Chapter 4 54 % Elijah took Bobby to the hospital , but without Maddie , he would have been lost trying to figure out which department to head to . The doctor examined Bobby , his brow furrowing in concern . This child had a fever just this morning , and the injection marks are still visible . How is he being allowed to drink such sweet beverages ? A childs stomach is delicate , and you , as his father , are being careless , the doctor scolded . Elijah stiffened . The child has always been cared for by his mother . The doctor shot back , This isnt about whos been caring for him ; its about basic common sense . Arent you his father ? Elijahs expression darkened . He couldnt help but think back to his own childhood when hed never been this fragile . +5 If anything , Bobbys sensitivity had to be from Willows side . He made a mental note to have a serious conversation with her later . The doctor continued , Children who frequently run fevers are more susceptible to complications . Be cautious with his diet in the coming days , and keep him warm . Ill prescribe some medication to help bring the fever down . Maddie took the prescription and thanked the doctor . Then she turned to Elijah . Should we inform Mrs. Clark ? Bobby looked at his father , waiting for his response . Elijah scoffed , his voice cold . Why bother ? She threw the divorce papers at me . Ill grant her wish this time . Bobby lowered his eyes at his fathers response , seemingly disappointed . Elijahs voice softened . Its not a serious illness . Ill stay here with Bobby . You go back and pack my things . Ill go straight to work from the hospital tomorrow . Maddie nodded , visibly relieved . Taking care of a sick child overnight was never easy , but thankfully , she wouldnt have to stay . Late that night , Elijah lay in Bobbys hospital bed , scrolling through his phone for fairy tales to read aloud . As he read , he let out a chuckle . What kind of ridiculous story is this ? You listen to this every day ? Snuggled under the covers , Bobby mumbled , Mom used to read it to me . That woman is simply … Elijah shook his head . Willow hadnt always been like this . Before her parents , George and Elena Robinson passed away , she was full of life , bold , imaginative , and always brimming with ideas . She used to run to him with bright , eager eyes , standing on tiptoe as she called his name with her sweet voice . But after their deaths , after his mother arranged their engagement , she changed . She molded herself into the perfect wife and mother , quiet and dutiful , with none of the fire she once had . She became dull and predictable . He wouldnt have rushed into marriage if it hadnt been for Willow . He would have taken his time and enjoyed life before settling down and having a child . 1/5 12:53 Tue , 11 Mar Chapter 4 Pushing the thought aside , he ruffled Bobbys hair . Go to sleep . Daddys staying right here . Bobby nodded sleepily . He was used to having his mom beside him when he was sick . But having his father here wasnt so bad , either . Bobby drifted off shortly . ས In the middle of the night , he woke with a parched throat and a sharp ache in his hand where the IV was inserted . Blinking in the darkness , he called out softly , Daddy ? Elijah didnt move . 54 % His hand throbbed , his throat burned , and frustration stirred inside him . Gathering all his strength , he shouted for Elijah , his voice cracking from the effort . Elijah jerked awake . What is it ? he mumbled groggily . Daddy , I want some water , Bobby rasped . Yawning , Elijah got up to fetch some water . As he returned to the ward , he paused , remembering that Bobby was still sick . Frowning , he turned back , mixed some warm water into the same cup , and finally brought it to Bobby . Here you go , Elijah said , handing the glass to Bobby . Bobby sat up slowly , looking at the glass of water before him and his father . When he was sick , Willow always gave him water through a straw . Elijah raised a brow . Are you seriously waiting for someone to feed you ? Youre a big boy . Hold it yourself . Thirsty , Bobby instinctively reached out , only to wince in pain as the IV needle shifted under his skin . A thin line of blood beaded on the back of his swollen hand . Already weak from his illness , Bobby winced in pain as tears immediately welled up and rolled down his cheeks . Elijahs eyes snapped to the IV line , noticing the drip had run dry and blood had begun backing up into the tube . He pressed the water into Bobbys hands . Ill get the doctor . The doctor arrived quickly . In just one day , Bobbys fever had spiked twice , and hed been given two rounds of medication . Now , both of his hands were swollen from the IV , the sight of them unsettling and concerning . For the first time , Elijah truly grasped how difficult it was to care for a sick child . Willow had been carrying that burden alone , and hed underestimated how hard it had been for her . Elijah exhaled slowly and said , Tomorrow , Ill have Sandra come and stay with you . How does that sound ? Bobby hesitated , clutching the blanket tightly . Do we have to wait until tomorrow ? Why dont we just call Mom ? Elijah studied his sons face , reading the longing in his eyes . Do you miss her ? 