Chapter: 285

Jayson's brow furrowed. "Then where is Jonathan? He should be here to explain things to you. Even if his family isn't involved, he ought to be by your side.”

Bethany averted her gaze. "I tried calling him, but no answer..."

Jayson found himself at a loss for words.

"Go home, Jayson. Don't worry over me. I'm just trying to come to terms with everything, but I know I need to be strong. There's so much I have to sort out."

She felt utterly isolated. There was her mother's funeral to plan, hospital bills to manage-countless responsibilities Looming over her.

Bethany was painfully aware of it all.

She even considered sparing Jayson from the chaos, wanting to protect him from any repercussions.

"How can I just leave you here by yourself during such a time?" The harder Bethany tried to maintain her composure, the more Jayson's heart shattered.

He yearned for her to let out her anger, to scream, cry, or lash out anything but bear this quiet, suppressed agony.

"You're not obliged to stick around for me," Bethany said.

“As your friend, I can't just walk away," Jayson insisted, taking a deep breath. “Let me stay at least until you get hold of Jonathan, alright?"

Bethany pressed her lips tightly together, remaining silent.

Jayson's expression grew desperate. "Bethany, please. Let me stay. Alright?"

"I... I've got nothing left... Nothing..."

Bethany's voice trailed off as she lost consciousness and slumped forward, her words hanging heavy in the air.

Jayson, quick to react, supported her back, which saved her from collapsing to the floor.

He scooped her up in his arms and dashed towards the doctor, calling out desperately, "Doctor! Help! Someone's fainted!"

Meanwhile, unable to locate his phone, Jonathan felt a sinking feeling.

He decided to exit the ward, but upon opening the door, he found his father waiting outside with Francine's attending doctor.

“Where are you off to now? Your mother's barely clinging to life, and you're walking out?"

Jonathan's brow furrowed. "I need to find my phone."

“A phone? Is that more important than your mother's health right now?"

Godfrey blocked the door completely, his expression stern and uncompromising.

The doctor added gravely, “Yes, Mr. Bates, your mother's condition is critical. She might wake up any minute, or she may not wake up at all."