Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 27

"Oh, don't trouble yourselves," Nadine sighed dramatically. "Chloe needs to stay there and look after you. Julius... I don't know how much time I have left. I could close my eyes one night and simply never wake up. And my only regret would be leaving you behind."

She paused for maximum effect. "I don't care about money or legacy. My final wish is to see you happily married with a family. If you and Chloe would just go get your official marriage license, I could finally rest easy. The doctor says I shouldn't be stressed... and this is the only thing weighing on my heart. Please, just make it official. That way, when I go see your grandfather, I'll have good news to share."

Julius felt a sharp pang of guilt. If getting a piece of paper was all it took to ease her mind, maybe he should just do it.

"Don't talk like that," he said softly. "I will marry her. But my legs are still healing. Let's wait until I'm better, and then we'll go straight to City Hall."

"No, Julius. I want you to go now. Ever since she arrived, your health has been improving rapidly. She's your lucky star. I know she is."

Julius rubbed his temples. Once his grandmother set her mind to something, she was immovable. He glanced at Stella for help.

Stella immediately looked away. *Your family, your problem.* She highly suspected the old woman was putting on an act anyway.

"Can't we just wait a few days?" Julius tried again.

Nadine, a master manipulator with decades of experience, saw right through his stalling tactics. She let out a weak, rattling cough. "Lisa... get the doctor. I want to be discharged. If I'm going to die, I might as well do it at home instead of burdening my unfilial grandson. There's no point in treating me anymore."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify