle doesn’t agree, but you can talk to her about it later.”
“Let’s see how you feel after the IV is done,” Robin suggested. “Have you had breakfast yet?”
“Just finished.”
“Hungry for anything else?”
Sophia glanced at the fruit he brought and chuckled, “Peel me an orange, would you?”
“Sure thing.”
Choosing a plump orange from the basket, Robin began to peel it slowly, segment by segment, feeding them to Sophia.
Emotion glimmered in Sophia’s eyes as she gazed deeply at him, “If being sick means getting this kind of treatment, I wouldn’t mind falling ill every day.”
Robin paused, his voice tinged with regret, “I’ve been neglecting you, I admit. But I want to get the business solid so I can propose properly, give you the happiness you deserve.”
Sophia nodded, “You don’t need to explain. I understand.”
Robin’s smile warmed, “I know you’re the best girl in the world.”
Sophia tilted her head playfully, “I don’t want to be the world’s best girl. I just want to be your favorite.”
Sophia’s smile radiated satisfaction and bliss.
Sophia insisted on being discharged, and with Robin not objecting, Estelle didn’t press further, only suggesting one condition: that Sophia stay for a while at Old Mr. Quintin's home.
Alone, there was a risk she might spike a fever in the middle of the night with no one to care for her.
Initially reluctant, Sophia recalled her conversation with Jason and realized she shouldn't let Evelyn’s presence overshadow the years of bond she had with Old Mr. Quintin.
With that thought, she no longer resisted the idea.
Once the discharge was settled, Jonathan and Robin drove separately to Old Mr. Quintin's home.
Estelle, who sat in the passenger seat, unwrapped a candy to fend off fatigue from a sleepless night, “After we settle Sophia in, I’d like to swing by the barbecue joint to check on Xavier.”
Since she got back, she had left Damian in charge of Xavier’s care, and hadn’t had the chance to visit him for a week. She wondered how his recovery was progressing.
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