Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 58

Rupert strolled over to the window, flung it open, and flicked a cigarette towards his buddy, lighting it up with one hand.

His friend pocketed the cigarette but didn't light it up. Gazing through the swirling smoke at Rupert, he quizzed, puzzled, "Who is this woman, anyway? Got you personally escorting her? Bridget was hurt, and you didn't stay with her for even one night. I saw you leaving another hospital room early that morning; don't tell me it was hers?"

"Yeah," Rupert's response was curt and to the point.

His friend nearly stumbled in shock. He rushed to face Rupert and got a clear view of the marks at his collar.

At first, he couldn't believe his eyes, but as looking closely, he was absolutely floored.

Rupert? With a hickey? Impossible!

Rupert had been with Bridget for three years, and they hardly ever appeared hand in hand, let alone something as intimate as a hickey.

He and Rupert had been classmates since high school, with him veering into medicine after finding finance too daunting, only to discover medicine was even more terrifying.

Now serving as both a hospital doctor and Rupert's personal physician, he was intimately aware of Rupert's health.

His astonishment stemmed from the surprisingly pristine nature of Rupert's annual physical reports, especially in certain sensitive areas. He once suspected Rupert had some issues in there and even offered medication. Rupert claimed he was a germophobe. And now here he was, sporting a hickey like it was nothing. Who would believe he was a germophobe?

unsure, ventured cautiously, "That looks

"It's not her."

framed against the

condition," Rupert steered the conversation

it's her mental state that matters the most. She looks really tense; has something happened recently that's scared her?" "What's

said earnestly, unable to shake

silent for

organ donation

icy, a

hands, "I won't ask,

out his cigarette, turned and

by the corridor

her, he said flatly, "Julian is dead. Got into a fight with an inmate and was killed. No one's going

his words, her fingers curling slightly. After a few seconds, she looked up at Rupert,

oppressive, a sneer playing on his lips, "You shouldn't have gone

her trapped in

I deserved it. Uncle, the punishment you've given me is

was not pleased with her

"No. 1205,