Chapter 249 - "Bro..."
~ At Empire City Medical Center ~
Andrew felt bored just staying in his ward. Isabelle was the one taking care of him. He felt embarrassed because of this.
He asked her to return home and just let the nurse watch over him but Isabelle refused. She insisted on staying. Andrew could only sigh in defeat.
Tristan's mother was always very caring toward him. She didn't let him feel that he was an outsider and not her own son. She was treating him like he was her true son.
That's one of the reasons why Andrew couldn't bring himself to be mad at them despite what happened to his biological mother.
At his young age, he had seen his mother suffer from depression. She was missing his father badly. But she had no right to see him. Besides, Lucas forbade his mother, telling her not to show herself to him and his family again.
Then his mother got sick. When her illness became severe, she had no choice but to bring Andrew to his father. With him, Andrew would have a better future.
Thinking about those memories, Andrew couldn't help but ask Isabelle.
"Mom, why are you so good to me?"
Isabelle glanced at him with a faint smile on her face. "Because you are my son," she promptly said.
Andrew lowered his gaze and said, "But I'm not your biological son. I'm the fruit of your husband's mistake with his secretary. Don't you ever hate me for that?"
Isabelle was taken aback by Andrew's remarks. This was the first time he became open about this topic. It looked like he was bothered by this for a long time now.
Isabelle sat down beside Andrew. She held his hand.
"Andrew, son, I didn't hate you. I admit I was hurt too when I learned about the truth. But I loved Lucas, your father. So I decided to forgive him."
"His mistake is not your fault so why should I hate you? You are innocent. Besides, Lucas is your father. We can't change that fact. So I accepted you as my son. I couldn't bear another child so it's good that you arrived. At least Tristan found an instant brother." Isabelle said, trying to console Andrew.
"But because of me, he became distant from you and the family. Did you not regret it? Did you not regret accepting me in your family?" Andrew couldn't help but pour his heart out as of this moment.
Isabelle fell silent again because of that. Indeed, Andrew was right. Isabelle was also thinking that the reason why Tristan became distant from his family was because of Andrew.
After her long silence, Isabelle spoke up once again. "I believe Lillie. Though Tristan became distant from us, she said that Tristan still cared for us. He loved his family, including you."
Andrew didn't know what to feel after hearing that. But his mind couldn't help but think of Lillie the moment Isabelle mentioned her.
"Andrew, your father and I are still hoping that you and Tristan will become a close brother for each other," she added, looking at him with eyes full of hope.
"We know that there's a conflict between you and Tristan. Loving the same woman at the same time. But since Tristan had found his wife, I hope that the two of you can let go of the past and have a fresh start."
"You have Hannah and Tristan have Lillie. It's time for both of you to move on and fix the conflict between the two of you," Isabelle said to him meaningfully, squeezing his hand.
Complex emotions could be seen on Andrew's face after hearing Hannah's name. Their parents had no idea about what happened at the campsite. They had a cool off, taking a break from their relationship.
Andrew didn't know if things between them would be back to normal after this cool off. He knew that Hannah loved Tristan more than she loved him.
"I understand, Mom," Andrew responded with a faint smile, hiding his troubles from Isabelle.
Isabelle smiled back at him, caressing his face. Andrew became a good son to them. Andrew was the total opposite of Tristan. She was looking forward to the days when the two brothers would get along well.
Just after Isabelle and Andrew finished talking, Tristan arrived at the hospital. When he entered Andrew's ward, he saw his mother comforting his brother.
He felt sorry for Andrew because of Hannah's confession. Tristan exhaled deeply before greeting his mother and brother.
"Hi Mom, hi Bro," Tristan said, walking towards them. He was holding a basket of assorted fruits. He bought it while on the way to the hospital.
Andrew was surprised to see him. He didn't expect that Tristan would visit him here.
"Oh, son, you're here," Isabelle stood up to welcome Tristan with a warm hug.
The mother and son hugged each other. "Yes, Mom. I learned from Matthew about what happened to my brother. I decided to drop by and visit him."
"Oh okay. Since you are here. I'm gonna go back first to the Mansion. I need to get some clothes for me and for Andrew. Take care of your brother while I'm not around."
"Okay, Mom."
After that, Isabelle left the two brothers in that ward. She also wanted to give them privacy. She was thinking that their two sons might have something to talk about.
She was glad that Tristan initiated to visit his injured brother. She hoped that their relationship would improve further in the coming days.
When Tristan and Andrew were left alone in that room, there was a moment of deafening silence between them. Tristan was standing beside Andrew's bed.
They were not looking at each other. Andrew remained silent. He didn't know what to say to his brother. He wondered why Tristan suddenly visited him. It was so unlikely of him to do so.
Meanwhile, Tristan was racking his brain where and how he would start a conversation with his brother.
"Bro…" Tristan finally called Andrew using the word 'Bro'
Andrew automatically turned to face Tristan after hearing that. His eyes were filled with confusion and disbelief. After so many years, this was the first time Tristan called him 'Bro' once again.