The screen lit up with the name “Carol.”

Katelyn raised her hand and pressed the answer button.

“Carol,” she said softly.

Carol’s voice was warm and affectionate.

“Katelyn, have you thought about my invitation to my birthday banquet? You really mustn’t say no this time.”

Previously, Katelyn had been noncommittal over the phone. Carol, knowing Katelyn well, sensed her hesitation. This time, she broached the subject again, leaving no room for Katelyn to decline.

Feeling cornered, Katelyn replied, “But my presence might make everyone uncomfortable.”

Carol dismissed her concerns with a decisive gesture.

“As long as I’m there, no one will dare cause you any discomfort. Katelyn, this birthday is significant. You have to attend, or I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.” Her voice took on a grave tone.

Katelyn clutched her phone tighter, concern in her voice. “What’s wrong, Carol? Is there something you’re not telling me about your health?”

“I’m not getting any younger. This might be my last birthday celebration.” Carol sighed heavily, her tone laden with emotion. “So, I hope you’ll come, just to fulfill my last wish.”

The inevitability of life’s cycle weighed heavily in her words.

Katelyn’s heart sank, disbelief coloring her response. ? ? ? ?s, ?s? s fι?dnοvel.net

“That can’t be possible. You seemed fine when I last saw you. Have you consulted a doctor? What was their diagnosis?”

Her questions tumbled out, each laced with concern. Carol’s lips curved into a smile, touched by Katelyn’s evident care and compassion. She greatly valued Katelyn as a granddaughter-in-law for her attentive and thoughtful nature, a stark contrast to Neil’s shortcomings.

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Masking her amusement, Carol feigned frailty and said, “I’m old, dear, and the doctor says this is all quite normal. We all must face life’s end. That’s why I want you at my celebration.”

Vincent raised his eyes as Katelyn approached, his concern deepening when he noticed her weary state. “If you’re not well-rested, you should consider taking the day off,” he suggested.

Katelyn rubbed her eyes, her voice faint. “I’m concerned about missing important work. I’ve been out for a bit, and the design department is already lagging.”

Vincent’s expression tightened as he said, “There’s a lounge behind my office equipped with a bed. Why don’t you take a short nap there?”

This time, Katelyn didn’t resist. She genuinely needed some rest. She gathered a pillow and blanket and headed to the lounge, intent on getting some sleep. However, her phone rang just as she was about to relax.

Katelyn, previously resolute in her refusal, felt her resolve soften. Seeing Carol as a cherished figure in her life, she knew that missing the banquet over concerns of awkwardness would be a lifelong regret.

Without hesitation, Katelyn confirmed, “I’ll be there.”

Carol’s mood instantly brightened upon hearing the commitment.

“Excellent, it’s in three days. I expect to see you there.”

“Okay.”

After ending the call, Katelyn lay on the bed, restless and unable to sleep. Carol was her only remaining family. Was she about to lose her too?

With a deep sigh, Katelyn closed her eyes, confronting the stark realities of life, particularly the vulnerability of the elderly. All she could do was value the time with those she cared about.

Eventually, she managed a few hours of sleep. Though brief, it helped alleviate her weariness. She tidied up the blankets and pillows before leaving the lounge.

Vincent had moved to the meeting room next door. The vast office was now empty except for her.

Katelyn pulled out her unfinished design sketches and continued refining them while also reviewing submissions from other designers.

When Vincent returned, Katelyn was deeply immersed in her work. He approached, noting her healthier complexion compared to the pallor of the morning.

“Next time you’re tired, make sure to take a break. You don’t have to push yourself so hard.”

Katelyn nodded and looked up at Vincent. Remembering something, she set down her pen.

“Mr. Adams, are you going to Mrs. Wheeler’s birthday banquet in a few days? She called again, and I’ve decided to go.”

Vincent, having anticipated her decision, knew of her close bond with Carol, akin to that of blood-related grandparents and their grandchildren.

“I’ll be there,” he stated firmly.

Katelyn gave a firm nod but added nothing further. The conversation ended there, and time swiftly passed, bringing them to three days later.

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