Elissa understood her implication and gave a slight smile. “If we were truly rich, we wouldn't be renting our home. I simply can't bear to see the child suffer!"

Brantley lay with his IV drip, his face still red with fever, gazing up at Elissa.

She softly caressed his face, encouraging him to rest and promising that his fever would likely break by morning.

Clutching her hand firmly, Brantley weakly asked, "Will you stay?"

Elissa nodded, assuring him she would stay by his side.