Absolon remained silent for a moment, then shook his head without speaking.

Lilah suspected he still had reservations.

"Dad, your health wasn't as serious as we made it out to be last time. Miranda and I just wanted to match you with Aunt Joselyn, so we exaggerated your condition. Miranda is renowned for her medical skills.

Aside from hypnosis and a few complex illnesses that require time to solve, she can handle everything else. You just need to take care of yourself, and there won't be any problems, " Lilah advised sincerely."

Dad, life is short. Don't wait until you regret it."

Absolon furrowed his brows, staring into the void, lost in thought.

His mind was tangled with concerns, fearing he'd disappoint once more.

Just then, a series of unsteady footsteps approached from behind them.

"Absolon, so this is where you are." It was Joselyn, and she seemed to have had too much to drink. She staggered as she walked, clutching a bottle, and the smell of alcohol was apparent even from a distance.

Lilah quickly stood to support her.

But Joselyn ignored her, focusing solely on Absolon. "Absolon, why are you so hesitant? I've come all the way back for you, and you still won't say how you feel. Why are you so afraid?

Why are you so infuriating?"

Lilah was taken aback.

Did she hear that correctly?

Joselyn, usually so composed and restrained, now seemed so uncharacteristically uninhibited.

It was beyond belief.

Absolon's face stiffened, unsure whether to speak or remain silent.

"You two, continue your chat. I'll go check on Jerrold... "

Lilah sensed she should give them privacy, so she signaled Absolon to support Joselyn.

Unexpectedly, Joselyn grabbed her arm. "Lilah, don't go. Be our witness!"

"Huh?" Lilah was stunned." Witness what?"

She had a feeling she was about to witness a dramatic revelation firsthand.

Joselyn took another gulp of wine, as if trying to muster courage. "Just stand there quietly. I'll count to three. If Absolon still doesn't confess his feelings for me, I'll start going on blind dates tomorrow to find a father for you, Miranda, and Lillie.

But if he speaks up... "Joselyn, you're drunk, " Absolon's voice was unexpectedly somber." Whatever it is, let's talk about it tomorrow."