CH-62 Decision

"When you were in the coma… Some medical professionals recommended that a procedure on your mother was essential; otherwise, your afflictions would progressively intensify."

Hajin continued, "Thanks to Arle's timely intervention, she prevented everyone from operation, cognizant of the consequences if someone became privy to your lineage."

"Nobody at the healthcare facility has knowledge, apart from Arle and her sole faithfully ally within the hospital, that the cause of your cerebral condition lies in the transformations occurring within your bloodstream."

"This body is incompatible with your bloodline because it is excessively potent. When it manifests in your veins, you exhibit symptoms akin to a brain tumor because your brain either cannot accept or cannot withstand the pressure."

'Oh! Is that truthful, Harriet?'

[Well, yes. Before you inspect the origin of your vulpine bloodline, allow me to explain it in more detail...]

[... The system has bestowed this lineage upon the host to augment her strength, as Mia's physiology was incapable of acquiring system's full potential.]

[Thus, the system rewarded the host with this bloodline, permitting Mia's body to acquire somewhat more power. Naturally, with such power come certain disadvantages as well.]

"..." I was speechless.

Why did she not disclose this to me previously? No matter, I shall disregard it…

I trust there were valid reasons, for an entity like her cannot simply forget crucial details.

I restrained myself from further inspection, as my head was mildly aching, And walked toward the door. I slid the door and looked outside.

… Whoa, it was a regular family circus there! Mother was redder than a tomato, gesturing wildly with her famous sauce-stained apron.

There was my dad who looked like he was About to burst out of his stuffed shirt and stylish suit. He has black eyes, a good muscular body like hulk, And black hairs with a beautiful perfect jawline, And face, white skinned.

Ely and Gwen were right in the line of fire, ducking and weaving like pro boxers in argument. And there was Arle, my sweet little daughter, eyes squinted at them as saucers taking it all in.

Even cool customer Zeno seemed in a loop. I tousled her hair.

"Fools!" I grabbed Arle's hands and took her away, plus locked my eyes with Zeno, jerking my head toward the exit. "You coming?"

"huh! Y-Yes… Iris!" Zeno replied, Everyone twisted toward me while Arle whimpered in my chest.

"Y-You are finally awake. I-I was scared, mother that-"

"As for you, Don't be sorrowful, child... It's not like I'm perishing here." I patted her and narrowed my eyes, seeing my so-called father, Sam White, gaze at me.

His eyes were as cold as a criminal, yet slightly… softened.

"How are you... daughter..." Sam extended his hand towards mine, but I swatted it away.

"Oh! My greatest father is not how he was to me in the past. I want to laugh derisively, but why do I feel pity towards you?" My expression was full of revulsion as I continued.

"Anyway, don't act like we are acquainted. Zeno... have you reviewed the documents?"

Zeno nodded with curiosity but silently handed me the papers. With a quick glance, I read and displayed it before my father, who took it with nervousness.

"What… What is this?"

"Please... affix your signature as soon as possible." I motioned to Arle to guide me to where my attire was, and she affirmed.

Then... someone clutched my wrist, and it was Ely. "Iris! You require medication and an examination. Return to your ward."

"Hmph!" I looked at my body. I swung my arms, cracked my neck, and leaped a few times, then glanced into her incredulous eyes.

"There is nothing amiss with me. And if someone compelled me to remain in the hospital... According to law number 17: I could initiate a case where that person would have to spend 2 months incarcerated."

Harriet had studied all the laws of this world, and I knew a hospital couldn't detain a victim against their will, nor could anyone force them.

I overlooked the scrutinizing gazes, undeterred. Ely and Gwen trailed behind me, accompanied by Zeno.

Arle's grip on my hand remained steadfast. Several nurses and doctors appeared poised to intervene for conversation, but a subtle gesture from Zeno deterred them from uttering a word.

***

On the opposite side, Sam's gaze fixated on the documents before him, as Iris's figure faded from his vision. Nisho stood by his side, equally engrossed.

"So, the moment has arrived." Sam remarked with a wry pain in his heart. Nisho exhaled deeply, lowering himself beside Sam, his eyes downcast.

"This signifies that I cannot let Mia to impede her from altering her name and severing familial bonds."

She murmured solemnly. "At the very least, before my child… finishes my life, I wish to spare her the burden of relinquishing the family's surname."

She leaned forward, shielding his eyes with her hands, an overwhelming sense of helplessness kidnapped her. They could discern the hatred simmering beneath her calm facade, as if they were already among the deceased.

But how could they choose not to see that fateful prophecy, where their own offspring would strike them down for their sins, for treating her as insignificant as the very air they breathed?

They are at a loss. Choose to believe in that man and change their attitude towards Mia…

After a prolonged silence, Sam mustered the courage to ask, "Do you think we should accept Ely's relationship with Gwen? We both knew of Gwen's reputation in the underworld. My instincts are telling me Gwen hadn't explained this to Ely…"

Nisho's expression hardened, she glared at Sam with hatred. "But how can two females have a romantic relationship? Nature dictates that a union should exist between a male and a female."

"... It is also natural, my dear." Sam responded. "I will not argue with you, but if she loves Gwen. Now I think about it… What is the problem? As long as our child is content, is that not what matters the most?"

Despite his personal reservations about such relationships, Sam collected the paramount importance of a parent's unconditional love for their offspring.

"But–" Nisho attempted to protest, only to be interrupted by her husband.

"I can see the love she has for Gwen. Unconditionally one… Where a person is determined to do anything for their lovers."

Sam added after a few seconds. "If you wish for our other daughter to forsake the family and sever her ties with us, then you may reject their relationship."

He rose to his feet, the paper clenched tightly in his hands, his gaze locked with Nisho's. "Before I breathe my last, I'm greedy to witness our family reunion… Perhaps Ely could aid us in mending the bonds with Mia."

"If you still disagree, as your husband and gentlemen, I shall stand by your side. But… as a father, I long to see my daughters in front of my vision, to feel their arms around me, before I draw my final breath at Mia's hand."

Sam began to walk away, leaving behind a few parting words. "Please, consider this carefully. Understand that, for the first time, a father begs for their children to give you this one choice."

Nisho, her mouth agape, as if her husband's broken arrogance washed over her.

Throughout their arranged marriage, a union orchestrated for reasons beyond love, he had never once sought her opinion, her thoughts disregarded as if they held no worth.

Still… as a gentleman, He respected her every opine and thought of a solution together.

She surrendered to the weight of his words, Nisho was ripped between the societal norms ingrained within her and the profound yearning of a parent's heart.

Ultimately, she resolved to open her mind, to seek understanding where once there had been only judgment, for the fate of a husband who had finally bared his soul and a family teetering on the precipice of irreparable fracture

"I cannot be aptitude. but first I will understand the nature of love that blossoms between two souls of the same gender."