Chapter 139


    Chapter 139


    The room settled into a hushed quietude.


    Howard set the insted casserole dish on the table and lifted the lid.


    A rich, savory a


    wafted out, and he spoke, “Marina made you some stew.” He


    scooped a small bowl and walked over to where Gwendolyn sat.


    “Care for some?”


    Gwendolyn shook her head.


    “Gwendolyn, do me the honor,” Howard said, his expression gentle, his patience evident.


    “Mr. Chadwick.”


    The words scratched from her throat, dry and aching.


    It had been too long since she’d spoken, her voice hoarse.


    “Do I suck that bad? Why does even my own mother take sides against me?” She despised Gemma,


    but she couldn’t deny the yearning for maternal love.


    She was just a girl starved for affection, forced by circumstances to be strong.


    “You’re outstanding, and they’re the fools,” Howard murmured.


    He set the bowl aside and slowly wrapped his arms around her.


    The warmth of his body made tears spill down Gwendolyn’s cheeks. She clutched the fabric of


    Howard’s shirt, sobbing her heart out.


    “Gwendolyn, you’ll be okay.”


    Howard had a n in ce, and he just couldn’t share it with her yet.


    She lifted her head, her clear, dark eyes seeking his, “Really? Will I be okay?”


    Even the doctors said it was impossible.


    They said only if they found Enoch, but who knew where Enoch was? And even if they found him, there


    was no guarantee he’d agree to treat her.


    “Of course.”


    Howard spooned some of the stew and held it to her lips. She licked them instinctively, and the rich


    taste filled her mouth.


    Seeing her eat, Howard let out a sigh of relief.


    “Gwendolyn, when I was paralyzed and bedridden, I felt just like you do now. The doctors. said only a


    miracle could save me, and then you came along.”


    She was that miracle.


    “Mr. Chadwick, I could save you, but I can’t save myself.”


    Her head buzzed, feeling as if she’d forgotten something crucial as if she’d overlooked an. important


    point.


    “This time, it’s my turn to help you,” Howard said earnestly, “Just give me some time, and I’ll bring


    Enoch to you.”


    “That’s impossible.” She dismissed the thought without hesitation.


    So many had been searching for Enoch, to no avail.


    How could he possibly bring Enoch to her?


    “Gwendolyn, do you trust me?” His eyes were like a deep pool reflecting the gentle moonlight over


    rippling water.


    Gwendolyn stared at him, lost for words.


    “I do, but…”


    “That’s enough. Eat well, get plenty of rest, and follow the doctor’s orders. You need to be a good


    patient.”


    He brought another spoonful of stew to her lips.


    Gwendolyn took a sip, her eyes brimming with warmth.


    She trusted Mr. Chadwick, but she couldn’t believe she was the lucky one.


    Silently, Gwendolyn finished the bowl of stew. After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Mr. Chadwick, I


    won’t be able to do your acupuncture anymore. If you stick to the rehab n, you’ll recover slowly,


    without anyplications.”


    Even now, she thought of him.


    “Alright.”


    Howard’s voice was a soft whisper.


    After finishing the stew, Gwendolyn leaned back and fell asleep.


    Howard stayed for a while, and then his phone vibrated. He nced at it and stepped out of the room


    to take the call.


    Valor’s voice came through, frantic and loud.


    “Howard. I was at your ce when Marina mentioned Gwendolyn was hospitalized,


    Têxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    what’s going on?” Valor pressed for answers.


    “It’s nothing serious,” Howard replied calmly.


    11:29


    “Don’t lie to me, and it sounds like something big.” Mr. Peterson had be shrewd, “Last night


    Bainbridge got busted in a vice raid, Vivien had a scrap with her rival and lost the baby. And now


    Gwendolyn’s in the hospital, you think I’m a fool?”


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