Outside, James paced near the usual spot where Rowan joined him for lunch. He glanced at his watch, growing increasingly anxious as he noted Rowan's delayed arrival. Frustration lingered in the air as minutes slipped away. Unable to endure the wait any longer, James reluctantly headed back into the hospital. Inside, he unexpectedly crossed paths with the two nurses who had inadvertently revealed the rumors to Rowan earlier. The weight of their guilt was palpable, their expressions betraying unease. Curiosity and concern etched James' face as he approached them. He sensed the tension in the air, wondering why Rowan was taking so long. The two nurses' faces filled with apprehension and exchanged worried glances. "Did she tell David?" one nurse nervously whispered to the other, fearing the consequences of their unintentional disclosure. The hospital corridors seemed to close in as they deliberated the potential fallout. One of the nurses, a witness to their internal turmoil, couldn't
David stepped into the reception area, glancing around in search of Rowan. He looked left, and right, and even ventured outside the hospital, desperately hoping to spot her. But she was nowhere in sight. A sigh of unrelief escaped him as he turned back, guilt gnawed at him. He realized Rowan must have assumed the worst, thinking he knew about the rumors circulating. Returning to the ward, Flora immediately unleashed her emotions. "David, why would you run after that woman who caused the loss of our baby?" Her words hit him hard, and the anger surging through him intensified. However, David remained silent. Instead, he approached, his gaze fixed on the iPad he had dropped in his haste to chase after Rowan. Flora persisted, frustration evident in her voice. "Are you avoiding me now because of that woman?" Still, David stayed silent, wrestling with the complicated emotions swirling within him. Flora's words hit David like a sudden storm. "You think she's more important now because
James sat nervously in the car, anxiously glancing at the hospital entrance. Suddenly, David emerged, and James couldn't escape the intensity of his gaze. He knew that David was on a mission, perhaps searching for him or Rowan. But James didn't care. All he wanted was to avoid any confrontation, especially with David. Without wasting a moment, James ignited the engine and sped away. Instinctively, he used his hand to shield the view, desperately hoping that Rowan wouldn't catch sight of him and that David would remain oblivious to their presence. The tension in the air was palpable as he maneuvered the car through the hospital's exit. Finally, out of the immediate danger zone, James released a deep breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. The relief washed over him like a wave, but uncertainty lingered. "Are you okay?" Rowan inquired, her eyes reflecting concern as she observed James. "Yeah, I'm fine," James responded, attempting to mask the unease etched on his face. He extend
"Don't go through with it, then. If the thought of losing Rowan scares you, and if it means she'll get closer to David, just forget about it," Steve advised, concern etched across his face. James, torn and anxious, nodded in acknowledgment but couldn't shake off his lingering doubts."But won't it make me look selfish and heartless? I understand this audio could help Rowan, but it feels like I'm betraying her. Losing her trust is the last thing I want," James confessed, his voice tinged with genuine worry and the weight of his internal struggle."James, safeguarding the ones we care about isn't an act of wickedness. It's about shielding your own heart from potential hurt. There's no harm in that," Steve reassured, placing a comforting hand on James's shoulder. As he turned to walk away towards the bedroom, James's sincere gratitude halted him."Thank you, big brother," James expressed, his words carrying a mix of appreciation and uncertainty."You're welcome, kid brother," Steve replie
"Where to, boss? Back to the hospital?" Richard inquired the moment David stepped out of the presentation room. A grin stretched across Richard's face as he observed David's unwavering defense of Rowan during the interview. It was a revelation – a side of his boss he never expected. David had a good side, a soft spot for Rowan. Richard found himself hoping for reconciliation between Rowan and David, a mend in the differences that lingered. "The mansion," David replied, and the word echoed strangely in the corridor. "Mansion?" Richard echoed, a puzzled look on his face. "Yes," David affirmed. Richard's hesitation didn't escape his notice, prompting David to probe further. "Is something the matter?" he asked. "No, sir. I was just wondering why you want to go there. No one lives in the mansion anymore," Richard explained. David nodded, about to respond when his phone buzzed, diverting his attention from Richard. As David fumbled for his phone, he couldn't shake off the intrigue abo
Facing his father's inquiry, David found himself at a loss for words. The question hung in the air like a heavy fog – did he truly want to marry Flora? If he answered in the affirmative, the next inevitable inquiry loomed: why commit to someone who was no longer carrying his child?A whirlwind of thoughts churned in David's mind, leaving him vulnerable to his father's hungry anticipation, feeding off his silence."David, you seem lost. Six months ago, you might have said yes without a second thought, but now, it seems you're grappling with your own desires," remarked David's father. It was at this moment that David finally mustered the courage to meet his father's gaze and respond."Dad, even if I ponder for hours, my answer remains Flora. Who else should I marry? She's waited long enough for me," David replied with a conviction that stemmed from the depths of his heart."Son, just because you've promised to marry someone doesn't mean you can't change your mind. You have that right,"
Since the night before, Rowan couldn't shake off the weight of James' advice. The notion of leaving town for a while, if only to safeguard her baby's well-being, clung to her thoughts. The hitch? It came with a hefty price tag, one she couldn't bear. The financial burden loomed large, and the fear of being unfairly blamed for baby Flora's loss by David's family cast a long shadow over her mind. Attempting to veil her concern, Rowan feigned indifference to James and Jessica, pretending that she no longer cared about David and Flora. But the truth cut deep. Her heart throbbed with pain as she grappled with the realization that David unquestioningly believed Flora, while every word from Rowan's mouth was met with doubt. Despite her self-made promise to remain unaffected, the hurt persisted. It was a bitter pill to swallow, realizing that the same woman who had taken her baby's life was trusted by David, while Rowan herself was cast in suspicion. Now, she found herself reluctantly accept
Rowan stepped out into the open to greet the person waiting for her. As she laid eyes on them, her heart raced because she expected it to be David or his dad coming to settle things. But to her surprise, it wasn't them. She wondered why the visitors didn't come inside, and it dawned on her that she hadn't seen them since she started her shift in the morning. "Why are you out here, and why aren't you in your uniform?" Rowan asked, feeling a mix of confusion and concern. Before her words could sink in, one of the visitors let out a long hiss and scoffed. "I told you she wouldn't care. Look at how she's acting as if she didn't know we've been fired," one of the nurses who had insulted Rowan the night before replied. They were the unexpected visitors seeking her. "What are you talking about? Fired? How?" Rowan asked, her confusion deepening as she struggled to make sense of their words. Please, Rowan," one of the nurses begged, reaching out towards her and even dropping to her knees. R