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.

managed to ask after swallowing, his voice still

home to get your meal," she replied softly.

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

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

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

to stay undercover as a maid. Alfred had attempted to look into her background

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 helpless and vulnerable, stirred a sense of guilt and protectiveness in

Allen asked, his

a stainless-steel food flask. His face bore a faint smile, but there was

walking over to set the flask on

stared at his son, his gaze unreadable. Something about Desmond felt different—darker. The aura around him was no longer the

me?" Desmond asked

to give Desmond the satisfaction of knowing

food?" Linda asked, turning to Elder Allen

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

Elder Allen stammered,

you’ve been living off nutrients for days. It’s time to eat something

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

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

a small bowl. But instead of feeding Elder

since you’ve shared a meal with your father," 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

Linda’s hand slipped and fell to the ground with a loud clatter. In the confusion, Linda stepped backward, accidentally

The room fell silent.

with fury. "You stupid girl!" he barked, stepping

pausing in surprise at the scene