Jessica returned to her bedroom after she gave a few instructions to Damon concerning the situation but since then her heart raced uncontrollably.
This seems to have become the case after receiving the troubling news that Elder Allen had been admitted to the hospital, she found it impossible to continue with her design work.
Her hands trembled, and her mind wandered. The inspiration she once had now seemed completely out of reach. Designing required peace and focus, but all she could feel was anxiety and restlessness.
Her heart pounded with worry, not knowing exactly what was happening at the hospital. Was the old man okay? Was his condition serious? Was he even conscious?
She paced the bedroom, wearing out the soft rug beneath her feet as her thoughts raced. She was torn between calling Alfred, the loyal butler, or trying to reach Elder Allen himself.
But she knew she couldn’t afford to make such direct contact. Not now. Not when everything was so fragile and not with so many challenges threatening their existence. With both of them still presumed missing and their fact still unknown to most of the Allen family. It was too risky to be seen getting involved, especially with tensions rising around Desmond.
Letting out a long, deep breath, Jessica decided the best course of action was to wait for her husband, Davis, to return. Maybe he would have answers. Maybe he would know what to do.
She was worried sick about Elder Allen, but even more, she was concerned about Davis. His safety came first. In her heart, she couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to him.
Still pacing, her brows furrowed in deep thought. She couldn’t understand how Desmond, knowing his father had been rushed to the hospital unconscious, could stay behind at home without even bothering to check in. What kind of man could do such a thing?
Unable to bear the thought of doing nothing, she reached for her phone, which she had earlier left on the coffee table. With a steady but firm voice, she called one of her trusted subordinates.
"Head to Central Hospital immediately," she instructed. "You’re going to be Elder Allen’s personal caregiver. Do not let anyone enter his room without my permission. Watch over him closely and report anything strange. Things are getting more complicated, and I need someone I can trust by his side."
Her subordinate responded affirmatively, and the call ended. Jessica’s expression softened just a little. That was one step taken.
Suddenly, as though struck by a new idea, she picked up the phone again and dialed a familiar number, though they haven’t spoke to each other for long but they held each other in high regard. It rang only once before it was picked.
"Good day, Dean," Jessica said warmly.
The voice on the other end was friendly. It belonged to the Dean of Central Hospital—an old friend and colleague who had worked with her for years, though he had no idea about her current marriage or her involvement with the Allen family.
"I have a patient who was recently brought to your hospital, likely in the emergency department," she said. "Please, could you do me a favor? Assign one of your best staff members to monitor his treatment closely. Keep me updated about his progress."
There was a pause.
"Is this someone from your family?" the dean asked curiously.
Jessica hesitated, then replied diplomatically, "No, just someone I care about. A long-time friend. That’s why I’m personally involved."
The dean agreed, and Jessica thanked him earnestly. Once she knew Elder Allen was in good hands and being monitored properly, she paused slightly and sat down on her bed in contemplation . She needed rest, though her mind refused to settle.
Outside, the sun was beginning to set. The sky was painted with shades of orange and pink as dusk approached. A soft wind blew through the compound as Davis’s car slowly made its way up the driveway.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption