Chapter 76
Edith clenched her jaw, her mind drifting back to her very first visit to the Hawksley estate.
It had been a day much like this one.
Justin’s face flushed an alarming shade of red, his breathing ragged and
uneven.
She’d waited anxiously in the corridor outside his hospital room, and the moment the doctor emerged, Edith hurried over, unable to hide her
concern.
The young doctor regarded her with a mixture of reserve and seriousness, making Edith’s heart leap into her throat.
I
But then, the doctor–his features gentle yet composed–shook his head. “Mr. Hawksley is stable. I’m afraid I can’t share any details about the patient’s condition; it’s confidential.”
Edith nodded, signaling her understanding. “I see. Is he feeling any better now? May I go in and see him?”
The doctor gave a slight nod, though his gaze lingered on Edith, quietly assessing her.
Edith, too preoccupied with worry to notice, could barely contain her relief. She all but rushed to Justin’s room, hoping desperately he was all
right.
Inside, the private room was calm, almost serene.
Justin looked himself again.
The feverish flush had faded from his cheeks, and the earlier chaos was
nowhere to be seen.
It occurred to Edith that the doctor’s refusal to disclose details must have been at Justin’s request.
He didn’t want anyone to know.
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Chapter 76
So, she chose not to pry. Instead, she offered a gentle, “Are you feeling better now?”
Justin replied with his usual reserve, “I’m fine. Sorry I ruined our dinner plans.”
In that moment, Edith found herself understanding him a little more.
He was the embodiment of a gentleman.
Even though his illness was beyond his control, he still felt compelled to apologize for spoiling the evening.
Edith waved a hand, brushing off his concern. “It’s really fine. We’ll just go
out next time.”
At the mention of a “next time,” a flicker of discomfort crossed Justin’s
face.
Edith didn’t catch it, nor could she guess what it meant.
She let out a shaky breath. “The doctor looked so serious when he came out just now. I almost thought… your condition was much worse.”
Justin looked up at her, his expression softening at the worry etched on her face. Something warm stirred in him, and his eyes brightened as he asked, trying to sound casual, “Were you that worried about me?”
Edith nodded emphatically. “Yes.”
But as soon as the word left her lips, she felt a tinge of embarrassment. Had she been too open in showing her concern for Justin? Was it…
awkward?
Justin seemed satisfied, his gaze drifting away. Outside, moonlight spilled over the window ledge, bathing the room in a quiet, gentle glow.
He spoke. “Was inviting me to dinner about the Vance project?”
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