Chapter 35
In Yaville, when it came to top–notch medical equipment, comprehensive service, and a good reputation, the private hospital set up by the Jones family took the cake.
Franklin had given up his gig at the research institute and had come back home to running things smoothly for years without a single mistake.
to take t
the helm of the hospital just after turning twenty. He’d
d been
And his public image was golden. He was like a breath of fresh air, like a savior to many people. Patients he had rescued from the jaws of death were ready to sing his praises to the high heavens.
His office was filled with thank–you notes from patients.
But who would’ve thought that this renowned doctor would be the one to leave his own wife in a constant state of weakness and poor health, and she would suddenly faint from anger?
When Gilbert heard that Elizabeth had been donating blood heavily for years, causing her immunity to plummet and her heart to falter, he knew
The door
to
the ward shut with a click. It muffled the smells inside, and as Gilbert exhaled, his chest still felt night, his voice gruff. “Betty’s been with the Jones family for years. How have you been treating her?”
Elizabeth was in a coma. Gilbert’s true feelings were out in the open.
Franklin’s hand fell from the door lock. Before he could turn around, the accusation in his ears rang out. He was calm, not one for long explanations, and just asked. “Gilbert, why are you so concerned about my wifel
Gilbert looked like he’d been caught red–handed. “She collapsed out of the blue, and the doctors say she’s in terrible health. Isn’t that on you?”
Franklin just laughed. Im a doctor. I think she’s just fine.”
“Fine! She just fainted out of nowhere, Gilbert said, his frustration clear.
“If you hadn’t taken her out, she wouldn’t have fainted. Franklin replied, his logic sound.
After all, when Elizabeth was with the Jones family, she rarely left the house. Even though Franklin wasn’t kind to her, he made sure she had everything she needed, and it was all top–shelf.
For three years, she’d been pampered, living a delicate life.
Gilbert knew Franklin was tough, but he didn’t expect him to be impervious to any kind of persuasion.
Their eyes locked with a spark of tension between them.
The air conditioner’s warm blast felt oppressive, and as Gilbert’s clear eyes held Franklin’s gaze, there was a long moment of silence. Franklin’s face was a mask of indifference, fearless, seemingly devoid of emotion, but in reality, he kept his feelings well hidden Franklin never showed a hint of his joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness.
The memory of that night was branded in their minds, On Elizabeth and Franklin’s wedding night, after a conversation that left him broken- hearted, he went on a rampage, obliterating every piece of stuff in the room, without sparing a single item.
The cassette tape that Elizabeth loved more than anything else was crushed under his rage.
Back when Franklin was blind, Elizabeth used to play that cassette in his room–it was the soundtrack to their love story. But once the truth came out, their love, like that tape, turned to dust.
Since that day, Franklin had been emotionless, unmoved by anything. Post–marriage, he’d hit rock bottom, keeping company with good–for- nothings like Lawson
His love interests have been a blur, shifting from clean–cut schoolgirls to famous women from all walks of life, non–stop.
Gilbert heard all this from Lawson during their chats after he’d left the country.
At first, Gilbert wouldn’t buy it, but seeing the way Franklin carried himself, Gilbert believed it.
Swallowing his anger, Gilbert kept his cool, not letting his emotions get the best of him. “I heard Betty’s divorcing your
His eyes squinted a bit, giving away his sharp wit.
Franklin, though, didn’t even give him a straight look. “Oh? And where did you hear that I wasn’t aware.
From Henry, Gilbert said,
Chapter 35
“Did she tell you straight up? Franklin asked, his disbelief evident in his tone.
Gilbert looked away. “Well, no, not exactly.”
Franklin let out a mocking laugh, his sound dripping with the disdain someone of his highbor status would have for someone like Gilbert, whose roots were questionable. “That’s rich. Elizabeth never told you herself, and you’re taking it to heart. Isn’t that a bit silly?”
“You shouldn’t talk like that,” Gilbert said, standing his ground.
“Then how should I talk? Franklin said, feeling like even conversing with Gilbert was beneath him. “Uncle, you should always remember your place. Caring for her so much. Doesn’t that strike you as out of line?”
Gilbert took a deep breath. “Tve always cared for her since we were kids. Why is it a problem now?”
Franklin found that statement even more laughable.
With his hands in his pockets, his pristine white collar making his indifferent expression all the starker, Franklin said, “Gilbert, we’re both men. I know what you’re thinking. I’m not calling you out to save us both the embarrassment. You don’t think I’m as gullible as I was three years ago, do you
That was it. He was done
talking
He wouldn’t even allow Gilbert to see Elizabeth in the hospital room. After all, it was his hospital, his rules, and no one could argue with that
As evening fell, the woman nestled in the snow–white bedding finally moved. First, her fingers curled, and before her eyes opened, she pursed their lips, seemingly very thirsty,
Her pale face looked as if she had been through hell, thin and gunt
Franklin hurried over. In his hand was a cup of warm water. He bent down, his breath brushing against Elizabeth’s cheek. He gently exhaled and then took it back in, patting her face. Time to wake up. Drink some water.”
If one listened closely, his tone was light and gentle, as if coaxing a very young child.
Elizabeth’s eyelids fluttered, her eyelashes slightly moved, and light filtered through the slits. For a moment, her mind was blank. When she saw Franklin, she felt like she was still in a dream.
“Sit up and drink some water. His voice was crystal clear.
She realized it wasn’t a hallucination, licked her lips, and was lifted up by Franklin. Her shoulders and waist were supported by him. She leaned against his chest, sipping water into her stomach. The dryness in her throat finally eased.
Elizabeth’s eyes popped open. “What’s going on? Why am I at your hospital?” she asked, her voice shaky
Franklin set the water aside and wiped a droplet from the corner of her mouth with his finger. You passed out.”
“Passed out? How?” Elizabeth asked, showing her bewilderment.
He wasn’t about to reveal the truth, so he threw Cilbert under the bus. “Your uncle took you out, wore you thin, and you passed our
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “You think I’m some kid you can just feed a line to?”
“Aren’t you?” Franklin teased, half–serious. “You’re all too eager to follow anyone who offers a little sugar. What else would you call it?”
Not knowing what got into him, Elizabeth used her elbow to make room between them. As she stretched her legs to get away, she tugged at the IV in her hand. Before Franklin could react, she winced in pain, clutching her hand.
“Should’ve thought about that he chided, smoothing her hand out, adjusting the IV, and securing it with medical tape. “Once this bag is done, you
can leave.
Even though he was being gentle, Elizabeth eyed him warily. “What did you give me?” Her voice dripped with suspicion.
Franklin let her hand go with a huff. “Toison. You’ll kick the bucket as soon as it’s done. Happy now?”
Elizabeth knew he was just venting. She didn’t take it to heart. Instead, she turned to gaze out the window at the night, the weight in her chest still heavy. Her health had been on a downward spiral for a year, and this wasn’t her first sudden fainting spell. Thanks to Franklin.
Why was be even pretending to care?
A lot of grievances were on the tip of her tongue, but when Elizabeth turned, she saw Franklin’s clear profile. With his chin up and his fingers on IV drip adjuster, he was watching the Cow with care.
Maybe it was the white coat or the work he loved so much, but his whole vibe had softened. The coldness was gone.
Chapter 35
Not looking away from his task, he noticed Elizabeth staring. “Finished gawking?”
