Rash

"Now that you're fine, it doesn't mean you're healthy, Mom. It's all because of me. I shouldn't have let you come; it wasn't necessary. It's my fault," Alice says, frustration evident in his voice as it trembles slightly, though he manages to control it.

The stress of his mother's health and Alisha's betrayal is really getting to him; he's been through a lot in life.

But when it comes to the only two people he cares about, he just can't handle it all.

He knows he'll find Alisha, his soon-to-be wife; she can't keep running forever, and he'll pursue her no matter how long it takes.

And then there's his mother's health; he just can't bear it when it comes to her. He hates feeling weak, but he can't help it—when it comes to his mother, he's at his weakest.

"I wanted to come to court with Alisha myself. It's your wedding, son; how could I miss it?" Daisy weakly speaks.

She has lied about feeling unwell, but now, seeing Alice like this, she truly feels the uneasiness in her heart. She doesn't even know if she's acting or if she truly sounds this weak, which is deeply concerning.

"That doesn't mean your health should suffer. It's also because of Alisha. You treat her like your own daughter, and yet she didn't even think once before running away and putting you in this stressful situation," Alice's anger bubbles up as he answers.

"She doesn't know about my health. And don't forget, you're the one forcing her into marriage. That makes her actions understandable. Besides, why would she trust me and confide in me about her plans? It's not like I support her; most of all, I'm supporting you," Daisy replies, unfazed and speaking the truth.

Alice looks at his mother, not liking the way she is taking Alisha's side.

"Alisha's betrayal is hurting you deeply, Alice, but blaming yourself or me won't solve anything," Daisy continues, her voice filled with concern.

Alice sighs heavily, his frustration mixing with guilt. "I know, Mom.”

Daisy reaches out and gently squeezes his hand. "You're a good son, Alice. But you can't control everything. Sometimes, we have to accept things as they come and deal with them the best we can."

Alice nods, his expression reflecting a mix of determination and uncertainty. "I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're okay, Mom. And then I'll deal with Alisha."

Daisy gives him a reassuring smile. "I know you will, Alice. Just remember, I'm here for you, no matter what.”

She knows her words won't have much effect on her son; he'll still try to find Alisha, and there's nothing she can do about it. This is all she can do.

She's not on Alisha's side, but she can't fully support Alice either. So, this is the last resort she can resort to.

If Alisha gets caught by Alice's people, even God won't be able to save her from him. Daisy knows her son too well, and she knows that while Alisha may not die, falling into Alice's hands after such an escape will be worse than death.

“Mom, now you rest. I need to go and get you some medicine,” Alice says.

“Don't leave me alone. I'm not feeling that well,” Daisy tries to stop him, not wanting him to leave her.

Truth be told, she doesn't want him to have time to connect with his men. He's already trying to find Alisha, and as long as she can, she wants to keep him in the hospital with her so Alisha can leave wherever she planned to go.

“I'm not going anywhere, Mom. The doctor said you need to sleep. I'm just going to get some medicine and healthy food for you to eat. I won't leave you alone, don't worry,” Alice finds it very suspicious.

His mother usually hates hospitals; she doesn't like being in one, no matter how unwell she is. Whenever she falls ill, he has to force her to go to the hospital or arrange everything at their mansion.

And most of the time, she doesn't want to stress him or make him stay with her.

This time, his mother came to the hospital without any fuss, and she even wants him to stay with her, not wanting him to leave, which is very suspicious.

Alice can't shake the feeling that something is off. His mother's sudden compliance with going to the hospital and her insistence on him staying with her raise red flags in his mind. He knows she is up to something, but he can't quite put his finger on it.

“Mom, what's going on? You never like being in hospitals, and now you want me to stay with you? It's not like you,” Alice says, his tone edged with suspicion.

Daisy hesitates for a moment, her eyes avoiding his gaze. “I just... I just want to spend some time with you, Alice. Is that too much to ask?”

Alice narrows his eyes, unconvinced by her answer. “Mom, I know you're hiding something. What is it?”

Daisy sighs, realizing she can't keep up with the lies any longer. “Okay, fine. I... I lied about feeling unwell. But Alice, please, you have to promise me you won't do anything rash when you find Alisha.”

Alice's jaw clenches as he processes her words. “Mom, you know where Alisha is?”

Daisy nods, tears welling up in her eyes. “I don't.”

Alice's anger softens slightly as he listens to his mother's confession. “Mom, why did you do this? You know how stressed I am because of your health. Even if you don't know where Alisha is, I can't even trust that now.”

“I'm sorry. I just don't want you to do something rash,” Daisy replies, her voice trembling with emotion.

“I understand, Mom,” Alice says, his tone softer now, though the hurt in his eyes is evident. “You rest now.”

Daisy nods, wiping away her tears. “Just promise me you'll handle it calmly, Alice. Don't let your anger cloud your judgment.”

Alice squeezes her hand gently. “I won't do anything rash.”

But deep inside, he knows his anger is simmering, and he can't shake the feeling that he is going to do a lot worse than rash.

He knows he's not the best, but now nobody can be worse than him, that's for sure.