Chapter 12 As soon as I wheeled my brother out of the airport, I saw him-the man I hadn't laid eyes on in more than ten years. He strode quickly toward us, his voice trembling. "Meredith, you must be exhausted from the journey. Go home and rest first." His gaze shifted to my brother, a flicker of pain flashing across his eyes. "About your brother... it was my failure. If you can't forgive me, I'll accept it. But if you ever neec anything, you must tell me." 'Dad." The word slipped softly from my lips. He froze, his eyes instantly reddening, his voice choked. "W-what... what did you just call me?" shook my head slightly. "What happened to my brother isn't entirely your fault. But I hope you'l ind the best doctors and give it another try." He blinked rapidly, forcing back his tears, and nodded with solemn determination. "I will. I've already arranged for the best hospital. We'll go there now." My father admitted my brother to the finest private hospital. When the doctor said there was still hope for him to wake up, the tension that had gripped my heart finally eased by half. At dinner, Dad kept placing food into my bowl. "These were your favorite dishes when you were ittle. Eat more." looked at the pile of food stacked like a small mountain and said softly, "I've grown up. My astes have changed long ago." His hand froze, spoon hovering in the air before he slowly set them down. "Back then... I failed 'ou and your mother. I've already sent people to investigate what happened to her. I'll give you >oth the justice you deserve." swallowed down the bitterness rising in my chest and steadied my gaze. "I'm preparing my own ›lan as well." You've suffered so much all these years." His eyes brimmed with sorrow. When I didn't answer, he began speaking to himself, lost in memory. "Your mother was a strong woman. She endured so much hardship with me while we built our business from nothing. But when success finally came, I... betrayed her." His voice grew hoarse. "I thought I had everything, but only when I lost you both did I realize I'd thrown away the most precious treasure of my life. I don't dare ask for forgiveness. I only hope I can make amends in whatever way I can..." His late remorse stirred something inside me. "When Mom was sickest, when she needed you most-you betrayed us. Back then, I hated you. I swore I'd never acknowledge you again." He closed his eyes in pain, but I went on. "But Mom... She said she understood you. She knew she never gave you the warmth you longed for, that she kept pushing you away-until she pushed you into someone else's arms. She had regrets, yes, but she never once blamed you." Dad's head snapped up, disbelief filling his eyes. "She... she really said that?" I nodded. "Yes. At first, I didn't understand. But after marrying, after becoming pregnant myself, I slowly began to see... Love alone isn't enough for two people to stay together. There has to be understanding too. And if it truly becomes impossible, letting go might be the best choice." "Besides, apart from companionship, you gave us everything else. I don't have much left to resent." "Thank you... Thank you both..." The once-powerful man who had dominated boardrooms and business halls finally broke down, tears streaming openly. For the first time, he let me see his vulnerability. My own eyes turned red. After dinner, he wanted me to come home and live with him, but I couldn't bear to leave my brother. I insisted on staying in the hospital to watch over him. He didn't press, only making sure to deliver three meals to me every day. Half a month later, one quiet morning, sunlight spilled through the curtains of the hospital room. My brother's eyelashes fluttered, and slowly, he opened his eyes. Dad and I grasped his hands at the same time, tears streaming down silently. His voice was weak but carried a smile of relief. "This is wonderful... our family... finally togethe again..." Dad nodded firmly, his voice resolute. "From now on, we'll never be apart again!"