Josh exhaled deeply. "Maybe she's dealing with issues she can't discuss."
Kevin's frustration mounted. "What troubles could she have that would make her choose Leon over anyone else?"
"Keep it down! They might hear us from the room," Josh warned gently, patting Kevin's shoulder.
Love is complex; sometimes, all we can do is hope for the best.
Inside the hospital room, Abigail heard the men outside and turned to Irene. "What do you think about all this?"
"It's not that I'm head over heels for Leon. I don't believe he would disappear without reason. Anyone who knows him would say the same," Irene replied, finding the whole situation odd.
Maybe Leon is struggling with his own issues, especially with a father like his.
"That makes sense. Leon's always been reliable at work. It's only natural you'd stand by him. If it were me, I'd also doubt he'd just do nothing." Abigail supported Irene, sensing pressure from Zeke might be influencing the man.
A father's command could overpower even the most defiant spirit, regardless of age. As long as the father was in control, even the most rebellious child might have to question their conscience.
"Could you talk to Mr. Stewart for me? I don't know what to say to convince him…" Irene asked, visibly distressed.
"Mr. Stewart is set in his ways, and I can't sway him. You should talk to him yourself," Abigail suggested, preferring to stay out of their personal matters.
Before this turmoil, Kevin managed to keep his temper in check. Now, with everything unraveled, he couldn't ignore it.
"Okay," Irene replied, deciding to tackle the situation herself without burdening Abigail.
After Irene was done with her meal, Abigail stood up. "I'll leave you to handle things with Kevin. Try to stay calm."
"Thank you, Miss Quinn."
Abigail then left the room, signaling Josh to follow.
"Wait a minute! You're leaving so soon? Aren't you going to try to change Irene's mind?" Kevin asked, puzzled by Abigail's lack of intervention after overhearing his earlier conversation with Josh.
"What's there for me to change? Emotions must be navigated personally," Abigail responded coolly, clutching her lunch box.
"You know very well that feelings are too delicate for outsiders to tamper with," Josh added.
A disappointed Kevin stood there silently. In the end, he muttered, "I'd hoped you'd back me up."
Abigail gave a short laugh before countering, "And what if your feelings aren't permanent? I might end up apologizing for a lifetime."
And if she does end up with Leon, who knows what Zeke might do?
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