Chapter 1029 Get Married Right After Discharge
Gabriella took a deep breath, looking determined. "I'm sure, Nora. This isn't impulsive. Johnnie's given me the most unforgettable love. I want to be with him. Who cares if he can't give me wealth? I can make money and support him. Who says a man has to provide security? I can give him that too."
Gabriella's words matched her straightforward and decisive personality.
Nora laughed, teasing, "So you're a lovesick puppy? Everyone thinks you're all about your career."
Gabriella rarely smiled. "Only for the one I love."
Thea, nearby, chimed in, "But Johnnie's dad doesn't like you and says you're not a good match!"
Gabriella replied, "Doesn't matter. If I don't give up and treat Johnnie well, they'll accept me eventually."
Older folks might be stubborn, but they had soft hearts. She believed her devotion would win over Randy and Vilma.
Seeing Gabriella's determination, Thea sighed and didn't push further. Gabriella had always been independent, and as her mom, she didn't want to interfere too much.
"Alright, Gabriella, don't overthink. Focus on getting better. You want to support Johnnie, but you need to be healthy first."
Gabriella hummed in agreement and lay down, trying to calm herself. 'Yes, I need to get stronger to support Johnnie.'
In the next ward, after Nora and the others left, Johnnie tried to calm himself too. Thinking about their conversation, something flickered in his eyes. 'How do you know you can take better care of Johnnie than others?' That was Nora's question. She said it on purpose.
"Dad, please leave. I need to talk to Susan alone."
Randy nodded. "Alright, you two talk. Susan, I'll leave Johnnie to you."
Susan forced a smile. After Randy left, she sat by Johnnie's bed. "Johnnie, what do you want to talk about?"
Johnnie's gaze turned her way. "Susan, do you want to marry me? If so, let's get married when I get out of the hospital."
Susan was taken aback by his directness. She looked at his eyes, biting her lip, unsure what to say.
Johnnie pressed on, "Why aren't you saying anything? Is it because you don't want to?"
Susan hesitated. "Johnnie, you're not fully recovered. We can talk about this after you're discharged."
Her words were a gentle refusal.
Johnnie smiled. "Susan, you don't really want to marry a cripple like me, do you?"
Susan stayed silent, squeezing her fingers.
Johnnie continued, "And I don't want to burden you. You deserve a better man. So, are we on the same page?"
Susan looked at him, feeling a bit ashamed.
"It's okay, Susan. You don't need to feel sorry or ashamed," Johnnie said, reading her thoughts.
"We don't have deep feelings for each other. You don't owe me anything. Don't force yourself to stay out of some sense of duty. Life's short, and living true to yourself is the only way to avoid regrets," he said calmly.
He was trying to comfort her.
Susan felt incredibly sad. Why did Johnnie have to get into that car accident? If he were still healthy, things would be so different. She really liked him! But thinking about the future, having to care for a sickly man, being judged by others, and feeling embarrassed among her peers, she knew this affection couldn't sustain her.
"I'm sorry, Johnnie," Susan said, turning all her words into an apology.
"I just said, you don't need to apologize. Susan, you're a good person. I hope you find your happiness," Johnnie paused. "You can go now. Just say I drove you away."
Susan bit her lip, her eyes turning red. She felt sad and regretful. She was so close to realizing her dream of marrying Johnnie, but it turned into a bubble. They probably wouldn't see each other again.
Susan stood up and gently hugged Johnnie. "Johnnie, I'll pray for you every day, hoping you'll get better."
"Thank you."
"Goodbye."
"Yeah. Go."
Johnnie paused and suddenly raised his voice. "I want you to leave right now. I don't need anyone's pity or sympathy. I'd rather be alone for the rest of my life than marry you!" he shouted.
Even now, he was trying to protect her dignity, not letting people think she was mercenary. Johnnie was truly a good man.
Susan looked at Johnnie, feeling a moment of emotion, but it was fleeting. She ultimately pushed aside the thought of staying. 'Goodbye, Johnnie.'
They were destined not to be together. Gabriella probably loved Johnnie more than she did. So she wished them happiness. Susan bit her lip and turned to leave.
Outside the ward, Randy heard Johnnie's outburst and was about to push the door open to see what was going on. Nora and Aaron exchanged a glance and silently smiled. They both thought Johnnie was putting on an act. After all, Johnnie was steady and reliable. How could he yell at a girl like Susan?
At that moment, Susan came out.
"Uncle Randy," she hesitated.
Randy looked at Susan's red eyes, feeling anxious. "Susan, did Johnnie bully you? Don't think too much. Patients tend to have bad tempers. You're a nurse, so you understand, right? I'll go talk to him."
'Johnnie's stubborn temper shouldn't drive Susan away,' Randy thought.
Susan shook her head. "I'm sorry, Randy. I'm afraid I'll disappoint you. Johnnie and I can't be together. I won't have any more wishful thinking. I'm going back to the country."
Hearing this, Randy became even more anxious. "Susan, don't think like that. Vilma and I only recognize you as our daughter-in-law. Don't worry, I'll convince Johnnie to marry you."
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