Chapter 526 Face Life Bravely (Part One)

When Lily returned to her room, she sat perched on the edge of her bed deep in thought, 'Why's Mond here? This is so bizarre! Doesn't he hate Jackson? Or did something change between them?'

The questions swirled in her mind so fast that they overwhelmed her. 'In all my years of experience, I have never seen that the grudge between Mond and Jackson has a possible resolution, let alone so fast! But, here they are, getting along well. He's treating Joe like a treasured nephew and there was no hatred in his eyes. Add to that, Joe isn't on guard when he is with Mond, and he is smart, so he would be. Did Mond make his peace with Jackson?'

Joe was up earlier than usual the next morning and rushed to wake Mond who was in the guest room.

"Uncle Mond, Uncle Mond, wake up! Hurry! Let's go check on mom at the hospital!" cried Joe while he stood at the side of the bed grasping Mond's arm and tugging him.

Mond blinked his drowsy eyes realizing the tugging wouldn't end. He glanced at his watch. 'It's just 8:15? Why is he up so early?' he wondered groaning inwardly.

"Joe, why are you up so early?" Mond asked groggily sitting up.

"I couldn't sleep because I miss Mommy so much. I want to see her," Joe answered.

Seeing the concern for his Mommy in Joe's eyes tugged at Mond's heart, and he knew Joe was very worried about Cherry.

"Okay, okay. Let me dress and we will go," Mond responded as he reached out tousling Joe's hair.

"Alright, I'll wait downstairs, but hurry up!" shot Joe as he ducked Mond's hand and headed for the door.

Staring at Joe as he walked away, Mond thought Cherry was lucky to have such a happy life. Not only did she have a son who cared so much about her, but she also possessed Jackson's love. He realized then, Cherry could

"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours."

Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them.

Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman...

ly saying,"But, if you don't get sleep, you will be exhausted and not able to help me if I need you."

The door swung open just then, drawing the attention of both Jackson and Cherry.

In the doorway were Joe and Mond anxiously looking in their direction. Seeing Cherry was awake, Joe beamed, rushed to her enthusiastically and seized her hand.

"Mommy! Mommy! you woke up!!" Joe called out loudly as he hurried to her side. His expression reflected his joy.

"Joe!" Cherry said weakly, yet the pure joy in her voice and on her pained face couldn't be denied. When she saw her son's sweet face, her heart felt lighter.

"Mommy, are you hungry? Lily said she would bring breakfast to you and Daddy, soon," Joe had a concerned expression when he asked.

"I'm not hungry," she replied, and turned to Jackson,"Please, tell Lily not to come. We'll go home soon."

"No, you can't!" shot Jackson firmly,"You can't leave the hospital. You need to stay for more testing."

"I'm fine, really. There's no need to worry about me, and I don't want to stay at the hospital. I can't tolerate these strong, pungent medical smells," Cherry told him softly noticing Jackson's concern.