Chapter 214

I knew from the start that his plan wasn't gonna work—her dad would never like me just because I was nice and tried to help out. But he also wouldn't outright say it. On one hand, I genuinely wanted to take care of Grandpa. On the other, if I said no to his suggestion, it'd hurt Henry. But if I went along and Marilyn tried to make things difficult for me, then she'd be the one hurting him. Either way, me staying was non-negotiable. Grandpa had just finished surgery, so there was no way he'd be waking up anytime soon. I walked Henry to the hospital gates, listening to him say, "Call me the second Grandpa wakes up, okay? And don’t mind whatever my dad says—he can be harsh but never means anything bad." "Okay," I nodded, watching him leave with Jason. Jason was the last to head out, lingering at the back to have a hushed exchange with Marilyn. I glanced over at the two of them. Marilyn avoided my eyes, clearly guilty—probably because of Evan’s disappearance and her failed attempt to mess