Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Stronger Together

I was met with silence when I walked into my house. As I crept down the hallway toward my mother’s room, my heart slammed against my chest as I prepared myself for the state I’d find her in.

It was worse than I could ever imagine.

My mom was on her bed, curled up in a ball, facing away from me. At first, I thought she was sleeping. But when I walked around the bed, a jolt went through me. Her green eyes were dull and lifeless. She looked catatonic, like her very soul had been sucked out of her.

“Hi, Mom,” I said tentatively. “How are you feeling?”

She looked up at me, and I bit the inside of my cheek so I wouldn’t gasp. My own mother was looking at me like she’d never seen before.

I took a seat on her bed and tried to get her to respond, but it was no use. My stomach knotted when I saw painkillers on her bedside table. The clear orange bottle was almost empty. Had my mom been forcing herself to endure the emotional stress because I’d been in the hospital, and she felt like she had to be strong for me?

Guilt stabbed at my heart. But I couldn’t allow myself to wallow in my remorse. My shoulders straightened, and determination flowed through me. Now, it was my turn to be strong for her.

“I was able to see Dad today,” I told her, leaving it at that. It wouldn’t be helpful to inform her of the awful condition I found him in.

“Don’t lie to me and tell me he’s fine,” my mom replied in a flat voice. “I wouldn’t be in this much pain if he were alright.”

I gently touched her shoulder. “Honestly, I did see him—”

But a deep, guttural wail ripped from my mother’s throat. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her entire body trembled as she huddled into her blanket.

“Every hour that passes, the pain increases.” Her voice was raw and shaky. “It started in my chest, but it’s spread to my whole body. I can’t see an ending to this pain, and I think that’s what scares me the most.”

With that, she turned away from me.

I stared wide-eyed in shock for a few moments. I rubbed her back as her body shook with silent sobs.

I had no idea how to help her.

Her stomach gave a low grumble. Well, that was one problem I could easily solve.

“I’m going to make some dinner for you, Mom.” I stood up. “Maybe some hearty beef stew will make you feel a little better.”

She didn’t answer me.

In the kitchen, I tied a blue apron around my waist and took out all the ingredients. While I was chopping a long carrot, water splashed onto the bright orange vegetable. Confused, I looked up at the ceiling to see if there was a leak. Then, I realized the water had come from my eyes. I hadn’t even realized I was crying.

I was so distracted from my tears that I lost control of the knife, the sharp metal blade almost nicking my pointer finger.

But a strong hand wrapped around mine, taking the knife out of my hands before I could cut myself.

I spun around and let out a gasp when I saw Elliot holding the knife. That same familiar scent from Isabella’s room invaded my senses, making my wolf stir.

“What are you doing here?” I snapped. “How did you get inside?”

“That’s not important,” Elliot replied. “I’m here to help. I know your mom isn’t doing well.” A concerned frown crossed his face.

I glared at him. “I don’t want or need your help! Get the hell out of my house!” I yelled, taking out all of my frustration on him.

Elliot’s face darkened. Before he could reply, I heard shuffling footsteps coming down the hallway.

Damn it. My shouting must have attracted my mom’s attention. She walked into the kitchen, her hands trembling slightly.

“Jasmine, don’t be so rude to our house guest,” she said and took a seat at the breakfast bar.

My mouth dropped open.

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Lowett,” Elliot said. “I know that you and Jasmine are under a lot of stress right now. I can handle a little yelling. Why don’t you two rest while I cook up dinner?”

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