Chapter 257 Fulfilling the Promise
Quentin's face was pale, and he looked even worse. Many people came to pay their respects to Jessica, but most of them were partners who had business with the Robinson Conglomerate. They brought flowers, bowed in front of the altar, nodded to Quentin, and then left.
It was drizzling as if the sky was softly mourning Jessica's departure.
Lauren stared blankly at the rain outside of her room. Ever since Quentin had driven her back that day, she had been in this state as if her soul had departed, leaving her an empty shell.
Kimberly walked into Lauren's room and saw her sitting motionless like a doll. She shook her head helplessly and then left the room.
After a while, the door was gently opened again, and Matthew's head peeked in.
Matthew's face was full of worry. For the past three days, Lauren had been unhappy, and so had he. Although he didn't know what had happened, it was the first time he had seen Lauren so sad, and he didn't know how to comfort her.
Matthew pulled his head back and looked at Kimberly. Kimberly gestured for him to go in. Kimberly had brought him over to talk to Lauren. Reluctantly, Matthew followed Kimberly's advice and walked into the room.
"Mommy, Uncle Ethan took me to get pizza today. Let's go downstairs and have some," Matthew said cheerfully, bouncing over to Lauren.
Lauren snapped out of her daze and looked seriously at Matthew, placing her hand on his shoulder. She said, "Matthew, has anyone from your Daddy's side come to pick you up?"
Matthew shook his head. Since that day at the hospital, he hadn't heard anything from Quentin. His intuition told him that something big had happened between his Daddy and Mommy, which was why they had argued so fiercely. Although he didn't understand, he was still very worried.
For a long time, Lauren had avoided mentioning Quentin whenever she could. Now that she was asking about him, Matthew felt a bit excited.
"Mommy, do you want to clear up the misunderstanding with Daddy? Should I call him now and ask him to come over?" Matthew asked eagerly.
Lauren stopped Matthew from turning around and said, "Matthew, don't call him. He won't come."
Jessica had passed away, and he must have been devastated, unable to focus on anything else.
Moreover, Quentin did as she had hoped and completely gave up on Matthew. From now on, Matthew would have nothing to do with him. So, it was understandable that Quentin hadn't come to let Matthew participate in Jessica's funeral.
However, why had she felt so heartbroken these past three days? Why did Quentin's despairing face keep appearing in her mind?
She thought, 'I felt guilty toward him, and even more so towards Jessica, who had died. However, at this moment, I desperately want to rush to the Robinson Estate to see Jessica one last time. I want to bid her farewell, but I no longer had the right.'
Thinking of this, Lauren couldn't help but cry again. She thought, 'No, I couldn't continue to wallow in self-pity!'
Her thoughts drifted back to the day she had returned to the Robinson Estate. That day, Jessica had informed her that she would sign the statement severing their relationship, but her only request was that after her death, Lauren would send Matthew back to Quentin for a few days to help him through the toughest time.
Although events had unfolded far beyond Lauren's expectations, Quentin discovered the statement in advance, shattering all her previous plans and considerations.
Even though Quentin Daddyespised her, that couldn't be an excuse for breaking her promise.
Lauren suddenly stood up from her chair, took Matthew's hand, and gently asked, "Matthew, would you be willing to stay with your Daddy for a few days? He's going through a tough time right now, and only you can comfort him."
Matthew blinked, very puzzled. He asked, "Will Mommy stay with me to keep Daddy company?"
Lauren shook her head. She replied, "Matthew, you're a brave big boy now. You can't always have me with you wherever you go. Besides, you're going to be with Daddy, so you shouldn't worry."
"However, Mommy is also very sad, and I'm worried about you, too," Matthew said, throwing himself into Lauren's arms.
Lauren was deeply touched. She must have frightened Matthew these past few days.
Lauren remarked, "Matthew, be good. I'm fine. It's just that Mrs. Jessica Robinson who always loved you has gone far. Your Daddy is very sad, and he needs you more than I do. So, Matthew, can you promise me to stay with him until he feels better? Then I'll come to get you."
Matthew's eyes filled with tears. He asked, "Mommy, can't you stay with me and Daddy?"
Lauren sighed. She said, "Your Daddy would probably be even angrier if he saw me. You don't want to see us fighting all the time, do you?"
Matthew was silent, his little hands clenched tightly as if he were making a significant decision in his heart.
Matthew agreed, "Okay, Mommy. I promise you. I'll make sure Daddy feels better."
Hearing Matthew's response, Lauren was deeply moved. Having such a sweet and understanding son was truly the greatest gift God had given her.
Lauren smiled weakly. She had hardly eaten anything in the past three days. She picked up her bag, took Matthew's hand, and prepared to leave.
Kimberly, who had been sighing in the living room, saw Lauren and Matthew heading out and immediately ran over.
Kimberly inquired, "Lauren, where are you going?"
Lauren looked at Kimberly with determination and walked towards her with Matthew.
Lauren replied, "Mom, I'm taking Matthew back to the Robinson Family to stay with Quentin."
"That's nonsense! Going to the Robinson Family now is like walking into a trap. Quentin has finally given up on Matthew, so you should stay home and not go anywhere. And you should avoid any contact with him in the future!" Kimberly interrupted Lauren angrily.
However, Lauren had made up her mind. She said, "Mom, I have to take Matthew to the Robinson Family. Jessica helped me so much, and this was her dying wish. I can't let her down."
Kimberly felt very conflicted. Finally, she said worriedly, "Yes, Jessica was very good to you, but you don't have to send Matthew back to the Robinson Family. Jessica is dead, and maybe I shouldn't say this, but for Matthew's sake, I must. With Jessica gone, your agreement with her doesn't have to count. Quentin is not someone to be trifled with. He probably resents you a lot right now, and if you go there, who knows if he'll take it out on you."
Lauren knew Kimberly was right. There was no doubt that Quentin hated her. Although many dangers were waiting for her at the Robinson Family, she had to go. She hadn't fulfilled her duties to Jessica while she was alive, but she would honor this promise.
