Love Me Or Leave Me

Chapter 232

The whole family was buzzing with excitement ever since Hayden and Jeremy arrived at Carter Villa. Everyone gathered around Jeremy, eagerly trying to teach him how to speak. Jeremy could now make some sounds, though his speech was still somewhat awkward and unclear. The usually brave Jeremy felt a little shy after speaking too much. He occasionally spoke a few words, and his ears turned bright red. Embarrassed by the attention, he eventually sought refuge behind Becky, falling completely silent.

Hayden secretly filmed a video and shared it in the Hoggard family's group chat. At Hoggard Manor, Jason was the first to see the video sent by Hayden, and he immediately got excited. He hurriedly called his wife over to watch the video of Jeremy speaking. Excitedly, Jason replayed it again and again.

Meanwhile, Hayden's parents, Jack and Audrey, also saw the video and felt a complex mix of emotions. They were overjoyed that Jeremy could finally speak and were relieved to know that his vocal cords were functioning normally. However, beneath their joy, they couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Jeremy had been clamoring to visit Becky at Carter Villa immediately after being discharged from the hospital instead of going to see them. This made them feel a bit sad. Despite their feelings, Jack and Audrey found themselves watching the video of Jeremy talking over and over again. No matter how many times they watched it, they never grew tired of it. In fact, it even gave them extra motivation at work.

The group chat for the Hoggard family was unusually quiet. Everyone kept replaying the video but chose not to message Hayden, wanting to avoid disturbing him. They had already been in touch with him during Jeremy's hospitalization and were well aware of Jeremy's successful surgery and positive recovery progress. The family's primary concern now was Hayden and Becky's relationship. Although they felt a twinge of jealousy over Jeremy's eagerness to visit Becky, they also felt genuinely happy. The Hoggard family had no concerns about Becky's family background. Based on their interactions, it was clear that Becky was very dependable. Both families would be thrilled to see them come together as soon as possible. After sending the video, Hayden didn't check the Hoggard family's group chat again. Jeremy had finally regained the ability to speak. Even though Hayden didn't display much emotion on his face, inside he was overjoyed. Despite Jeremy being very close to Hayden and depending on him for almost everything, he consistently refused to speak when Hayden asked him to. In contrast, only Becky and the Carter family seemed to be able to coax Jeremy into talking regularly.

Stacey noticed that Jeremy was growing increasingly shy and trying to hide from everyone. Although she was overjoyed by his progress, she could see that he was feeling overwhelmed. Stacey stepped in to shield him from additional pressure. "All right, everyone. Let's not rush Jeremy to speak right away. He's just beginning his recovery and needs time to adjust. It's important that we allow him to take things at his own pace and learn gradually." Jeremy, hiding behind Becky, nodded repeatedly.

While the adults complied, the children were a different story. Lillian and Kevin's eyes were sparkling with excitement. They watched Jeremy's mouth with fascination, captivated by his ability to speak. "Jeremy, you can talk now!" Lillian exclaimed eagerly.

"Yeah. That's amazing!" Kevin added.

Jeremy would feel shy and embarrassed when facing the adults. However, when he looked at Lillian and Kevin, who were younger than him, he instantly assumed an older sibling role. Jeremy's shyness disappeared as he regarded them with a serious expression and nodded, saying, "Yes!" "Yes" was fairly simple to pronounce, so Jeremy quickly picked up the word and could now use it easily.

Stacey quickly reminded Lillian and Kevin, saying, "Lily, Kev, Jeremy just had surgery and is still recovering. Let him rest and try not to disturb him too much." Children could be quite bothersome, and Jeremy needed to rest right now. She had to remind them of this. When they heard this, Lillian and Kevin's eyes widened as they nodded quickly. Although they stopped talking to Jeremy, they continued to watch him with curiosity. It was a bit inconvenient, but fortunately, Jeremy liked Lillian and Kevin a lot and did not feel uncomfortable under their gaze.

Carter Villa had numerous guest rooms, and the one Hayden had used before was still set up the same way and ready for use. Since Hayden and Jeremy came over again, they could move in directly without needing to clean up intensively. After a long and tiring day, Hayden, who had brought Jeremy back, was exhausted. Stacey quickly noticed this and promptly took them upstairs, helping to tidy up the room for them.

As Jeremy watched Becky and Hayden clean up the room together, he couldn't help but keep his gaze fixed on Becky He did not want to stay in the guest room. Instead, he wished to stay in the same room with Becky. Jeremy pondered, 'How do I say this?' He wanted to express something but found it difficult to articulate. Feeling a bit nervous, he hesitated to speak. Habitually, Jeremy reached for his writing tablet, only to realize it was not by his side. Since his discharge from the hospital, Hayden had taken away his writing tablet to encourage him to practice vocalization and speaking slowly rather than relying on it constantly. Jeremy struggled and ultimately remained silent.

Stacey cleaned the room

meticulously and only felt at ease

once she was certain it was

spotless. After a moment of thought, she said, "Well, just let me know if

you need anything else, and I make arrangements."

"Okay," Hayden said with a smile, nodding at her. Jeremy also beamed in response.

"Why don't you and Jeremy go get some rest first?" Stacey asked.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Hayden looked at her and inquired, "Do you have work today?"

Stacey shook her head. Knowing that Hayden would bring Jeremy here today, Patrick had given her the day off to pick them up. Stacey thought of the upcoming entertainment ceremony and

hurriedly added, "By the way, the

annual entertainment ceremony in Zentiscape is just a few days away, and I promised Charlie I would attend." Stacey knew that Hayden and Jeremy had come to see her, so she wanted to explain the situation clearly. She was concerned that Hayden might be upset if she had to

leave for an event in a few days.

Hayden nodded. "It's fine. Jeremy and I have no plans. We'll accompany you then."

"Huh?" Stacey was stunned.

Hayden chuckled. "Why? Do you not want me and Jeremy to go?"

Stacey shook her head quickly. "No, no. I am... just a bit concerned that it might be too troublesome."

Hayden chuckled and said, "It's no trouble. I'm on vacation, and it's good for Jeremy to get out."