Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 434: Chapter 434

Marvin was right—growing up comes at a price, and it's not nearly as ideal as we once imagined.
As children, we always wished for time to pass faster, believing that once we grew up, we'd have everything we'd ever wanted—financial independence, the freedom to live however we pleased, and the ability to experience all the things we'd longed for.
But once we actually grow up, we quickly realize that we lose more than we gain.
When we step into the real world, we work tirelessly to earn money, only to realize how difficult it is to make ends meet. Every month brings pressure from all sides, and the hard-earned money barely covers the basic necessities of life.
We once fantasized about having all the money and time to enjoy our ideal life, only to find that those were just beautiful dreams of youth. And as we grow older, we're confronted with the sudden losses—the departures of people around us.
Some people leave to reunite with us in the future, but others might be gone for good. Regret is everywhere, but it's something we didn't notice when we were young, only realizing its sting years later, wishing we had cherished the time we had together more.
Javier had experienced loss at a very young age.
If I could, I'd want him to wait until his heart was strong enough before he had to face these kinds of hardships. But life is cruel, and fate likes to strike when you least expect it.
Though it wasn't a deadly blow, it left a deep wound on young Javier, making him severely lacking in a sense of security.
That's why he treasured the time spent with those around him so much. And it's precisely because of this that, when loss comes, he feels even more reluctant to let go.
"I'm sorry," Javier said, his eyes red, tears welling up as he hesitated, looking at me with a mixture of grief and uncertainty.
"Life is unpredictable. Not everyone gets the chance to say goodbye to their loved ones properly," I gently held his hand, my voice soft and soothing. "Angela wouldn't have wanted us to drown in sorrow because of her passing. She's always been with us, never really gone."
Javier's long lashes were damp with tears, and his voice trembled, "I know... I'm just so sad."
Marvin sighed from beside us, his voice heavy with empathy. "Anyone who loses someone they love would feel this way. It's a heartbreaking thing, losing a loved one, the kind of grief where a parent buries their child. But what's the point of being sad forever? Life goes on. Have you thought about the people who care about you?"
I lifted my gaze to Marvin, and I couldn't help but wonder—Angela's passing must have been a heavy blow for him too.
The pain and sorrow in his heart were no less than mine. After all, Angela was the first person to show him warmth. Her place in his heart was irreplaceable.
"Laurel, Marvin, I'm sorry," Javier said quietly, filled with guilt and self-blame.
Marvin glanced at him, his expression filled with concern, but also firm. "Go clean up. I'll make you some pasta. Eat it, and then take a nap."
Javier nodded, slowly rising from his seat, his steps heavy as he walked back to his room.
Marvin didn't look at me but walked straight into the kitchen.
I watched as his eyes reddened slightly—he was probably trying to distract himself from his own pain and sadness by doing something.
"Can you cook with your hand injured?" I leaned against the wall, watching him curiously as he turned his back to me. My tone was filled with skepticism.
"I'm just boiling water and making pasta," Marvin replied, turning his head slightly, a small smirk forming at the corner of his mouth. "What did you think? That I'd be cooking you a five-star meal?"
I shot him a playful, disapproving glance, but the smell of instant pasta wafted toward me, and I couldn't help but swallow. I furrowed my brow, pretending to be disgusted. "I'll have some too."
After finishing the pasta, I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. It wasn't the healthiest meal, but after lying in bed for a while, I soon fell into a deep sleep.
By the time I opened my eyes again, it was nearly lunchtime. I even wondered if I hadn't eaten enough at lunch, would I have trouble sleeping tonight.
After lunch, I had Liam drive me to the hospital.
As we reached the door to the hospital room, I heard voices inside, and my mood immediately soured.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open. This time, I wasn't barging in uninvited.
"Laurel, you're here," Betty said with a smile when she saw me, her eyes immediately falling on me. The smile felt forced, insincere.
I couldn't help but wonder when we'd become so familiar that she could address me by name.
"Feeling rested?" Alex asked, sitting on the sofa, dressed in a light gray shirt, looking impeccable, not a wrinkle in sight.
I even wondered if he had someone hiding in the room to take care of his daily needs.
As soon as I heard their footsteps, their conversation came to an abrupt halt. Was there something they didn't want me to overhear?
"I heard from Alex that you had a car accident yesterday. Are you okay?" Betty asked, her eyes scanning me, her tone carrying a hint of concern. But it felt insincere, like we were old friends, when in fact, we had just met.
I thought that by staying home this morning and skipping work, I'd show her I didn't care about her presence. But here she was, already in Alex's hospital room by lunchtime.
"I'm fine, thanks for your concern," I replied with a smile, but the words dripped with distance, making it clear we weren't close. Betty's smile faltered for a brief moment.
Then Alex spoke up, his voice deep, "What's this about Jamilah leaving all her shares to you?"
I didn't lift my gaze, simply forcing a smile as I glanced at Betty sitting beside me, trying to control the anger rising within me.
Such a private matter, and he brought it up in front of her. It was clear that their relationship was more than what it seemed.
I furrowed my brows, my tone cold as I responded, "That's something you shouldn't be asking me."
Alex's gaze hardened, his voice low and intense, "Do you know what Jamilah's gift of these shares to you really means?"
Of course, he wasn't stupid. He must know I took this step to ensure Marvin's safety. The person behind all this had targeted Angela's death to destroy Jamilah, hoping to throw Michael off balance.
And now, I was the largest shareholder in the Adams Group. Even if something happened to Marvin, the group wouldn't fall into their hands. After all, I was Alex's wife and Maddox's daughter.
Who would dare to go after me?