Chapter 339

Hannah forced down her rising emotions and hurriedly pacified Margaret, "Alright, alright, Mom,don't worry. I'll bring Claude here right away!"

Hannah pulled out her mobile phone and, her fingers quivering, drafted a message to Claude, telling him about Margaret's awakening and urging him to reach the hospital immediately.

Once the message was sent, Hannah exhaled slowly.Her eyes fell on her mother, whose gaze revealed a lingering frailty, and once more, that crushing sorrow swelled violently inside her. "Mom..." Her tone faltered, thick with torment. "Dad, he..."

Hannah had no idea how to begin revealing to her mother that merciless reality-that Raymond had passed away. But to her astonishment, Margaret's look was composed, carrying within it a stark resignation that seemed to transcend mortality. With a weary nod,every tiny motion appearing to drain what strength remained, she murmured, "I know. When the crash happened, he... he shielded me. Before the ambulance arrived, his heart had already ceased.I...l heard it."

Hannah felt as if her chest had been smashed by an enormous hammer! So her mother had been aware through everything; she had endured it all, lying there conscious as Raymond's breath faded away.

"It's alright, Mom! We still have each other! I will look after you! We will endure this..." Hannah stuttered through the words, struggling to console her mother and, at the same time, to calm her own spirit. "It's just us now... Mom..."

Margaret's body trembled faintly against her daughter's arms. She gave no reply to her daughter's sobs and words of comfort, only staring emptily upward at the ceiling. Sharon, taking in this devastating moment, wiped at her tears again. Fighting back her sorrow, she gently tugged Vincent's sleeve and whispered, "Let's leave... We shouldn't remain here and disturb them...Let them have some time alone..."

Vincent's eyes reflected a tangled storm of emotions. He understood Sharon's intent. At such a moment, the presence of anyone else felt unnecessary. He inclined his head slightly, his tone hushed."Alright."

Then, steadying Sharon, he silently withdrew from the hospital room and gently pulled the door closed behind them.

Vincent guided Sharon into her vehicle. Still concerned, he returned toward Margaret's ward. He didn't go inside, though, since Claude had already arrived.

Leaning against the chilly wall, Vincent silently listened to the words spoken inside.

Within the hospital ward, Claude hurried to the bedside, his face showing the perfect balance of relief and grief. The look he directed toward Margaret radiated measured concern. "Mom! You're awake,thank heavens!"

"Claude... Anna..." Margaret gripped Claude's hand.Her breathing grew somewhat heavier, as if an urgent confession pressed on her. "Raymond had one final wish before death claimed him."

Both Hannah and Claude froze.

Margaret spoke with deliberate clarity, each word measured. "He regretted deeply... not being able to see the two of you get married."

Hannah was stunned. "Dad wished for me and Claude to marry?"

A flicker of elation burst in Claude's eyes, though instantly veiled by a flawless mask of shock and mourning. He gazed at Margaret with an expression of "utter disbelief," his eyes brimming, his tone thick."Mom..." Margaret gave Hannah no chance to react or protest.Her intense stare locked on Hannah and then shifted to Claude. "This is my wish as well."

Her eyes reflected endless despair and an unyielding resolve. "Claude, move the wedding forward. Hold the ceremony and then conduct the funeral. Regard it as honoring Raymond's wish."

An oppressive silence blanketed the room. The only sound was Margaret's uneven, labored breathing.

Hannah couldn't process it. Why would her father suddenly want her to marry Claude?

Claude crouched down beside Margaret's hospital bed. "Mom, don't worry. Anna and I will manage it."

Margaret's gaze lifted once more toward the ceiling."As soon as possible."

Margaret resolved that once she witnessed Hannah secured in marriage, she would join her deceased husband without any concerns, knowing Claude would take good care of Hannah.

Outside the doorway, Vincent clenched his fists until his knuckles cracked sharply like breaking twigs. A suffocating panic surged violently in his chest.Hannah marrying Claude? He would never permit such a thing.

Having said her piece, Margaret drifted into slumber.

In the corridor, Hannah rubbed her temples wearily.

"Anna, what do you think?" Claude faced her,probing cautiously.

Hannah raised her head, her expression entirely lost."It's all too sudden." She couldn't picture rushing into marriage while still drowning in such fresh grief.

Claude's spirit sank, yet his features instantly displayed sympathy, understanding, and profound devotion. "I understand. I know how you feel. Truly,it is too sudden."

He advanced one step nearer, narrowing the gap, his voice softening to an intimate murmur. "But Anna, I am willing to marry you. And you? Are you willing to marry me?"