9/5 Tue , B Chapter 4 Bobby quickly shook his head as if afraid of being misunderstood . Mom knows Im sick . Shell come once she hears . We can call her , pretend we dialed the wrong number , and then you can head home to rest once she shows up . Elijah pulled out his phone and handed it over . Alright , Ill give her a chance because you asked for it . If you want her here , call her yourself . Bobby took the phone , dialed Willows number , and pressed the call button . A cold , mechanical voice echoed through the quiet hospital room . The number you dialed is not available . Please wait a moment and try again . Elijahs expression darkened instantly . It was past one in the morning , so the chances of her line being busy at this hour were slim . Bobby tried calling Willow again , but the line remained busy each time . It was clear shed blocked Elijahs number . Elijah glanced at Bobby , frustration written across his face as he snatched the phone back . Well , isnt that just perfect ! he muttered . Im done giving her chances . Lets see how she handles this . Irritated , Elijah blocked Willows number again . Go to sleep . Ill have Sandra come by tomorrow . Bobbys face darkened . What about Mom ? Elijahs voice was sharp . Shell come crawling back sooner or later . Maybe even tomorrow . Bobby nodded slowly and sank back into the bed . We should teach her a lesson . Well do whatever you want , Elijah said , chuckling and shaking his head . Bobby was satisfied with that answer . After a brief pause , he added , I want ravioli . The kind Mom makes . Elijah hesitated as memories of Willows homemade ravioli came to mind . Tomorrow , Ill have Sandra bring some . ******** The next day , Elijah called Sandra , telling her Bobby was in the hospital again and asking her to stay with him and bring two servings of ravioli . Sandra was thrilled . Yesterday , Elijah asked her to stay with Bobby , and he asked again today . It was clear he appreciated her , and with every request , she felt her position in Elijahs heart growing stronger , especially compared to Willow . She ordered the ravioli from a top restaurant and headed to the hospital . To her surprise , Bobby took a bite but then set the spoon down . Determined not to let Bobby waste food , Elijah tapped the bowl with his spoon , silently urging him to finish . After hesitating , Bobby reluctantly picked up the spoon and began eating slowly . Elijah had to leave for work soon after . Before he left , he snapped a photo . The soft morning light streamed through the window , and Sandra sat at Bobbys bedside , peeling an apple while he watched quietly . It was a peaceful and perfect moment . 3/5 Chapter 4 Elijah posted the photo to Instagram with no caption . The comments quickly rolled in Collin Phillips was the first to comments [ ent that your beautiful and capable assistant ? Didnt know she was so good with kids , too . Impressive . ] Then Roger Wards comment came in next . Are you considering , switching partners and giving , your son a new momt She seems more suited for you . ] Next , Cooper Hughes commented : [ By posting this , arent you asking for trouble with Willow ? ) Elijah and Freya shared many mutual friends , and Cooper was one of them . It seemed Elijah had briefly forgotten about it as he replied to Coopers comment : 15hes been throwing tantrums and pushing our son away . What else am I supposed to do ? ) Cooper immediately stopped replying and muttered to himself , Is he crazy ? Doesnt he realize Freyas going to see this ? And what is he going on about ? Cooper was right about Freya seeing the post and the comments . Furious , she sent a screenshot of the post to Willow and an angry rant about Elijah , Bobby , and Sandra . After venting her anger , Freya still felt unsettled and called Willow directly . Willow picked up almost immediately , and Freya exploded . That bastard is doing this on purpose . Hes trying to provoke you . How could anyone be this despicable ? Willow said nothing in response as she tried to digest the screenshot Freya had sent her . The pain lingered . After all , Elijah was the man she had loved for so many years , and Bobby was their child , one she had fought so hard to bring into the world . The silence on the other end of the phone was like a cold shower , dousing Freyas fury . Willow , dont let it get to you . Its not worth it , Freya comforted . Alright , Willow replied , her voice steady . Then she asked , Did you get the divorce papers ? Freya cursed under her breath . No ! Whats that bastard up to ? Does he not want the divorce ? They were already at this point , and Freya wasnt about to let Willow stay trapped in the marriage any longer . Ill go ask him for them ! Forget it , Willow sighed . Every time you meet , it turns into a fight . Freya was a public figure , and Willow knew that no matter how justified her friend was , she would always be at a disadvantage . Maybe something came up , but Elijah definitely wants the divorce , Willow said quietly . Her voice turned bitter as she continued , Hes wanted nothing to do with me since college . With everything thats happened , hes just waiting for the right moment to be rid of me . Title: A Princess? No! I'm the Female General! In "A Princess? No! I'm the Female General!" by CrushReel, Adela Taylor, a noble family's daughter, disguises herself as her brother to secure their Duke title by joining the army. 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