Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 198: Desmond’s visits the hospital

~At Jessica’s Mansion~

Jessica nodded lightly at Davis’s suggestion, mentally noting to send a message to her the Santiagos’ later in the day.

The buzz and noise surrounding the fashion week had already disrupted their morning, so rather than return to bed, she decided to get up and make productive use of the time.

She headed to the walk-in closet and began sorting their luggage in preparation for Davis’s upcoming business trip. It was expected to last a week, and she preferred having everything ready ahead of time.

Midway through her packing, Jessica paused and picked up her phone again. She scrolled to the contact of one of her trusted subordinates—someone she had placed in charge of watching over Elder Allen at the hospital. She dialed the number, and after a few rings, the young lady picked up the call.

"How is he doing?" Jessica asked in a calm, low voice, mindful not to disturb Davis.

"He’s awake now," the young woman replied quietly, trying to avoid attracting attention from others. "Still weak, but stable. Alfred went home to prepare his meal."

Jessica exhaled softly, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Good. Keep me updated."

She ended the call and put her phone aside. Then, without wasting time, she returned to organizing the clothes and essentials for the trip.

~At the hospital~

After ending the call, Linda placed her phone back into her pocket and returned to Elder Allen’s ward. She opened the door gently and found the old man wide awake, his eyes slowly following her movements.

"You’re awake?" she asked gently, walking over to his bedside. Her voice carried genuine concern.

She moved closer to check his vitals. After confirming everything was within a normal range, she sighed in relief and adjusted the nutrient drip connected to his arm.

Elder Allen opened his dry mouth to speak, but his voice was hoarse and strained. Seeing this, Linda quickly reached for a glass of water and helped him take a few sips.

he managed to ask after swallowing, his voice still

to get your meal," she replied softly. "He’ll

Allen gave a tired sigh. "Have Davis and Jessica returned?" he asked weakly,

worrying so much," Linda said, pulling the chair beside his bed and sitting down. "Your health matters more. They wouldn’t be happy seeing

Though she worked in

early days of her marriage, instructing her to stay undercover as a maid. Alfred had attempted to look

Linda had come to respect Elder Allen. Despite his powerful status, he was kind and humble. Unlike many of the arrogant members of the Allen family, he treated even the lowest staff with dignity. Watching him now, so

about Desmond?" Elder Allen asked, his eyes narrowing

with a faint creak. Desmond stepped inside holding a stainless-steel food flask. His face bore a faint smile, but there was a coldness in his eyes that

how are you feeling today?" Desmond asked casually, walking over to set the

He simply stared at his son, his gaze unreadable. Something about Desmond felt different—darker. The aura around

me?" Desmond asked again, smirking. "Still upset about our

nothing. He wasn’t going to give Desmond the satisfaction of knowing how troubled he felt. Still, his instincts screamed a warning.

serve the food?" Linda asked, turning to Elder Allen but keeping a careful

the tension in the room, and Desmond’s attention shifted to her. But Elder Allen felt his pulse quicken. Could

Elder Allen stammered, forcing the words out with

been living off nutrients for days. It’s time to eat something solid." He leaned back, arms crossed, the smirk never leaving his

room with a tempting aroma. Under different circumstances, Elder Allen might have been eager to eat—but now, he could barely trust

nod. "Go on. Feed him. He’s too weak to hold

spoonfuls into a small bowl. But instead of feeding Elder Allen, she turned to

her eyes. "I’m sure it would mean a lot if you have meal with him while I feed him from the one in the

refusal, but the motion was sharp and reckless. The plate in Linda’s hand slipped and fell to the ground with a loud clatter. In the

The room fell silent.

barked, stepping forward with his hand

again. Alfred entered, pausing in surprise at the scene before him. Linda quickly rushed