My coldhearted ex demands a remarriage

Chapter 597:

Her voice faltered, and her chest rose and fell in labored breaths. Carrie immediately leaned in, supporting her frail frame and murmuring reassurances.

The tears she had held back spilled freely now, hot streaks tracing paths down her cheeks. They dripped onto Gracie’s thin hands, soaking into the sheet beneath.noveldrama

The silence between them grew heavy, and the sorrow that filled the room seemed almost tangible.

Carrie’s chest heaved as sobs racked her body. She gripped her grandmother’s fragile hand tightly, her voice trembling with desperation. “Grandma, please don’t talk like that,” she begged, her words thick with emotion. “You’ll feel better after some rest. I still need you—I want you to be here to help me raise my children someday.”

Gracie’s lips curved into a faint, tired smile. With effort, she placed her other hand gently over Carrie’s, her touch barely more than a whisper. “Sweetheart,” she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of years, “I’m not a child anymore. I know my body, and I know when it’s time.”

She paused, her gaze distant as if reaching for a memory. “To be honest,” she continued, her voice weaker but steady, “I thought I wouldn’t make it this far. These extra years—they’re only because of Kristopher and your mother-in-law. Their care gave me more time than I ever thought I’d have.”

Gracie’s face grew serious, her frail hand still resting on Carrie’s. “I should feel at peace by now, but I can’t help worrying about you,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “You’ve faced so much, even when you were just a little girl. And now, I’m scared that once I’m gone, you’ll be left to face it all alone.”

“Grandma,” Carrie cried, her voice cracking as tears spilled freely down her cheeks. She gripped the blanket covering Gracie. Her fingers trembled with desperation.

Gracie’s thin hand moved slowly, yet with purpose, as she brushed away Carrie’s tears. Her touch was gentle, her eyes soft but steady. “It’s all right, my love,” she said quietly. Her voice was calm and soothing. “Now, I can rest.”

A faint smile crossed Gracie’s face as she looked at Carrie. “Kristopher loves you, and I can see that clearly. The Norris family is so much better than your father ever was. They care about you, truly. After I’m gone, you’ll still have someone to look after you.”

Carrie’s chest felt heavy, her mind spinning with thoughts of her lost child and the sight of Kristopher and Billie standing beside Lise. The pain in her heart grew sharper, almost unbearable.

Wrapping her arms around Gracie, Carrie held her tightly, as if she could somehow keep her there forever. “No one can ever take your place,” she whispered. Her voice was thick with emotion. “You mean everything to me. Please don’t leave me.”

Gracie’s smile faded, her lips trembling as if the weight of her thoughts had stolen the warmth from her face. Her voice cracked as she murmured, “I wish I could stay with you forever, but we all have to grow up someday.” Her gaze softened, though her words…

“You’re going to be a mother now, Carrie. You can’t stay a child. You have to be strong—for your child’s sake.”

Carrie’s heart sank at the words, the ache of a truth Gracie didn’t know. Carrie no longer had her child.

The thought sliced through Carrie’s chest, leaving her unable to form a single word in response.

Instead, she pulled Gracie close, holding on as though her embrace could shield them both from the pain. Silent tears streaked Carrie’s face, the only answer she could give.

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