Chapter 21
The two chatted quietly as they pushed open the door to the hospital room.
Felton, dressed in a patient’s gown, had his back to the entrance. At the sound of footsteps, he struggled to turn, glancing toward the door and when he saw Daphne following close behind Nestor, he froze in surprise.
“Grandpa, Daphne greeted him with a bright smile, standing gracefully at his bedside.
Overcome with emotion, Felton wasted no time in shooing Nestor out of the room. Then, gripping Daphne’s hand, he looked her over with a mixture of relief and concern. “You’ve lost weight. Life out there must’ve been hard on you.”
She quickly shook her head, patting the back of his hand to reassure him.
Truthfully, she hadn’t suffered in the slightest. When she left the Bridges family years ago, she’d taken a fortune worth billions. Sure, buying her own private island had cost a hefty sum, but the profits from the island’s operations more than made up for it.
Even if she did nothing else for the rest of her life, her assets alone would have been enough for her to live in luxury.2
“Grandpa, what you gave me was more than enough to last a lifetime. I’ve never been wanting for anything” Daphne said with a soft laugh, settling onto the edge of the bed. She lifted a hand, holding up a thermos. “Look what I brought you–your favorite chicken and rice soup. Here, give it a try.“2
Felton’s face lit up with delight. “Wonderful, wonderful.” He waited as she ladled out the steaming soup, the savory aroma filling the room. Taking a careful sip, he closed his eyes as the flavor bloomed on his tongue.}
He nodded enthusiastically, looking nothing like the gravely ill man the internet rumors made him out to be.”
Once he’d finished, Felton lay back against the pillows and waved off Daphne’s fussing. “I’m just getting old, that’s all. Bodies break down–it’s nothing serious, no matter what people outside are saying. There’s nothing for you to worry about. But you–what brings you back so suddenly? Are you in trouble?”
Daphne shook her head immediately, but when she saw the concern in Felton’s eyes, a pang of guilt hit her.”
Felton had always cherished her above all others. When she’d decided to leave the Bridges family, he hadn’t stood in her way; instead, he’d gifted her enough to set her up for life, sparing her any future hardship.
But what had she done in return??
To escape Nestor–and all the mess back then–she’d hidden away on her private island for five whole years, never once coming back to visit Felton.
Maybe he saw the remorse flicker in her eyes, because Felton let out a gentle sigh and reached out to rest his hand on her head, his voice warm and full of affection.2 “Daphne, I only found out later what Nestor did. No wonder you left so suddenly. That was our family’s mistake, not yours. Don’t ever feel you have to sacrifice your happiness for us–or let Nestor force you into anything. Just listen to your own heart, that’s all I ask.“}
“I know,” Daphne replied, tears welling up. Outside the door, Nestor watched their silhouettes, his desire to keep her by his side growing stronger.
Daphne stayed and talked with Felton for a long while. At one point, Felton called Nestor in, giving him a mix of advice and warning–not to even think about mistreating Daphne.%
Nestor agreed to everything without hesitation.
By the time the sun slipped behind the hills and the last rays of light stretched across the city, the two finally left the hospital together.
As the car headed west, Daphne stared out the window in confusion; the Bridges family estate lay to the east. It took her a while to remember–on the way over, Nestor had mentioned he wanted to take her somewhere. Every time she’d asked where, he’d refused to answer.
Wher, they arrived, both stepped out of the car. Daphne eyed the unfamiliar vilia, still puzzled.
Why had he brought her here?%
Nestor didn’t respond. He instinctively reached for her hand, but she dodged him without thinking.
Ever since he’d grabbed her whist during that incident at the house–supposedly to check her temperature–she’d kept her guard up around him.
He looked a little lost and embarrassed as his hand hung in the air. He awkwardly cleared his throat and hurried ahead into the villa.
Daphne watched him for a moment, then, after a brief hesitation, followed.!
She was curious herself–what kind of game was he playing this time??
