Back in the hospital, Anabel was standing beside her father’s bed, while her mother sat close. She has her tear-streaked face turned toward her husband. Jethro was standing near the door, with his jaw clenched.
Soon, the door opened, and Sylvester stepped inside. He walked in smoothly, exuding a perfect blend of concern. There was a softened edge to him, as if he had carefully crafted the image of a man stepping in to provide comfort and support.
Anabel turned at the sound of his entrance. "Oh! Sylvester, you are here already."
"Yeah, I have to come immediately I ended the call." He replied.
"Who is he?" Her mom asked, looking at him suspiciously. She has never seen him before.
“Mom, Jethro,” she said, addressing her family, “This is Sylvester.”
Lady Orton lifted her head slowly, staring at the man before her. Jethro straightened slightly with a guarded expression.
Anabel continued, trying to keep her voice steady despite the emotions clawing at her chest. “Sylvester is my business partner." She said, glancing at her mother and brother briefly before returning her gaze to him. “And… he’s also a friend.”
Sylvester took a small step forward and bowed his head slightly in greeting. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Orton. I wish it were under better circumstances.” She said to Anabel's mother, and she stared at him for some moments before nodding weakly. “Thank you for coming."
“You don't need to thank me. I had to. When Anabel told me what happened, I felt so worried.”
Jethro, who was still standing stiffly by the door, narrowed his eyes slightly as he observed Sylvester. “You said you are her business partner?” he asked, and Sylvester nodded smoothly, unfazed by the subtle challenge in Jethro’s tone. “Yes,” he answered. “We have worked together for some time now." He added, and Anabel swallowed, turning her gaze away slightly as Sylvester spoke.
Jethro remained silent for a moment, analyzing him before giving a slow, reluctant nod. Sylvester then turned to Anabel. "How is he holding up?”
“To be honest. Not good,” she admitted. “We are waiting for the specialist to arrive. The doctor says everything is under control, but…” She didn't finish her statement, but Sylvester nodded in understanding. “I can imagine how hard this must be for you. Your dad is a strong man. I have no doubt that he’ll pull through. You don't have to worry much.” He said, and Anabel offered him a weak smile.
Sylvester turned his attention to Anabel's mother. “I’m so sorry you are going through this, ma’am,” he said respectfully. “I can’t even begin to imagine how this feels for you. But I do know one thing—your husband is a good man. He has overcome challenges before, and I believe he will overcome this as well.”
“I really hope so,” she replied, and Sylvester nodded reassuringly. “I am sure of what I'm saying. I’ve seen people bounce back from worse sickness, and with all of you here supporting him, I know he will fight to stay with his family.”
Jethro, who had been skeptical of Sylvester from the start, crossed his arms and asked, “You really think so?”
Sylvester turned to him, “Absolutely. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t believe it. Your father is loved, and he has strong reasons to fight for his life. That makes all the difference.” Sylvester said, and Jethro watched him for a moment, weighing his words before reluctantly giving a small nod.
Sylvester turned his gaze back to Anabel. “You have been holding yourself together so well. Though I know this is taking a toll on you.”
Anabel inhaled and shook her head. “It’s just… hard,” she admitted. “Waiting like this. Not knowing if he will actually be okay.”
Sylvester placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and tried to persuade her. “I’m here for you. You are not alone in this. He will be okay.”
His words did a good job of melting Anabel's heart to a point. Though, at least, for now, he was saying all the right things.
“We just want him to wake up,” Anabel murmured. “That’s all we want.”
“And he will,” Sylvester replied with confidence. “You will see.”
In as much as Sylvester played his part well, nothing could stabilize the looming fear in the room. The truth remained that their hope was thin. Time was slipping away, and every second that passed was another second closer to uncertainty.