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

home to get your meal,"

"Have Davis and Jessica returned?" he asked

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

the frail man with mixed emotions. Though she worked in the

a maid. Alfred had attempted to look into her background but found

status, he was kind and humble. Unlike many of the arrogant members of the Allen family,

Desmond?" Elder Allen

respond, the door swung open with a faint creak. Desmond stepped inside holding a stainless-steel food flask. His face bore a faint smile, but

feeling today?" Desmond asked casually, walking over to

son, his gaze unreadable. Something about Desmond felt different—darker. The aura around him was

won’t you speak to me?" Desmond asked again, smirking. "Still upset about our

wasn’t going to give Desmond the satisfaction of knowing how troubled he felt. Still, his instincts screamed

serve the food?" Linda asked, turning to Elder

Elder Allen felt his pulse quicken. Could he trust Linda? Was she truly on his side

Allen stammered, forcing the words

eat

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

gave Linda a mock-polite nod. "Go on. Feed him. He’s too

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

she said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "I’m sure it would mean a lot if you have meal with him while I feed him from the one

fell to the ground with a loud clatter. In the confusion, Linda stepped backward, accidentally knocking over the entire flask. The rest of the food spilled across

The room fell silent.

barked, stepping forward with his hand raised ready to strike

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