Chapter 71

Randy stood frozen in place as Bradley escorted Kathie out of the café.Unknown to them, Amelia was outside, capturing the entire scene on her phone.

Amelia had deliberately dressed up after learning Bradley would be meeting a friend here. She hadn't expected to witness such drama. So Kathie is that kind of woman,' she thought smugly. 'How interesting that Bradley wants someone like her.'

Outside the café. Kathie's emotions were in turmoil. "You shouldn't have hit him," she said worriedly. "He's vindictive. I'm afraid he might try to hurt you."

Bradley looked down at his fist. "If he dares come after me, I'll gladly teach him another lesson. That punch was letting him off easy. I'm just happy you're finally divorcing him."

His genuine joy and the affection in his eyes made Kathie's heart tighten.She had always viewed Bradley as a brother, never romantically.His reaction seemed far more intense than mere friendship would warrant.

"Thank you, Bradley. You're a wonderful man. I'm sure you'll find your soulmate someday."

Bradley smiled sadly. "I believe in God's plan and in destiny."

"A kind, gentle man like you is bound to meet someone who captures your heart completely-someone who loves you just as much. I need to go now."

Bradley wasn't a fool.He recognized her gentle rejection.

"Take care," he said, watching her walk away, unable to follow.

He had always been a step behind. Back when Kathie spent all her time with Melinda, he'd already thought she was special. By the time he realized he loved her, she had married Randy. Now that she was back, he'd finally gathered the courage to approach her, only to find Jonathan already in her life.

Perhaps he was destined to lose to the Berkeleys. But if anyone ever broke Kathie's heart, he wouldn't let them get away with it.

Later that evening, Kathie returned to the family estate with shopping bags to visit her grandmother Ophelia and prepare for the weekend move.

Ophelia beamed as she watched Kathie bustling around.

"When you called yesterday about moving back, I thought you were just humoring me. Now I believe it."

Kathie hugged her. "I'd never lie to you, Grandma. I want to be here with you. I hope you won't mind the noise the children will make."

Tears welled in Ophelía's eyes. "I've been longing for them! How could I mind? I'll have the housekeeper prepare plenty of food for when you arrive."

Seeing her grandmother's happiness. Kathie knew she'd made the right decision.

"There's one more thing-besides the three of us, we'Il have an injured guest moving in as well."

"A patient of yours?"

"Something like that. Do you mind?"

Ophelia smiled. "I trust your judgment. More people means more life in this house. I don't mind at all."

By the time Kathie finally returned to the villa that night after dinner with Ophelia, she felt strangely weak. The house seemed to spin as she stepped inside.

"What's wrong?" Jonathan asked,concerned. "You don't look well."

Kathie shook her head. "I'm not sure. Just dizzy."

She'd noticed her vision blurring while driving but had attributed it to fatigue. Now she realized something was wrong.

Jonathan reached out to steady her and felt the heat radiating from her skin.

"You're burning up. Sit down," he said.

Kathie nodded and took two steps before the dizziness overwhelmed her.She collapsed.

"Kathie!"

Ignoring his own pain. Jonathan stood and carefully lifted her to the sofa.The children, hearing the commotion, came running. He quickly sat back down.

"What happened?" Kyle rushed forward.

Jonathan kept his voice calm. "Don't worry. Your mom has a fever-her body is fighting off an infection to make her healthier. Now,I need your help."

The children immediately stopped their tears and stood at attention.

"What should we do, Seven?" they asked in unison.

"Kyle, get the thermometer. Zachary, bring some lukewarm water. Eileen,fetch some towels."

The children scattered to their tasks. Jonathan had given them jobs partly to keep them from worrying. Thankfully, they had medicine at home.He'd treat her symptoms until she woke up, and if necessary, he'd call Ben to take her to the hospital.

Kyle returned with the thermometer. The fever wasn't dangerously high.

Jonathan propped Kathie against his chest to help her drink some water.Though semiconscious, she managed to swallow.

He placed a cool cloth on her forehead and massaged her pressure points as she had once taught him. He prepared her herbal remedy according to her own formula,ready for when she woke.

The three children gathered around like faithful puppies,watching their mother with worried eyes but staying quiet so as not to disturb her.

"You've all been amazing today," Jonathan reassured them. "You deserve a reward tomorrow. Don't worry-your mom will wake up soon."

Kyle's eyes glistened. "Seven,thank goodness you're here."

"Seven needs to stay withus forever," Eileen choked out.

Zachary nodded. "What would we do without you?"

Their words tugged at Jonathan's heart. "Don't worry. I'll be with you for life," he promised.

The children smiled at his words. He leaned close to Kathie's ear and whispered,"Be strong. Your children are waiting for you."

As if by magic, Kathie's eyes fluttered open at his words. A mother's strength came from her children.

'"Medicine," she murmured weakly.

"Right away." Jonathan fetched the remedy himself. not wanting the

children to risk getting burned.

He returned and helped her sit up, feeding her the medicine sip by sip.

Through her blurred vision, Kathie found Jonathan's face strangely familiar.His silhouette seemed to merge with her memory of the man she'd spent that passionate night with years ago. In her feverish state, she wished he could be the father of her children.

After she finished the medicine, Jonathan helped her lie down."Some doctor you are, not even noticing when you're sick."

Kathie had been too busy worrying about her mother's case and dealing with Randy and Shirley's drama to notice her own health failing.

With her strength slightly returning, she whispered, "I was careless. Thank you for being here."

Jonathan smiled confidently. "Now you see-it's not justthe children who need me. You need me too."

Perhaps it was the vulnerability of illness, but instead of her usual retort,Kathie simply nodded.

"You're right. I do need you," she replied softly.

Jonathan's eyes lit up. He pulled the children closer to her side and asked excitedly, "Say that again-just so you canI't deny it tomorrow when you're feeling better."