Chapter 40 Can only be admired from afar, not up close.A nightlight cast a dim glow in the hospital room.
The light was faint and drowsy.
Shane made sure Callie was sound asleep before he closed the door and walked to her bedside.
He kept his head down.
Over the past few days, Callie had regained some color. Her cheeks were smooth and soft like warm jade, her pink lips were delicate and rosy, and her black hair lay scattered, with a stray lock resting on her brow, adding a touch of allure.
Shane couldn't help but reach out and gently caress her cheek.
His fingertips brushed against her skin, feeling its silky texture.
His brow furrowed slightly.
Perhaps it tickled, as Callie turned her head and moved a bit.
Shane quickly withdrew his hand.
"Mmm—"
Callie turned over, her back now facing him as she continued to sleep on her side.
As she turned, she pulled the blanket with her. Shane carefully covered her again, then lay down beside her in the narrow space, also on his side, facing her. He buried his face into the back of her neck, holding her through the blanket as he drifted off to sleep.
The night was deep and dark.
But inside, there was a sense of warmth and tenderness.
When Callie woke up in the morning, Shane had already left at some point.
She had no idea that someone had visited last night.
At eight o'clock, Mrs. Ford came by with a meal and brought plenty of fruit.
After eating, she had some of the fruit and sat on the sofa by the window, basking in the sunlight.
Knock, knock—
The door suddenly echoed with a knock.
Before Callie could respond, the door was pushed open.
"Callie!" Rafael's voice was straightforward and urgent. "You need to go and plead with Shane."
Over the past few days, Rafael had figured out the details of the car accident. That day, Myron had crashed into Shane's car. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but Henry had been injured. After some treatment, he was doing much better.
However, Shane was holding Myron accountable.
Myron didn't have a driver's license, and since he was an adult, he would face legal consequences.
He was driving without a license, and the road had surveillance cameras that captured everything clearly. Not only was it Myron's fault, but he also fled the scene afterward.
Hit-and-run—an even graver offense!
Callie curled up on the sofa, her bright eyes fluttering with thick lashes. "Dad, I don't know what you're talking about. And why should I plead with Shane?"
Even though she knew exactly what Rafael was talking about.
However, she pretended to know nothing.
"Your brother took your car without permission and crashed into Shane Robinson’s car. He didn't let it slide just because you're his wife; instead, he deliberately suppressed him. What does he mean by that? Myron is still your brother after all..."
"Dad," Callie interrupted Rafael, "My mom only had me. Where did this brother come from?"
Rafael's face stiffened, and he coughed awkwardly. "Even though you don't share the same mother, you have the same father..."
"My own dad doesn't even care about me. Why should I beg for his son?" Callie had come to terms with Rafael's actions, but blood ties still mattered.
She couldn't help but care, even if just a little.
Rafael took a deep breath, managing to keep his temper in check. "I haven't done anything to wrong you, have I?"
Callie looked up at the man whose temples were already streaked with gray. "Dad, you probably forgot how you tried to stop me from applying to medical school. Because I went to med school, you wouldn't even pay my tuition..."
"What's so good about studying medicine?" Rafael cut her off before she could finish. "Being a doctor is exhausting and busy, and the pay isn't great. What's so good about it? I raised you so you could find a good man and live a life without worries. You already have that chance. You've become Shane's wife. If you put in the effort, I'm sure he'll notice you, like you, and love you."
For a moment, Callie was at a loss for words.
"I am a person. I can think. I know what I want. Dad, do you have dreams?" she asked.
Rafael replied, "Of course I do. My grandfather was an ordinary man, and your grandfather was just a driver for other people. I don't want to spend my life accomplishing nothing. I want to achieve something significant. But without a background, without support, without connections, do you know how difficult it is to succeed?"
Callie was suddenly taken aback, she had always known Rafael to be driven by profit. Selfish, manipulative, willing to use anyone. Even if it meant pushing her into a pit of fire. But she had never tried to understand his thoughts, what he truly wanted.
He wanted success. Wasn't that the same as her dream of becoming a military doctor? Were those dreams not equally important to them?
"I want to make the Norris Family great. I want my daughter to be a lady of high society," Rafael continued, sensing Callie's softening resolve.
She pressed her lips together. "So, for your dream, you can sacrifice me?"
Rafael spoke earnestly, "How is it sacrificing you? Is Shane ugly? Is he poor? There are so many women out there who want to marry him but don't have the chance or the means. You have this opportunity, so why not seize it? Even if you don't marry Shane, who else could you find? Could you find someone better than him?"
Callie Norris was at a loss for words. She knew very well how desirable Shane was. She had heard about how many women were eager to be with him. But only after spending time with him did she realize how terrible his personality was.
He was completely unsuitable for a long-term relationship. He was just a pretty face. Men like him were best admired from afar, not up close.
"Dad, you're overestimating me. No matter what you say, I won't help you. Gianna was the one who ruined my mom's marriage. How could I possibly save her son?"
Callie stood up. "I'm tired. You should leave." She was clearly asking him to go. "Whether you admit it or not, Myron is your brother."
Callie looked at Rafael. "I don't care. I won't acknowledge him. What can you do about it?"
Rafael showed signs of losing his temper, but considering the situation, he held back.
After all, when you need help, you have to act like you need it.
"Tell me, what will it take for you to help?"
Callie lay down on the bed, closed her eyes, and stopped talking.
Rafael was furious and couldn't hold it in any longer. "Callie, get up!"
"What's so bad about having a brother? If you ever get bullied, who will stand up for you? Only a brother with your blood can have your back. I admit I wronged your mom in marriage, but I didn't abandon you, did I? Why can't you think about it from my perspective?" Rafael's face was twisted with frustration.
Feeling frustrated and unable to vent his anger, Rafael could only bottle it up, which made him even more upset.
"Think about it yourself," Rafael said as he turned to leave.
Just as he reached the door, he suddenly stopped. "Why are you in the hospital? Are you sick? Is it serious?"
Callie, lying on the hospital bed, slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze was empty as she stared at the ceiling, her voice distant. "Dad, you finally remembered to care about me."
Rafael's heart tightened, he had been neglectful. His mind was preoccupied with Myron's matters.
"Fine, let's just say it's my fault. I made you marry someone you didn't like and live a life you didn't want. It's my mistake." With that, he stepped out of the room.
Shane happened to be arriving at the door.
Rafael didn't expect to see him there and immediately greeted him obsequiously, "President Robinson."
Even though he was Shane's father-in-law, he didn't dare to act superior.
He maintained a submissive and humble demeanor.
Shane's face was quite aloof, as if he had heard Rafael's last words to Callie.
Without acknowledging Rafael, Shane walked straight into the room.
Rafael felt a bit humiliated. After all, wasn't he Shane's father-in-law? Couldn't he at least get a bit of respect?
After being humiliated by Callie Norris and then getting frustrated with Shane Robinson, Rafael stormed off in a huff.
Callie heard Rafael's farewell at the door.
Knowing it was Shane coming in, she decided to pretend to be asleep.
Shane was fuming inside.
"Callie, can you really sleep?" he asked, barely containing his anger.
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