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.

ask

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

Davis and Jessica returned?" he

you really shouldn’t be worrying so much," Linda said, pulling the chair beside his bed and sitting down. "Your

at the frail man with mixed emotions. Though she worked in the Allen household,

instructing her to stay undercover as a maid. Alfred had attempted to

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 helpless and vulnerable, stirred a

Desmond?" Elder Allen asked,

stainless-steel food flask. His face bore a faint smile, but there was a coldness in his eyes that didn’t

over to set the flask on the table beside the

Something about Desmond felt different—darker. The aura around him

you speak to me?" Desmond asked again, smirking. "Still upset about our last

Allen clenched his fists beneath the sheets but said nothing. He wasn’t going to give Desmond the satisfaction of knowing how troubled he felt.

food?" Linda asked, turning to

to her. But Elder Allen felt his

stammered, forcing the words out

to eat something solid." He leaned back, arms crossed, the smirk

smell of the dish was rich and 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 trust his own breath, let alone the food brought in by

a mock-polite nod. "Go on. Feed him. He’s too weak to hold

a small bowl. But instead of feeding Elder

with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "I’m

motion was sharp and reckless. The plate in Linda’s hand slipped and fell to the ground with a loud clatter. In the confusion, Linda stepped backward, accidentally knocking over the entire flask. The

The room fell silent.

barked, stepping forward with his hand raised ready to strike

scene before him. Linda quickly rushed to him, hiding slightly