John certainly had mixed emotions about staying, since he was really looking forward to Cordy's period to be over.And yet, he ended up the victim of yet another poorly-timed bombshell."I would like to be alone for a while," Jesse suddenly said, his voice still weary. "Not you, Sean. Stay for a moment.""Come on," John said, leading Cordy while putting a hand around her shoulder.Patrick glanced at Sean, who nodded—he more or less knew why his grandfather told him to stay.Patrick refrained from speaking in turn and followed Cordy and John out of the ward.Even the medical staff left, leaving just Jesse with Sean.Jesse started to sit up, and Sean hurried over to put a pillow vertically behind his back so that he could sit more comfortably.Nonetheless, Jesse soon asked bluntly, "What's the deal with you and Patrick Stuart?"Sean did not actually mention anything about him and Patrick while Jesse was in a coma. He knew his grandfather would not accept it and did not want to b
Sean said evenly, "It's what I thought I could do for the family.""When did you… With Patrick Stuart…" Jesse trailed off, unable to finish his sentence."It has nothing to do with him," Sean said. "I knew which way I swing ever since I was a child, but I've never said anything considering how you would feel about this. Of course, I never did find the right person until Patrick, whom I considered worth fighting for, even if it means going against the family."Jesse's visage was cold.Still, Sean continued, "I understand very well how I feel toward him, and I know the price I must pay. The only thing I can do now is to do my best not to inflict losses to the family.""So you're saying you're going through with this?" Jesse demanded."Yes," Sean said bluntly.Jesse's visage contorted hideously, but no one could accept such a thing immediately.The ward remained deathly silent, and Sean kept his head bowed.There was no telling how long had passed until Jesse said, "I'll never ac
Cordy kept Jesse company in his ward, talking to him, wiping him down, feeding him, and bringing him water.She cared for him meticulously, and Jesse was certainly emotional to see this.It reminded him of Cordy's mother, and the single greatest regret he would have in this life.He always had a soft spot for her, too—which was why he could admit that he was interested in Sean's suggestion to let Cordy's son inherit the family estate even though strictly speaking, Richard was not even on the list."Cordy," Jesse suddenly called out to her. "Did you know about Sean and Patrick?"Cordy nodded, having no reason to hide it. "I just found out.""But you and Patrick…""Let's just say it was not meant to be." Cordy sighed feebly. "And we've both now found someone better.""Someone better?!" Jesse glowered. The thought that the grandson he appreciated most turning out to be a walking timebomb certainly left him overwhelmed.Cordy could read his mind and smiled, "I think you should b
Cordy smiled. "That's the spirit, Grandpa. Also, the doctor said you can go out on a wheelchair—how about I take you on a stroll?""Sure," Jesse replied.As Cordy wheeled Jesse through the hallways of the hospital, she thought to herself that even if she had no idea why Jesse and her mother fought, she would be happy with how things were now.-Cordy cared for Jesse for over a month before he returned to Cranston Hall.During that period, the other Cranstons learned that Jesse had regained consciousness as well, and they all came to visit.Though some of them were more or less jealous that Cordy was always with Jesse, they did not protest given Jesse's authority.Meanwhile, Richard remained in the capital, just as he would be there for the foreseeable future. Cordy asked if he was really willing to stay, and Richard's response was resolute.He would love to stay with his parents, but he was also a young man who should learn to shoulder responsibilities.While Cordy had no id
After reading everything aloud, Jesse lowered the ledger and told Cordy, "Come here."Cordy hurried to him, her eyes already red with emotion.Jesse then took out an emerald bangle from a beautiful jewelry box. It was obvious that the bangle was worth a fortune and had considerable history given that the box was an antique.Taking Cordy's hand, Jesse put the bangle around Cordy's slender wrist, his voice choking with emotion as he said, "Your grandmother left this for your mother."Cordy felt her nose turning runny and her tears almost threatened to fall.Jesse smiled at her contentedly in turn. "I thought it'd stay in that box forever… Thank you for coming when you did."He certainly still had regrets but was thankfully given a second chance."Thank you, Grandfather," she said earnestly.Jesse grinned. "Just tell me if John ever gives you grief. I'll be there for you.""I'd never allow her to be hurt, sir. You have nothing to worry about," John quickly said nearby."Don't wo
It was natural that Patrick would be uncertain Jesse was calling him, since the man had treated him like he did not exist for a month.He was actually terrified—what would Jesse do to him?!Jesse was not going to start beating him up now that he had recovered, right?!He glanced at Sean with a look that said 'you did this'.Sean pursed his lips, more or less worried as well."Who else is named Patrick around here?" Jesse huffed.The parlor of Cranston Hall was silent—no one ever made a sound whenever Jesse got upset."Yes, sir. What's the matter?" Patrick asked calmly and respectfully, controlling his breathing despite the lingering fear inside."Does your grandfather know about you and Sean?" Jesse asked."He does," Patrick replied.In fact, his family knew his preferences all along and were much more accommodating than the Cranstons.Perhaps prepared for it, Monty Stuart even urged him to bring Sean home soon.Still, Patrick rejected the offer, since there was no telling
Jesse's expression was dark—Sean had never once disobeyed him before.Patrick was surprised that Sean would suddenly step between them too.Still, before Jesse flipped out, Cordy quickly said, "Sean, please."Sean pursed his lips, but he was determined."Just come here for a moment." Cordy tried to pull him along.Sean still did not move.Cordy shot him a look then—she had been coaxing Jesse every day she spent with him, speaking highly of both Sean and Patrick. She really doubted that Jesse was not swayed at all after her month-long effort.Moreover, Jesse was a man of principles and had a reputation to maintain. There was no way he would physically harm Patrick even if he did not acknowledge Sean and Patrick's relationship—all it would do was embarrass him, just as he would have to defend his actions to the Stuarts.If there was punishment, it would be thrown at Sean.Sean had to be smart enough to understand that, but it was also understandable people get flustered when the
Even if Jesse was not being particularly nice, he was obviously indicating that he accepted Patrick—the emerald necklace was proof enough.Patrick turned toward Sean, who gave him an adoring look. "Don't flirt in front of me!" Jesse snapped right then.Both men had to restrain themselves right then, while Jesse announced, "Alright, everyone can go about your business. I'm retiring to my room.""Let me help you, Grandpa," Cordy offered."It's alright—Johnny rarely visits the capital. You should spend more time with him…""I'll do it," Sean offered."No!" Jesse barked, clearly hostile."Allow me, then," Patrick volunteered.Jesse was left glaring at him—was he really a Stuart? Was he so blind he could not tell how hostile he was toward him?!"I'll treat you like my own grandfather." Patrick simply strode up to Jesse and held him up by his arm without noticing the moody look on his face.Jesse was left taken aback and repulsed, but Patrick ignored that too as he helped Jesse t