Chapter 28 Plans and Promises
"Liam, you're here!"
It was an early morning at the Bennett residence, and Liam had just arrived, ahead of Teresa's flight to Jena later that day.
Patrick greeted him at the foot of the grand staircase, his smile was warm and genuine. Next to him, Teresa beamed.
"We're about to head to the airport," Liam confirmed, returning Patrick's smile.
Patrick nodded, his approval evident. "Knowing she's with you puts our minds at ease."
Sophia, who had been bustling in the kitchen, joined them with a smile. "With Liam there's nothing to worry about. It's Teresa who keeps us on our toes."
Teresa's mock pout earned a chuckle from the family. "Am I really such a concern?"
"Only about how much trouble you'll give Liam," Sophia teased, with William adding a playful jab.
Teresa shot them a mock glare. "Feels like I'm the odd one here."
Liam, ever the peacemaker, wrapped an arm around her. "Let's get married when you're back from Germany."
The room was filled with surprise and laughter.
"You'll be twenty-two, and Liam will be twenty-eight. Perfect timing," Sophia was laughing ear to ear when she said that.
The Bennetts had long hoped for this match with the renowned Evans family, and Liam's proposal was music to their ears.
"Next year sounds perfect," Patrick agreed. Suddenly, he felt a bit dizzy. If it weren’t for Ethan, he would’ve fallen on the floor already.
"Dad!" Teresa cried out as Ethan caught their father.
"How is he, Doctor?"
At the hospital, the Bennetts and Liam waited anxiously. The doctor, emerging after half an hour, was met by Sophia's urgent questions.
"He's stable now, no major concerns," the doctor assured, taking off his mask.
"What happened?" William asked, his face lined with worry.
"Stress and poor habits led to a blood pressure spike. We'll keep him for observation," the doctor explained calmly.
Liam comforted Teresa, whose face had turned pale with worry. "He'll be fine," he assured her.
Teresa looked up at Liam, her eyes grateful, and nodded.
Sophia, thinking ahead, turned to Teresa. "Can you still catch your flight?"
Teresa shook her head. "I'm staying until Dad feels better."
"But we're here, you don’t have to stay." Sophia protested gently.
"Let her stay if she wants," William cut in, and after a moment's pause, Sophia agreed. "Alright, as you wish."
