Part 73

Claire was still frozen in place. Staring blankly at the door where her mother and siblings had just left. Is this when the test of their relationship begins? She asked herself silently. Could she succeed in living according to her choice, like what happened to Harry? Or would she have to end up following her mother's wishes like Richard did?

But before she could answer his question. The door to the room opened again and revealed the man they had been talking about.

"What took you so long, where have you been?" Gladwin, who saw Antony's appearance, immediately joked. It was as if he and the man had never met before.

"Sorry. I have an important meeting at the office." Antony's answer was more to Claire. Claire just nodded and smiled.

"Brother, can I go home already?" Claire asked her twin brother.

Gladwin frowned. "Why, you don't feel at home here? Do you want to go home so you can be alone with him?" Gladwin asked again with his eyes squinting suspiciously. Claire chuckled but then she nodded her head. "You're trying to steal a chance in silence, aren't you?" Gladwin continued. "I'm sorry, but you won't be able to go home unless the doctor gives you permission. And that can only happen if you've been declared completely clear of the virus.

"If you insist on going home, it's called forced discharge. And the hospital or the doctor who treated you will not be responsible if anything happens to you after you leave here." Gladwin replied again.

Claire just nodded. "What's the point of having a twins who work as a doctor now if I have to pay for medical expenses even when I'm sick?" Claire said in a sarcastic tone.

Gladwin stared at him with his mouth agape. "You think I want to be a doctor because I want to take care of you? That's fine. I want to be a doctor so I can get close to beautiful patients." He said simply. "And if you don't want to pay for medical expenses, ask your future husband to build a large, well-equipped hospital. And later, make me the director." he continued smiling shamelessly. "You take it easy, the first rule I'll make after becoming the director is that all employees whether it's doctors, nurses and even office girls must have above average beauty. So that I can see the beautiful scenery every day." Gladwin replied with a laugh. And laughing, the man stepped out of Claire's hospital room.

"Where are you going?" asked Claire in surprise.

"Aren't you going home? Of course I want to find the doctor in charge." he replied. "And make the most of this opportunity, future brother-in-law." he said to Antony with a wink. "Seek opportunities in silence. Before someone takes it." He replied and then actually left the room.

Antony couldn't help but smile. He turned to Claire who was also smiling at her twin brother. Seeing that smile, Antony was grateful that Claire had a twin who loved her as much as Gladwin.

Not only that, Gladwin is also very, very supportive of their relationship and Antony is very grateful for that as well.

He pulled out a chair and sat near the bed. His left hand took Claire's right hand and linked their fingers before closing the small hand with his large right hand.

"You really want to go home?" Antony asked softly. Claire looked at him and nodded. "Are you sure?" he asked again. Claire nodded again.

"It feels less free. And lonely." Claire replied.

Antony just nodded. "I can call a doctor to the house later." He said. Claire just nodded. "But who will look after you at home?" She asked worriedly.

"I'm not that weak." Claire replied firmly.

Antony could no longer move. Not unable, but unwilling. He didn't want to restrain Claire and make her uncomfortable. If Claire feels that her private home is more comfortable than the hospital, then Antony will grant it.

He was gone less than ten minutes. Gladwin returned to the room with a man and a nurse. They carried out the discharge process by signing a form stating that the hospital would not be responsible for the wishes of the patient and his family who wanted to leave before the hospital allowed it.

And almost an hour later. They were already at Claire's house.

Gladwin brought Claire into the house. Meanwhile, Antony carried Claire's meager luggage. A small bag filled with clothes and some cutlery that they used when bringing food to the hospital. And fifteen minutes later, Claire's house was disturbed by the arrival of the two twins with different parents.

"Aunty!" the two exclaimed as they simultaneously entered the room. "Why are you home already? Flavia and I haven't even had a chance to see you at the hospital yet." Abigail complained as she sat on one side of the bed. While Flavia sat at the end of the bed, close to Claire's feet.

"Why, are you looking for a handsome doctor?" Asked Claire.

Abigail wrinkled her forehead as she squinted. "How do you know?" she asked.

Claire rolled her eyeballs. "Don't think I don't know your train of thought." She snorted.

"Seeing that handsome man gives me motivation."

"Go to school first and then find a boyfriend." Replied Gladwin who came in and then ruffled Abigail's hair anxiously. "I'm on night watch again. I'll be here tomorrow morning." Gladwin said. "You two, want to stay here?" He asked Abigail and Flavia.

Instead of answering immediately, the two teenagers looked at each other as if they were telepathic. Then shortly after nodded.

"Good. You." She pointed at Flavia. "Take care of your father. Don't let him come into this room."

Flavia, who did not understand Gladwin's meaning, could only look at him silently.

"Already, if you want to go, just go. No need to lecture. Flavia and I will take care of Aunty with all our body and soul." She said with her hands waving in front of her face, shooing Gladwin away. Gladwin again ruffled her niece's hair and then left.

"Why do I have to look after my father?" Flavia then looked at Abigail curiously after Gladwin had completely disappeared from their sight. "It's Aunty C who's sick, not my father." She continued, still confused.

"Never mind, a kid like you doesn't need to know much. You'll find out when you're older." Abigail replied in her wise-ass style. Claire who heard it just chuckled.