Chapter 77: Ansel’s helplessness
Ansel and his father swiftly took Mrs. Hani to the hospital. The doctor conducted an examination and diagnosed Mrs. Hani with low blood sugar and an irregular heartbeat caused by stress. The doctor cautioned that if the condition persisted, it could endanger her life. Additionally, the doctor advised that Mrs. Hani needed to be closely monitored and receive appropriate treatment to restore her health stability. The doctor also recommended that Ansel minimize activities that could agitate Mrs. Hani, as they could pose a risk to her well-being.
Upon hearing the distressing news, Ansel felt incredibly guilty about his mother. He incessantly blamed himself and tormented his conscience, believing that his actions had contributed to his mother’s stress and excessive agitation. Ansel’s dejected and anxious appearance evoked a profound sense of sympathy. In reality, Mrs. Hani was unharmed. Ansel was unaware that the doctor had colluded with Mrs. Hani and deceived him.
After Mrs. Hani regained consciousness, both Ansel and his father were overjoyed. They explained to Mrs. Hani about the situation and hoped that she would accept treatment to recover her health. However, in line with her premeditated plan, Mrs. Hani stubbornly insisted on returning home, adamantly refusing medical treatment.
Ansel tried to plead with his mother and explain to her that the treatment was crucial. He emphasized that it was important for her to follow the doctor’s advice to prevent a recurrence of stress, which could negatively impact her health and even her life. However, all of Ansel’s efforts were met with Mrs. Hani’s firm and dismissive refusal.
“There’s no need for treatment. I want to go home immediately,” Mrs. Hani said sternly.
“Why is that?” Ansel asked frustratedly. “The doctor has already explained that you need treatment for a chance at a speedy recovery. Please listen to them.”
“I don’t want to,” insisted Mrs. Hani stubbornly. “So I won’t undergo any treatment at all.”
Ansel felt powerless and desperate, as he couldn’t make his mother understand the seriousness of her condition. After a moment of silence, he composed himself and regained his composure. Ansel was determined to persuade his mother once again.
“After all, what do you want in order to accept treatment? Please tell me,” Ansel demanded wearily.
“I simply want to go home,” Mrs. Hani replied obstinately, refusing to look at Ansel. “And I will do that; no one can stop me.”
“Mom, you’re sick,” Ansel pleaded with anguish. “Please don’t act like this. Dad and I know what needs to be done. Let us help you.”
Mrs. Hani abruptly turned around, glaring at Ansel, and then burst into tears, crying out:
“Why are you making so much noise? What are you saying? Why won’t you just let me die?” She shouted, “My son doesn’t listen to me. He even left me. I don’t want to live anymore. Just let me die.”
Concerned that his mother might become even more agitated and faint once again, Ansel gently tried to soothe her:
“Mom, please calm down. Stop shouting, and be careful not to faint again.”
“I don’t care. I don’t want to hear from anyone anymore. Do you dare stop me? Let me go home,” Mrs. Hani continued to shout, persistently demanding, “Hurry me home.” She looked at her husband and gave him an order.
Mr. Brown remained motionless, refusing to budge. He wanted to see how far his wife could carry on with her act. Mr. Brown had already suspected that his wife had deceived Ansel. As for Ansel, he reluctantly gave in because he wanted to avoid further arousing his mother.
“Mother, what do I need to do for you to accept treatment?” Ansel asked helplessly, “Please tell me.”
As soon as Ansel asked this question, Mrs. Hani immediately said, “I will agree to receive treatment if you do as I say.”
“What is it?” Ansel asked gently, sensing that what Mrs. Hani was about to say wouldn’t be good. He had almost guessed what his mother would ask for, but he didn’t want to believe it and chose to dismiss it.
“Leave Erica and marry Desi,” Mrs. Hani said firmly, her voice sounding cruel.
“That’s impossible,” Ansel stated unequivocally, without needing to think twice. Ansel wasn’t even surprised or shocked by his mother’s request. Instead, he felt a growing sense of disappointment in Mrs. Hani.
“Ansel, do as I say, or I will die. You will regret it when that time comes.”
This time, Mrs. Hani’s cold and threatening words stunned Ansel. Ansel felt greatly displeased as Mrs. Hani spoke without thinking.
“Mother, please don’t do this. You’re forcing your own son…” Ansel wanted to protest, but he had to restrain himself in the face of Mrs. Hani’s determined gaze and resolute attitude.
Ansel felt guilt-ridden as he realized the difficulties and worries he had caused for his mother, yet he also bore the weight of Mrs. Hani’s threats. Ansel was aware that any harm that befell his mother would leave him haunted by eternal guilt and remorse. However, he questioned whether he should simply surrender and abandon his own happiness and future.
“So you don’t want me to be happy, is that it? I can’t give up my love just to please you. That would be so cruel and unfair to me.” Ansel spoke in a low voice, trying to maintain his composure.
“Then prepare yourself for my death,” Mrs. Hani replied in a stern tone. Looking into his mother’s eyes, Ansel understood that she was dead serious.
Ansel’s mind suddenly became confused. He didn’t know how to handle this situation. He felt the weight of the pressure on his shoulders and fear as he faced his mother’s harsh demands.
Ansel sat silently in the chair. The feeling of helplessness overwhelmed everything else, leaving him feeling lost and directionless. Just when Ansel was struggling, a warm hand was placed on his shoulder. He looked up and recognized it as his father’s.
Ansel’s father saw the worry on his face and embraced him. “My son, stay calm and don’t let your emotions affect your decision.”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
Ansel’s father’s words provided him with support, and they helped him regain his focus. The words of encouragement gradually alleviated his sense of unease and worry, and determination took their place. Ansel comprehended that he had to do what was right and appropriate for the current situation.
After taking his father’s advice, Ansel turned back to look at his mother. Mrs. Hani’s face remained solemn, her eyes fixed on her son without any sign of wavering. Ansel still felt confused and unsure of what to do. In the end, to prevent the situation from escalating further and to appease his mother, he resorted to a stalling tactic.
“I’m really sorry, mom. I need more time to think; I will consider it carefully before making a decision.” Ansel spoke in a low tone, trying to buy more time.
“You have 24 hours,” Mrs. Hani said with a determined tone. “But remember, if you keep defying me, I will do as I said, and you will witness it with your own eyes.”
The pressure bore heavily on Ansel’s shoulders. He recognized that his mother’s intentions were serious, and the task of making a significant decision within 24 hours was not an easy one. Ansel made an effort to control his emotions and reluctantly embraced the time frame imposed by his mother.
“I understand. Tomorrow, I will give you my answer,” Ansel gently replied. “For now, please listen to the doctor and agree to the treatment.”
“I will undergo treatment after hearing your decision,” Mrs. Hani responded dismissively.
“But…” Ansel contemplated arguing back but eventually gave up. He didn’t want to argue with his mother anymore. No matter how far the argument went, Ansel would always be the one to lose.
“Alright, then. Rest, Mother. I’ll take my leave,” Ansel announced, standing up from his chair.
Mrs. Hani simply nodded and turned back to lie on the bed. Ansel knew that staying here wouldn’t be of any use. Moreover, he needed some space to think. So he reluctantly left the hospital, his mind filled with worries about his future and Erica.