Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 500

I glanced at Hannah. "At the hospital, I noticed Zora's phone screensaver was a photo taken back then, with the backdrop of those classic window lattices at the Silverdale City old mansion!" "So that's what it was!"

I blurted out without thinking, "Which makes Jaylan a complete idiot! Even if Carl was switched, he didn't care enough. Otherwise, I can't believe he couldn't find where he is in three years!" I held back the tears in my eyes and said through clenched teeth, "He's not fit to be a father!"

"That man is a useless dumbass," Hannah cursed, her hatred palpable.

"I'm also dumb," I said with a bitter smile, shaking my head. "I was fooled, thinking I was doing a great job as a mom, even priding myself on how unique this child was turning out to be."

"Allie... what are you planning to do with the kid?"

The question tore at me, the one I dreaded the most.

Hannah realized her timing might have been off and quickly changed the subject, "Also, should we head back to the hospital?"

I took a deep breath, standing at the entrance of the police station, gazing at the unfamiliar streets, and said faintly, "We'll talk about it later. After all, he's been with me for a few years now. Where can I even send him?"

The image of his tear-streaked face crying for 'mommy' flashed before my eyes, and I murmured to myself, "Where can I send him?"

Back at the hospital, Carl was still sound asleep, probably due to the sedatives. He was resting peacefully, his breathing even, but his little face was pale, like an injured rag doll.

I sat by his side, watching over him. Let Jaylan take care of him? That good-for-nothing had no clue how to care for a child. How could I let this kid suffer with him? I was certain under Jaylan's care, the Dawsons would treat him poorly. He'd be better off dead, and Jerome certainly didn't want him alive.

And Zora had no family left. All of them, just gone.

Keep him with me? I laughed at myself. What a saint I was! Was I really going to raise my rival's child?

But then I remembered Zora's last moments, desperately throwing him to safety. Even someone as cruel as her had a moment of kindness. In the face of death, she pushed him towards life. Even a devil has a warm side; a mother's instinct to trade her life for her child's.

How could I be the villain, stripping him of that hope?

Life sure is tough on me, after all, I'm just an ordinary person!

I picked up the phone and called my dad.

He answered quickly, his voice warm and comforting, like being wrapped in his embrace, "Sweetheart!"

"Dad," I called softly, my voice thick with emotion, but I fought back the tears.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" The old fox could sense things before they were said.

"Dad, I've run into some trouble! I need your advice," I said, barely holding back my tears.

There was a long silence, but he didn't press, just waited patiently.

Finally, I gathered my courage and told him everything, not leaving out a single detail.

I couldn't see my dad's face, but his voice was calm, "Bring him home. One decision from us could shape a pillar of society or, perhaps, a demon. But if we push him away, he's sure to become the latter. I refuse to believe that I, Galen Wilburn, would raise a failure."

His words were resolute and gave me strength.

"Good deeds leave a legacy. We must do good to receive blessings. The Wilburn family is destined to grow in fortune and honor; what we lack are people! No matter what, he is Monique Probert's brother, and we have a responsibility to him.

Sweetheart, don't feel down! We've come this far; we'll keep going no matter what. Besides, there's bound to be a bright future ahead! And remember, your mother and I aren't old yet, we can handle a few more kids. Bring him home!"

"Dad, you're truly kind-hearted," I said with relief, smiling for the first time in a while. "When he's a bit better, I'll bring him back to Silverdale City."

"And... we must find your own son as soon as possible!" Dad's voice suddenly choked up.