Babel Novel
Chapter 78 Must Live Until Ninety-Nine
Chapter 78 Must Live Until Ninety-Nine
Chapter 78 Must Live Until Ninety-Nine
Melissa hesitated before giving a noncommittal grunt.
Alicia knew it was difficult for her to speak, so she reassured, "Okay, take your time. I'm listening."
Melissa had always been considerate of Alicia's feelings, speaking cautiously to avoid causing her sadness or anger.
"I'm not a good mother. I didn't raise you for long before you ended up taking care of me."
"Mom, if you say that, I'll get upset."
Alicia's tone was calm.
She remembered Edmond mentioning that her mother had been showing signs of depression and anxiety lately. So, subconsciously, she interpreted these words as symptoms of emotional distress.
"When Mr. Agos brought you from the orphanage, my husband had just passed away not long before. If it weren't for you coming into our lives, being willing to stay with me, I might have chosen to follow my husband."
"If you hadn't adopted me, I might have grown up in the orphanage and spent my adult life selling things by the roadside."
"In the future, when I'm gone, you and Edmond must have a child. That way, you'll have another bond in this world, and life will have more hope." RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only
"Mom, you must live to ninety-nine."
After Alicia said these, Melissa was immediately at a loss for words.
Just as Melissa was about to share the words she had been contemplating for a while, Alicia suddenly stood up and exclaimed, "I've got a bite!"
She deftly lifted the fishing rod and skillfully reeled in the line, all in one fluid motion.
She caught a large fish.
Alicia's immediate reaction was one of pride. She turned her head to seek Edmond's presence.
He was standing under a distant tree, smoking. His gaze was fixed on her, and upon seeing the fish she had caught, he smiled faintly and gave her a thumbs-up.
She lifted her chin, smiling smugly and looking utterly adorable.
Seeing Alicia's joy, Melissa couldn't bear to interrupt. She sighed and turned to Edmond, hoping he could offer some help.
As Alicia placed the fish into a bucket, her phone rang.
Glancing at the caller ID, it was her secretary calling. She said to Melissa, "Mom, I'll go inside the tent to take a call. Please wait here."
"Sure."
Once Edmond finished his cigarette and returned, Melissa looked troubled.
"I still can't bring myself to say it."
He took a deep breath and finally conceded. "Fine, I'll do it."
When Alicia came out after the call, Edmond was ready to seize the opportunity to bring up the matter openly. However, she had Melissa's medication in her hand, her expression grave.
"Mom..."
Melissa followed her gaze and saw the medication in Alicia's hand. Her heart skipped a beat.
Alicia subconsciously looked at Edmond, her expression devoid of emotion, and asked, "If I remember correctly, Mom, you were prescribed this medication when you had a brain tumor two years ago, right?"
He detected the tremor in her voice, which caused his throat to tighten. "Yes."
"I looked at the dates on the medication. It seems she's started taking it recently. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"So..."
Alicia's words trailed off. When her gaze fell upon Melissa, she noticed her mother covering her mouth, sobbing quietly.
She turned to Edmond, who had lowered his head, his hands in his pockets.
His tone was serious as he continued, "The brain tumor has recurred, and it was only recently diagnosed."
Alicia felt a bit dizzy. She took a deep breath, steadying herself.
"The success rate of the surgery, is it low?"
"Not very high."
Edmond knew he had to be truthful. Instead of offering grand promises and well-intentioned lies, it was better to prepare her for the worst.
Alicia felt as though tears had streaked down her face, but she paid no mind and continued, her voice choked with emotion.
"So, is it likely that today... may be the last trip that my mother and I take together?"
Edmond remained silent. He stepped closer to her, extended his arms, and pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close.