Diary of Fragile Heart (Spin of Loving You Too Long)

Gladwin pondered his sister’s words and knew that what she said was true. However, he was confident that if he only revealed some of the facts, Phoebe could twist them, which would ultimately influence their mother’s decision. And in the end, their mother would still defend Phoebe out of pity.

“I think it’s better for Mom to feel guilty towards Flavia than to only reveal half of the evidence. If Mom ends up keeping her distance because she feels ashamed towards Flavia, I’m sure it won’t last long because the presence of our baby will make Mom embrace Flavia again, even if it means putting aside her embarrassment,” he replied. “What does Dad think?” Gladwin asked for advice from his brother-in-law and also his father-in-law with a amused expression because he was not used to calling Antony by the term his wife used. His tongue still felt numb to call the man fifteen years older than him with the title of father.

Antony looked back at him with a raised eyebrow, aware that Gladwin’s call to him was a mockery. Yes, after all, Antony was Gladwin’s brother-in-law at first. And now his sister’s husband had become his son-in-law, which put Gladwin under Antony. The family relationship was quite confusing, actually. (You can read Antony-Claire’s story in the title “Widowed Billionaire Looking For Love” and Altezza-Adaline’s story in the title “Giving Birth to The Italian Billionaire’s Baby.”)

“Claire is right. Mom will definitely feel embarrassed and guilty towards both of you, especially towards Flavia because she has been imposing her will on you all this time. But Gladwin is also right, the guilt will disappear after your child is born. The same thing happened to us, Darling. Do you remember how Mom eventually accepted me better after Ignazio was born?” Antony reminded his wife, who responded with a hesitant nod. “So I think Gladwin’s choice is better, just lay it all out.” Gladwin nodded, indirectly thanking Antony for his support. “Then what’s next? Are you going to report all of this to the police?” Antony now felt curious again.

Claire then snapped her fingers, looking at her husband and twin brother with an enthusiastic gleam. “That’s an even better idea. It’s better if we hand all of this over to the police. Let the police handle everything and let Mom hear the dreadful news from them.”

Rather than agreeing, Gladwin shook his head. “I’ll eventually do that later, but if we let Mom hear the bad news from the police, it will only embarrass her more. It’s better if Mom hears it from us first. After our business with Phoebe is settled and everyone knows it’s over, even if the police take action, it won’t affect our family.” Gladwin provided his assumption.

Antony nodded. “Yes, your twin brother is right, that’s better. At least Mom can defend herself to those who know about Phoebe and Gladwin’s relationship. At least the people who know Mom and know that she forced Gladwin to marry Phoebe won’t be too harsh and won’t blame her for her oversight and selfishness.”

Claire slumped back against the sofa’s backrest. She surrendered because her idea wasn’t used at all. But she also couldn’t force it. In fact, what her twin brother and her husband said wasn’t wrong. They were actually protecting their mother’s feelings from falling too deeply into embarrassment.

“I just hope all of this ends quickly and Mom can accept all the facts without affecting her health. If Mom eventually feels embarrassed in front of her socialite friends because she has been boasting about that woman too much, we’ll just take Mom away for a while. Whether it’s moving her to Manhattan or asking her to take a temporary vacation.”

Gladwin and Antony simply nodded in agreement.

The next day, as planned, three cars departed from Antony’s residence simultaneously heading towards Kansas. Claire, Antony, Arthur, and Brianna were in one car. While Ignazio and Francisca chose to ride with Altezza and Adaline’s car so they could play with the twins Falisha and Geremia. And Gladwin drove the car that he and Flavia were in.

Gladwin didn’t know where the other two cars went because he immediately took his wife to her house. Not Gladwin’s apartment or Antony’s house, but Flavia’s private residence known only to a few people. Gladwin planned to accompany his wife there until Abigail returned from her trip.

On Monday morning, Gladwin bid farewell to his wife as he had a schedule at the hospital. Despite feeling reluctant, the Doctor’s oath compelled him to prioritize patients over personal matters. But Gladwin felt reassured because moments before he left for the hospital, Brianna and Claire came to accompany Flavia.

The hospital already looked crowded with outpatients. Gladwin didn’t even have time to exchange pleasantries with Jonas because he wanted to start his work immediately so he could visit the patients under his care.

At noon, they took a break. As Gladwin had anticipated, the woman came to his office with a frown on her face.

“Where were you over the weekend? Your mother tried to reach you, but your phone was off. Abigail couldn’t be reached either. Are you intentionally trying to make your mother panic?” She interrogated.

Gladwin just stared at her expressionlessly. The woman dared to invoke his mother’s name just to get Gladwin’s attention. Unfortunately, Gladwin wasn’t easily swayed. And about not being able to be reached, Gladwin indeed intentionally deactivated his usual number and chose to use another number known only to Flavia and Abigail, and lately, Brianna and Claire.

“Do I need to answer in detail?” Gladwin replied flatly. The woman still stared at him sharply. “Unfortunately, I have no intention of telling you.” He replied with a mocking smile. Gladwin stood up, removed his lab coat, and left Phoebe, who he felt was suffocating the room that wasn’t very spacious.

“Gladwin! I’m not done talking!” The woman shouted. Gladwin ignored her.

“You never are.” He replied sarcastically without even turning to look at Phoebe. Jonas, who was still standing in the room, looked at Phoebe expressionlessly.

“Apa?!” The woman exclaimed loudly, turning back to Jonas.

Jonas tried to smile. “I’m sorry, Doc. I need to step out and I have to lock this room from the outside,” he whispered softly. Phoebe’s nose looked flared with anger. With a stomp of her foot, she left the room.

Phew… Jonas breathed a sigh of relief. ‘What does Dr. Gladwin’s mother really like about that woman?’ Jonas monologued. ‘Her beautiful appearance? Even that woman’s face isn’t more beautiful than Abigail and Flavia’s. Her snobbish attitude? Abigail can be even snobbier than that.’ Jonas could only shake his head as he locked Gladwin’s office door. It was a habit he had only recently started on his own initiative before eventually catching up with Gladwin, whom he knew would be in the hospital cafeteria.

“I think we should stop Hendrick’s investigation,” Gladwin started the conversation.

“Why, Doc?” Jonas asked back, puzzled.

“I’ve got information from someone else. Turns out, someone else has already taken action. So, we can stop Hendrick’s report. Just tell him I’ll pay him in full.”

“Are you sure everything’s enough?” Jonas tried to convince again. Gladwin just nodded. “Alright, I’ll contact Hendrick later,” he replied. Gladwin nodded again.

“I’ll transfer his commission directly to his account.”Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“Got it, Boss!” Jonas saluted him with exaggerated flair, making Gladwin chuckle.