Chapter 440 Amelia, Layla is your mother
Amelia's face got all serious. "If you don't hit up the hospital for a check-up, I'm calling Rachel to come back to go with you."
Vincent chuckled, shaking his head. "Amelia, you always pull the Rachel card. She's swamped right now; don't drag her into this. I'm really okay. If you don't believe me, watch this," he said, getting up from the couch and doing some stretches.
He took Anna from Susan, smiling warmly. "See? I can still hold Anna."
Amelia still looked worried.
Vincent insisted, "Seriously, I'm fine. It's just an old issue. I went to the hospital last week."
Finally, Amelia let out a sigh of relief, then took Anna from him and said, "Dad, things are rough enough right now. I can't have you getting sick. Show me that check-up report from last week."
Vincent sighed and said, "I'm really okay. I just felt a bit off after seeing a guest."
Amelia frowned. "Who?"
Vincent looked a bit helpless, staring out the window. "Remember you asked if Layla was an old friend of mine?"
Amelia's frown deepened, then asked, "Did she come to Davis Manor today?"
Vincent nodded. "Yeah. She's not just an old friend; she's your and Rachel's mom," he said slowly.
Amelia froze, looking confused. "Dad, are you kidding? Mom passed away a long time ago, right?"
Even though she was denying it, Amelia already knew the truth deep down. No wonder Layla felt so familiar.
Vincent sighed. "Your mom left me right after you were born. I didn't want you to be sad growing up, so I lied. Rachel was old enough to get it, so she went along with it."
Amelia didn't say anything for a while.
Vincent kept his head down, continuing, "She came today wanting to reunite with you. I got so mad I felt sick. She'll probably reach out to you. I can't hide this anymore, so I'm telling you now. You're a mom now. You can decide for yourself."
He paused before adding, "If you want to see her, I won't stop you."
Vincent looked up at Amelia, his face sincere, showing he meant it.
Amelia took a deep breath, her heart aching seeing Vincent like that.
Layla was now Charles's stepmom and Shirley's mom. So, she and Shirley were half-sisters. No wonder Rachel thought Shirley looked like her.
Amelia bit her lip and muttered, "Dad, what are you talking about? Mom passed away a long time ago. It was just you, Rachel, and now I have Anna and Frederick."
Vincent just listened quietly.
Susan stood off to the side, not saying a word.
Sensing the tension, little Anna, feeling uneasy, cupped Amelia's face, her eyes full of confusion. "Mommy, why are you sad?" she asked softly.
Anna didn't get why Amelia was sad but could feel it.
Amelia hugged Anna tightly and forced a smile. "I'm not sad, sweetie. I'm not sad at all. Don't worry."
Seeing Amelia smile, Anna felt a bit better.
Vincent spoke gently, "This is your call; I won't interfere. And now that I've told you, I feel a lot better."
Seeing Amelia's focus shift to Layla and away from his health, Vincent sighed in relief.
He got up and said calmly, "I'm a bit tired. I'm gonna lie down for a bit."
Amelia nodded lightly, watching him until he disappeared into the bedroom. Then she turned to stare out the window.
She never expected Layla to be her and Rachel's real mom. No wonder Rachel said she and Charles could never be together; there was this whole other layer to their relationship.
Amelia sighed inwardly, feeling a headache coming on from all the news.
Back in his room, Vincent pulled out the medical report from the drawer.
He looked at the confirmed late-stage liver cancer diagnosis, frowned, tore it up, and flushed it down the toilet.
Amelia and Rachel already had enough to deal with. He couldn't add to their burdens.
Amelia composed herself and called Tom to let him know they wouldn't be returning to Hastings Manor tonight.
Tom understood and asked about Vincent's health.
Amelia took a leave of absence and got up early the next morning to exercise with Vincent.
They were jogging at the Davis Manor entrance when a black car pulled up, and Layla got out, her assistant carrying a bunch of gifts.
"Vincent, Amelia," Layla greeted them.
Vincent frowned, looking serious, and glanced at Amelia with concern.
Amelia's expression was calm. Even though she learned about Layla's identity yesterday, she didn't show any unease.
Layla walked up to Amelia, smiling. When she reached out to take Amelia's hand, Amelia pulled back, her eyes darkening.
Amelia asked coolly, "Ms. Murphy, is there something you need?"
Layla's smile faltered a bit at Amelia's words. She glanced at Vincent and said, "Vincent, didn't you tell Amelia about who I am yesterday?"
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