Caring Too Much

Jade Hayes looked visibly distressed, her face tense and eyes brimming with worry. Alexander Hayes watched from the side, and a deep ache spread in his heart as he saw her pain.

But he was a man, and at times like this, he had to hold himself together. He was the pillar of strength for his wife and son—the backbone of the family. No matter what happened, as a husband, he could not lose his composure.

Soon, Simon Yu was called in. Seeing the scene inside, Simon paused for a moment and asked, "What happened? Is one of the children sick?"

Jade Hayes shot up and rushed over, grabbing Simon Yu's sleeve tightly. "Senior Dr. Simon, please tell me the truth—what's wrong with Charlie's legs? You always say babies develop at their own pace, that Charlie is just slower but healthy, and there's nothing to worry about. But look at Connor—his legs are strong, he can stand with support! Charlie's legs are still soft, like noodles. He can't crawl, can't stand, hasn't even rolled over! Simon, please, just tell me the truth—what's really wrong with Charlie?"

A flicker of panic crossed Simon Yu’s face. "Your Highness, please don’t overthink it—there’s nothing wrong! The little prince was just a bit weak at birth, so his development is slower. Give him a few more months, and he’ll roll over, crawl, and walk just fine."

"Really? It's just delayed development, not a problem with his legs?" Jade Hayes's eyes were red as she clung desperately to Simon Yu's sleeve. "Senior Dr. Simon, Father entrusted you with us—you can't lie to me!"

"Really, I’m not lying to you. Rest assured! I wouldn’t dare neglect Master’s trust. The little prince’s slow development truly is due to being born a bit weak. I know you’re anxious as a mother, but worrying won’t help. You just have to wait for the child to grow up at his own pace. He’ll learn in time—it’s not something to rush." Simon Yu said.

Jade Hayes listened to Simon Yu and slowly calmed down. She nodded, almost to herself. "You're right. Charlie is just slower than other children. When he grows up, he'll catch up... He'll be fine..."

Alexander Hayes looked at Simon Yu and Jade, pursed his lips, then walked over and put his arm around Jade’s shoulders. He said gently, "Jade, you heard it yourself—Dr. Simon said Charlie is fine. There’s nothing to worry about, so stop overthinking. You keep worrying about Charlie, and you’re scaring him."

Alexander Hayes pointed to Charlie Hayes. Jade Hayes followed his gesture and saw Charlie nestled in the nurse’s arms, his big dark eyes wide and confused as he stared at his mother.

The moment Jade Hayes saw her son's bewildered eyes, her heart melted. She dashed over, scooped Charlie into her arms, and covered him with kisses. "Charlie, I'm sorry. It's my fault—I got too emotional and scared you. Don't be afraid, sweetheart. I just care about you so much, I worry too much about you..."

Jade Hayes clung tightly to Charlie, refusing to let go no matter how others tried to comfort her. Alexander Hayes watched and could only let her be, allowing her to stay close to their son.

"Jade, there are many affairs to handle in the new fief. I'll go take care of official business now and come see you and our son later," Alexander Hayes said.

Jade looked up at him and nodded, "Go ahead. I'll stay a little longer with our son."

Alexander Hayes walked out, Simon Yu trailing behind. Outside, Simon let out a long, unsettled breath. The two men looked at each other, and in their eyes was a bitter, helpless sorrow...