A Replacement Bride

At that point, he shifted his gaze to Jeremy. The latter immediately took the hint and led the doctor out

of the ward.

It was only when they left that Noah, who had tears in her eyes, approached the pair. She put her small

hands around Katherine's hand. A sad frown appeared on her pale face, indicating that she was

traumatized by the scene earlier.

"Mom, are you okay? When will Great-grandma wake up? I'm scared."

The words caught Katherine's attention and she turned her head in her daughter's direction. Her pale

lips parted and she whispered, "Don't be afraid. I'm fine. And Great-grandma is going to be fine too."

Still doubtful, Noah sniffled and nodded, even though her eyes were telling that she was wary.

Joaquin's heart was filled with worry. Knowing Katherine was exhausted after the acupuncture, he

carried her in his arms without asking.

As she was caught off guard by his sudden movement, her mind went blank for a second and she

involuntarily braced her hands against his chest.

"W-What are you doing?"

He pursed his thin lips into a tight line before explaining in a deep voice, "I'm taking you to rest in the

next room."

Hearing those words, she promptly protested, "You don't have to. I'm fine. I'm more worried about

Grandma. I—"

Before she could finish her words, he interrupted, "And I'm more worried about you. Grandma will be

fine since you performed acupuncture on her yourself. I'll take care of her, so you should take a break. I

promise you that I'll immediately wake you up if anything happens. You have my word, so be good, and

don't make me worry about you."

The last sentence was said in a mumble, showing a hint of resignation and heartache.

This time, Katherine only hesitated for a moment before she finally nodded. Bracing her arms around

Joaquin's neck, she relaxed and leaned against his shoulder.

It was rare for her to show her vulnerable side. As such, Joaquin tightened his arms around her body

and headed to the ward next door with steady steps. After putting her on the bed, he tucked her in and

watched her close her eyes. Once her breath calmed down into a quiet one, he left.

He saw Noah waiting beside Jennifer's bed when he returned to the young girl's ward. His expression

softened at the scene.

"Noah, it's time to go to bed." Walking over to join her, he carried the girl in his arms and coaxed her

softly.

She put her arms around his neck without protest. However, concern was written all over her round

eyes.

"Great-grandma will be alright, won't she, Daddy?"

Meeting her gaze, he nodded quietly as determination and tenderness escaped his eyes.

"Yes, she'll be fine. You need to believe in Mommy's skills. Besides, the doctor said the same thing.

Great-grandma looks good. She's just a little exhausted and needs rest. Noah, you should sleep too.

Great-grandma might just wake up by the time you awake tomorrow."

Noah tightened her fingers around the blanket, her voice betraying her uncertainty as she croaked,

"Really?"

"Of course." Joaquin smiled at her. "When did I ever lie to you?"

The girl pondered for a moment before she shook her head with a serious expression. "Never."

"That's right. Noah, always remember that I'll never lie to you. You can rest assured now."

As the girl had unconditional trust in Joaquin, she nodded as soon as he made the promise. "All right. I

will remember that."

Just as she was about to close her eyes and sleep, she remembered something and was startled as

she sat upright.

"What's wrong?"

Joaquin was surprised at her behavior. At that, Noah pulled his hand into her palms as she fixed her

round eyes on him.

"Daddy, did you also get sick? You don't look all right to me. Did you also have surgery?"

Truth was, she had noticed it upon seeing him walking into the room. However, as things took a

dramatic turn, she only remembered it after he put her to bed.

For a moment, Joaquin was taken aback by the question before he collected his thoughts.

He didn't mean to worry her in the first place. He was planning to avoid her for a few days until he

looked better and finally visited her. At the same time, he would reveal his identity as her biological

father to her.

However, none of them had expected Emma to barge into the ward and kick up a fuss.

Meanwhile, Noah waited for his answer. Complicated emotions flickered beneath Joaquin's eyes as he

decided not to tell her at the moment. After all, it wasn't a good time to discuss such a serious matter

with her when everything was so chaotic.

"Yes, I haven't been too well recently and am living in the ward next door. You don't have to worry about

me, though. I'm already getting better."

At that, Noah sized him up again with her big round eyes to make sure he spoke the truth before letting

it go.

"All right, Daddy. If you get sick again, you must tell me, okay? Don't keep me in the dark. It's not

good."

She scrunched her nose in disapproval as the words left her. Joaquin's heart was warmed by her

sincere words. Stretching out his hand, he caressed her head affectionately before putting her to sleep.

Once Noah fell asleep, he cast a glance at Jennifer, who lay on the next bed, and his expression

darkened at the sight.