Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 505

Sylvia’s cheeks flushed even redder as she shot him a glare. “Who… who are you, really?”

“Lester. We’ve met before, remember? That blind date.”

“I went on a blind date with you?” Sylvia looked genuinely surprised.

“Well, there was a bit of a misunderstanding, but that’s close enough.” Lester grinned, then changed the subject. “Your mom went to see the doctor. She brought you some clam chowder—said you should eat as soon as you woke up.”

“Okay.”

Sylvia glanced at the thermos on her bedside table. As she reached for it, pain shot through her side where she was bandaged.

“Ow…” She winced, instinctively curling away from the pain.

“Hey, don’t move.” Lester steadied her with a gentle hand. “Let me help.”

“Thanks.”

Leaning back on her pillow, Sylvia watched him carefully as he poured the creamy chowder into a bowl. He stirred it to cool it off, then scooped up a spoonful from the top and brought it to her lips.

She hesitated, a little embarrassed. “I can do it myself.”

Lester glanced at her bandaged arm. “You’re the patient. No need to play tough.”

“…Alright.”

Sylvia accepted the help, opening her mouth for the soup. As she ate, she couldn’t help but glance at the hospital room door, her mind clearly elsewhere.

A moment later, she reached out for the spoon herself.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” Lester replied casually.

“For… everything,” Sylvia said, leaving it at that.

He grinned. “How about you take me out to dinner sometime, then?”

Sylvia smiled shyly and nodded. “Deal.”

She looked down and focused on her chowder, hiding her smile.

...

When Rupert returned to his hospital room, he nearly collided with Reese Sanford, who’d just come looking for him.

“Rupert, why didn’t you tell me you were sick?” Reese scolded, her tone worried. “I only found out from Orson.”

The rings were inspired by the traditional red ribbon used to tie a bride and groom’s hands together at Western weddings. The men’s ring was simple but elegant, with a subtle twist in the band, polished and brushed to catch the light like a flowing ribbon. The women’s ring was softer, a ribbon of tiny diamonds wrapping around the central stone.

Placed side by side, the curves of the rings fit together perfectly—a symbol of unity.

Reese picked up the men’s ring and reached for Rupert’s hand, wanting to slip it onto his finger.

But just as she was about to, Rupert drew his hand back, curling his fingers away.

Reese froze, hurt flashing in her eyes.

“Rupert… are we still getting married?”

Her voice cracked, the ring trembling in her hand.

Then, suddenly, Rupert took the ring from her and slid it onto his own finger.

“I’ll do it myself,” he said quietly.

Hope blossomed on Reese’s face, and she nodded, blushing.

She knew what his answer meant.

He was still going to marry her.