THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 275: Officially Part Of The Family
The way Shawn asked that question, sent an awful premonition to Kathleen’s mind and she couldn’t help but lose her previous confidence.
’Will the children really choose their father over me?’
"I’m waiting for your reply, sweetheart," Shawn’s challenging voice cut in through Kathleen’s thoughts.
"Even if I were to agree, my parents wouldn’t." Kathleen voiced out eventually. If the children chose to betray her, at least her parents could still be counted on.
They were rational enough to know what is right and she was sure they wouldn’t want Shawn encroaching on their privacy.
Before Shawn could respond, there was a slight knock on the door before it was pushed open, admitting Director Wyatt and his wife.
Kathleen’s eyes widened in surprise. "Dad? Mom?"
Shawn also shifted his gaze from Kathleen’s face towards the door and saw the couple that just walked in.
"Good day Sir. Good day Ma," he greeted respectfully as he tried to sit up but was stopped by Stacy’s concerned voice.
"You don’t need to stress yourself, lie back down and rest."
"Thanks. It’s an honor to finally meet you. Mrs Wyatt," Shawn said.
He had heard so much about her from the children and just found out recently also from the children that she was the disciple of Prof Gaius, the world renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor.
He could easily deduce that Kathleen’s unrivaled knowledge in natural medicine was garnered from both Professor Gaius and her mother.
In addition to her medical background and knowledge on drug Research she had been able to develop herself to excel in the field, establishing herself at the pinnacle of her profession at such a young age.
Stacy smiled warmly, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Shawn, we can’t thank you enough for what you did for our Janice."
"You are a hero," she added.
Shawn who always wore a bland expression except when with the ones he cared about actually blushed, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the praise. "I’m just glad Kathleen is okay."
Director Wyatt only nodded in approval as he took note of the sincerity in Shawn’s tone.
Kathleen’s gaze darted between her parents and Shawn and she couldn’t help but suspect that something was not right. "But seriously, why are you two here?"
They had only discussed with her last night about thanking Shawn and she didn’t expect them to show up in his ward all of a sudden.
"We came to see your savior, of course," Stacy said without much ado and took her seat on the double seater couch in the room.
"Why are you acting so surprised, I thought we told you last night?" Stacy frowned as if she didn’t expect such a reaction from her daughter.
"You did, but you never mentioned coming to see him in the hospital."
"You are clearly not the one who was shot, so why are you still traumatized," Stacy sneered.
"I’m not traumatized, Mom," Kathleen snapped. "What are you saying?"
Stacy signaled for the body guard that just entered to place the basket of fruit he was carrying on the table.
After doing that, the bodyguard bowed and exited the room.
"Your behavior says otherwise. Why would you start behaving as if you can’t think properly."
Kathleen was rendered speechless. "What do you mean, Mom?"
"If your father and I said we were going to thank the person that saved you, wouldn’t that mean the first step is to visit him while he is still in the hospital?"
Ignoring Kathleen who still looked puzzled , Stacy turned to Shawn who had been observing the whole drama with a faint smile.
"How are you, son?"
"Son?" echoed both Kathleen and Shawn, however Shawn’s was internal, while Kathleen voiced hers.
Quickly recovering from the shock, Shawn responded.
"I’m fine, Mrs Wyatt."
He was meeting her for the first time and didn’t know his first encounter with her would be this dramatic.
He had always felt that when he would officially meet her, he would first go down on his knees and beg for forgiveness for how he had hurt Kathleen in the past.
Then take whatever punishment or scolding she would mete out to him in good fate and make the necessary atonement as required.
He never imagined it would turn out this way.
He silently offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the decision to take the bullet for Kathleen that day.
It seemed to have atoned for all his sins and saved him a lifetime of sorrow.
Even if Kathleen had not outrightly told him that she had forgiven him, her attitude towards him had changed— at least, she wasn’t avoiding him or attacking him at the slightest chance like before.
"Mrs Wyatt? Isn’t that too alienating?" he heard Kathleen’s mother say.
"Mom?" Kathleen exclaimed again, not believing what her mother was up to.
"Since you’ve already taken a bullet for Janice and you are also the father of my wonderful grandchildren, I think we’re past the formality stage, so can you call me, mom?"
Shawn raised an eyebrow then broke into a warm smile.
"Thank you, Mom. It has a nice ring to it."
Stacy, also smiling, nodded. "You’re officially part of the family, Shawn."
Kathleen looked on in disbelief while Shawn grinned sheepishly.
Director Wyatt chimed in, "Just be ready for the occasional family drama. It comes with the territory."
Shawn chuckled, feeling a sense of belonging. "I’m up for the challenge, Dad."
"In that case, Mom, can I make a request?"
Sensing what Shawn was up to, Kathleen yelled "Shawn! Don’t you dare say anything."
"Go on, son," Stacy smiled, ignoring Her daughter’s outburst.
Shawn glanced at Kathleen as if he was actually waiting for her approval. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮
"Go on, don’t mind her. What is it that you want to say to me?" Stacy urged gently.
"Why do I suddenly feel like I am no longer my mother’s beloved daughter and why is Shawn so obsessed with calling my mother, mom? He seemed to get into character too quickly for my liking."
