A buzz of conversation preceded their entrance, and then, the group made their way in. Leading them was Nelson, the gentleman whose voice had announced his presence before he was even seen. Today, he was the epitome of formality. Dressed in a British-style checkered three-piece suit with a black bow tie and a hint of red peeking from his pocket square, his salt-and-pepper hair meticulously combed, he looked more prepared for an esteemed ceremony than a visit to the hospital.
By his side, Jerome opted for a lighter suit, shedding his usual somber tones for a brighter, more dapper appearance. Following closely were several bodyguards in black, quickly filling the hospital room to its brim.
Hogan watched their entrance, his expression shifting subtly as his grip on Lizetta's arm unintentionally tightened.
"Ouch..."
Lizetta winced in pain.
Nelson's face soured at this, and he raised his cane, poking Hogan's arm while scolding him. "Last time I already had my suspicions about you, lad, trying to whisk away my precious granddaughter. And look here, I've been away for just two days, and you're already planning to take Liz somewhere? Let go, I say!"
After a few ungentle prods from Nelson, Hogan released his hold. Nelson then pulled a somewhat bewildered Lizetta to his side, examining her with a mix of concern and relief. "My dear, let's see if you've gained some weight these past two days. Why is your face still so pale? No worries, once you're back home with me and grandma, we'll make sure our Liz is well-fed and healthy."
Lizetta was still processing Nelson's words, feeling both understanding and confusion. She had had her suspicions and hopes, but they seemed too good to be true. Yet, Nelson's words made it all seem like a dream...
"Grandpa Nelson, what do you mean by granddaughter and going home?" Her voice trembled; could it really mean what she hoped?
Nelson looked into Lizetta's beautiful eyes, seeing her cautious hope, and felt his heart break. His eyes reddened as he tightened his grip on her arm. "Child, you are of the Madden family's blood. Your mother was my daughter, Elsa, and I am your real grandfather! I'm sorry we couldn't protect you better and that it took us this long to find you."
As Nelson spoke, he could no longer hold back and embraced Lizetta. Held in his arms, Lizetta's gaze found Jerome, still trying to make sense of it all.
Jerome nodded at her, smiling, "Liz, back then, your aunt, along with Daisylin Gardenia and Elara Hawthorne, all gave birth at Rainbow Hospital. Daisylin's child was frail from birth. Hans, not wanting to spend money on a sickly child, swapped the Gardenia baby girl with you. But then, fearing you, being premature, might also be expensive to care for, he switched you again with Evelina Hawthorne. Here are the DNA test results proving your lineage with your grandparents. Would you like to see?"
Nelson, too, encouraged her, "Yes, yes, Liz, take a look."
Lizetta's eyes rested on the document case, but she shook her head. She believed them; there was no reason for Nelson and Jerome to lie. Moreover, the instinctive affection she felt for Grandma Bernice and Grandpa Nelson-it was the pull of blood ties.
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