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Meanwhile, at the Ledford household, Grayson had just come back from a birthday party, only to find that Angel had returned much earlier.
She wasn't feeling well today, looking quite pale and worn out, so Grayson had the chauffeur bring her home first.
Upon entering, the housekeeper took his coat and hung it up. "Is Angel resting?" Grayson asked.
The housekeeper, while hanging his jacket, replied, "The young lady complained of stomach pains and went to bed early. Also, your parents mentioned they'd be staying at the family estate tonight."
"Alright," Grayson acknowledged and made his way upstairs.
Instead of heading to his own room, he knocked on Angel's door.
The room was dim, lit only by a small night light, revealing Angel curled up under the covers, hiding herself from head to toe.
She had always been frail, especially during her monthly cycles, which left her in excruciating pain.
This month, unfortunately, coincided with Keith's birthday.
Angel, sweating profusely and curled up in pain, managed to peek out when she heard her door open.
Seeing Grayson, she attempted a weak greeting, "Uncle, you're back."
Noticing her sweaty forehead and damp hair, Grayson pulled up a chair, gently touched her forehead, and asked, "Is your stomach still hurting?"
Ever since she turned 15, he watched her suffer through this for three years.
The first time it happened, she cried from the sheer pain.
Angel, now 18 and close to her SATs, was diligent and well-behaved. Catrina adored her as if she were her own.
Seeing her pale lips, Grayson suggested, "Let's have Grandma take you to the doctor again in a few days."
The Grandma he referred to was his own mother. Technically, Angel should address her as such, though she had no blood relation to the Ledfords - they were simply from the same region and shared a surname.
Sighing resignedly, Angel said, "I've seen all kinds of doctors, and I've taken so many medicines. They all say it's just my constitution."
Changing the subject to divert from her pain, she asked, "How about you, uncle? Did Grandpa and the others continue to hassle you about settling down and getting married after I left?"
The mere mention of marriage gave Grayson a headache.
At 32, it wasn't that he hadn't considered it; it's just not easy to find the right person.
Having had a significant relationship in the past, he hadn't given much thought to it since.
Consequently, he remained single, much to the dismay of his relatives who seized every opportunity to pressure him, especially after Jesse announced her second pregnancy.
"It's alright," Grayson reassured her as he pushed back her damp hair. "You've got your SATs in a few months. Just hang in there."
"I'll do my best, Uncle," Angel murmured, grimacing in pain.
Seeing her discomfort, Grayson stood, "I'll get you some hot water."
"Thank you, Uncle," she replied weakly.
Soon, Grayson returned with a steaming bowl of hot ginger tea and a heating pad.
Angel sat up, pressing the heating pad against her stomach and gratefully took the hot ginger tea, feeling slightly better as she sipped.
After returning the empty bowl to Grayson, she suddenly said, "My friends mentioned that childbirth might ease these pains."
Before Grayson could respond, she added, "Maybe I should have a baby for you! That way, Grandpa and the others won't hassle you about getting married and having kids."
Grayson couldn't help but laugh, "You're still a kid yourself. Don't let the pain make you delirious."
But Angel insisted, "I'm not a kid anymore. If I hadn't taken a gap year, I'd be in college by now. Besides, I'm almost at the legal age for marriage."
Amused and slightly exasperated, Grayson ruffled her hair, "Try to get some sleep. You have tutoring tomorrow."
As Grayson turned to leave, Angel grabbed his wrist, "Uncle, could you stay with me tonight? I had a nightmare earlier."
She had dreamt of her parents, a memory from 13 years ago that still haunted her.
Grayson, understanding the depth of her pain, agreed, "I'll just put this away and change."
Angel, clutching the heating pad, followed him out, determined to show she was stronger than her pains suggested.
While Grayson washed up, Angel waited, trying to stand tall despite her discomfort, a testament to their deep bond forged through years of shared hardships and moments of care within the Ledford family.
When she was younger, she'd wait for him just like that, eagerly anticipating the moments he'd spend with her.
Grayson was her rock, her sense of security.


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