Chapter 54: Don't Tell Me You're Planning Something Desperate

"You're just asking for trouble, Ursula. That kid is Matthew's too, and he ought to take responsibilities." Katherine said, her voice tinged with frustration.

She wasn't suggesting Ursula abandon her son, but with Adam's heart condition and the looming medical costs, Ursula's refusal to inform Matthew seemed like self-inflicted suffering.

"It's handled, Katherine. I've arranged for Adam's treatment abroad," Ursula assured her, though her voice wavered with the weight of unspoken struggles.

Katherine's concern spiked, her voice rising. "And how are you paying for it?"

"I'll manage." Ursula said, her mind a whirlwind of hidden woes.

Katherine leaned in, her whisper urgent. "Ursula, you're not considering anything... drastic, are you?"

"Katherine, stop. That's ridiculous!" Ursula said, shocked by her friend's wild speculation.

Katherine's face softened. "Don't do anything without thinking. If you won't tell him, at least tell me. I can help, financially."

Ursula gave her a patient look. "I have a plan, Katherine. I just can't share it yet."

"So, no desperate measures?" Katherine asked, relief replacing her earlier concern. "I was just worried about you."

Ursula smiled wryly, unfazed by Katherine's dramatics.

"Of course, I care about you," Katherine said, batting her eyes playfully.

Ursula couldn't help but laughing. "Okay, you've made your point."

"Hehe, that's why you're the best, Ursula. When can I see my godson?" Katherine's thoughts turned to little Adam, her affection evident.

"Day after tomorrow," Ursula replied, then probed, "How long are you staying this time, Katherine?"

"Not leaving. I'm done wandering." Katherine declared, though Ursula suspected her brother Ashton's hand in her return.

"Did Ashton make you come back?" Ursula asked, knowing Katherine's independent streak.

Katherine deflected, mentioning her grandfather's ill health as the reason for her return.

Ursula advised her to stay close to her grandfather, but Katherine felt he preferred Ursula over her.

"Whether he shows it or not, you know he cares," Ursula said with a chuckle.

Katherine didn't argue, but changed the subject. "What do you need my help with?"

"Could you watch Adam for a bit?" Ursula asked, recalling a recent scare with his fever.

"Of course," Katherine agreed readily. "I've got time."

"Thanks, Katherine." Ursula said, her gratitude genuine.

"We're more than friends." Katherine winked.

Ursula appreciated their deep bond, vowing to repay Katherine's kindness.

Katherine, feeling the weight of Ursula's gaze, joked. "Don't look at me like that, I'm not switching teams."

Changing the subject, Katherine remarked. "Seems you've moved on from Matthew."

Ursula's mood darkened. "Yes, Dylan is back."

Katherine's anger flared at the mention of Matthew. "You wasted three years on him. He used you, and now that Dylan's back, he's tossed you aside. It's good you broke up."

"Keep your voice down." Ursula whispered.

Katherine simmered down but pressed on. "You've given so much to Matthew and got nothing. You're worse than a fairy tale character, at least she had her moment."

Ursula stayed silent, knowing love wasn't about fairness. She'd never expected to be rewarded for her sacrifices.

"Why do I, of all people, have such a foolish friend?" Katherine sighed, there was a mix of sadness and frustration in her voice.