"I understand what Iris wants," Evelyn said. "But she's alone in the hospital now. It makes me feel terrible."
"She's used to being alone," Alexander replied. "Don't worry too much. Remember, she lived alone on Misty Isle for years."
"But she's sick now." Evelyn looked at him.
She had just been discharged herself. She knew how lonely a hospital could feel.
Being sick changed everything. It was nothing like being healthy.
"I know," Alexander said. "That's why we need to spend more time with her. I spoke to the doctor. The treatment only keeps her strong and eases the pain. It can't cure her. In a few days, I'll help her check out. We'll go back to Misty Isle and stay with her for a while."
"Alexander, that's not what Iris wants most right now!" Evelyn's voice was urgent.
"Then what does she want?" he asked.
Evelyn stared at him. She wanted to tell him the truth. Iris longed for her daughter to acknowledge her.
But that wish might never come true now. It would be a lifelong regret.
She couldn't tell Alexander though. She had promised Iris.
"Evelyn, are you hiding something from me?" Alexander frowned.
"No. I just think... Iris knows she's weak. She came all the way from Misty Isle to see us. She hid her illness from us. She probably doesn't want us to go back with her." Evelyn hesitated.
Alexander didn't push further. He knew she was keeping secrets.
But Evelyn couldn't betray Iris's trust.
"You're right," Alexander said softly. "Maybe she just wants to see us."
He sank onto the sofa. He looked defeated.
"Alexander, if the treatment won't help, let's help her check out," Evelyn suggested. "Take her home. Let her spend her last days with us. At least she won't be lonely."
Alexander looked at her. After a long pause, he spoke.
"Evelyn, you're my angel."
"That's useless talk. It's just a suggestion. If you don't like it, we'll think of something else." Evelyn felt embarrassed.
Alexander smiled. He pulled her close. Too much had happened lately. He was tired. But at least Evelyn was still here.
"Evelyn, I want to make Iris happy in her final days. But I don't know what she truly wants. Maybe she can't tell me. If you can, help me find out. She's not my real mother, but she raised me like her own son. She took care of me for years. In my heart, she is my mother. I want to do something for her too."
"Alexander, you've done enough. Birth, aging, sickness, death... we can't control those things. I'll help Iris fulfill her wish. Don't worry too much. Take care of yourself."
"I know. I'm glad you're here." Alexander hugged her and sighed.
Evelyn said nothing. She leaned against him quietly. She kept thinking about Iris and Grace.
Two days later, Alexander checked Iris out of the hospital. Not because he wanted her to leave. Iris insisted. She couldn't stay another day.
Alexander had no choice. He helped her with the paperwork.
After leaving the hospital, Iris didn't want to go home. She asked Alexander to book a hotel. She stayed there for two days. Then she said she wanted to return to Misty Isle.
Alexander refused. "We have plenty of rooms at Sterling Manor. Why stay in a hotel?"
They argued. Neither would give in.
Evelyn understood Iris's feelings. She pulled Alexander aside and spoke to Iris alone.
"Iris, I know you don't want to trouble us. But we don't see it that way. We're happy you're here. If we let you stay in a hotel, Alexander would never forgive himself. He told me two nights ago... even though you're not his real mother, he respects you as one. If he can't even let his mother stay in his home, how would he feel?"
Iris sobbed.
Evelyn felt sad too. She patted Iris's shoulder. She couldn't find the right words.
After a while, Evelyn calmed down.
"Iris, even if you don't care about Alexander, think about me and my baby. Come back with us. We're waiting to have dinner with you."
Iris finally nodded reluctantly.
Evelyn convinced her to return to Sterling Manor. She asked Lily to prepare a big dinner that evening. It was to celebrate Iris's discharge. More importantly, it was to show Iris she belonged here.
That evening, Alexander invited his mother Eleanor, his nephew Ethan, his second sister Audrey and her husband James, and his third sister Vivian and her husband Nathan. They all came to Sterling Manor for dinner.
The family gathered to celebrate Iris's recovery.
During dinner, Alexander poured tea. He served his mother first. Then he served Iris. He said Iris was his foster mother. She raised him from childhood. She gave him a second life.
Iris waved her hand. "Ah Mo, don't say that. I just did what I had to. I don't deserve to be called your mother."
"Sister Iris, just drink the tea," Eleanor said with a smile. "In his heart, you are his mother."
"Madam, I..." Iris wanted to refuse. She felt unworthy.
"Ah Mo is right," Eleanor continued. "If you hadn't taken care of him, he wouldn't be here today."
"Thank you, Madam. I only did what I should." Iris's eyes were red. She finally accepted the tea. "Ah Mo, you and Evelyn must live well together. Have more children. Live a happy life. That's all I want."
"Iris, I will live well with Evelyn." Alexander hugged Evelyn's shoulder. He turned to her and smiled. "Right, Evelyn?"