Chapter 139
Sean followed behind Vivian as they walked down the hospital hallway.
But something she had said bothered him. He had just told her the soup was from Grandma–prepared by someone else and delivered to the hospital. So why did she make it sound like he had made it?
He had just stepped out of the room, barely starting to think it over, when his peripheral vision caught a familiar figure by the door of the next room.
Sean’s footsteps stopped abruptly, his eyes widening in shock.
“Lottie?” His voice wavered.
Charlotte turned at the sound of his voice, and their eyes met.
Her pale face, framed by loose hair, was unmistakably weary. She was wearing a hospital gown.
Beside her, the nurse adjusted her IV drip.
Charlotte’s brows knit together slightly when she noticed Vivian in her own hospital gown standing beside Sean.
Sean crossed the distance between them in two quick strides, his voice urgent.
“Lottie, what are you doing here?”
Her face was pale, and she was wearing a hospital gown.
“You’re sick?” Sean’s hand shot out, gently but firmly grabbing hers.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”
Her lashes lowered, her voice soft.
“You’ve been really busy lately. I didn’t want to bother you.”
Pain flashed across Sean’s eyes.
“Bother me? Lottie, nothing is more important than you.”
Gently, she pulled her hand free.
“I’m fine. Don’t you have something else to take care of? Go ahead.”
She glanced at Vivian, who stood a few steps behind, looking stunned.
Charlotte knew all too well that Vivian harbored feelings for Sean. That undercurrent of hostility from Vivian had always been obvious. And there she was, standing in a hospital gown, practically clinging to him.
Sean couldn’t possibly be unaware of it.
Charlotte kept reminding herself that Vivian was Sean’s sister, and it was perfectly reasonable for him to visit her when she was sick. She shouldn’t be petty. She shouldn’t feel jealous.
But she did.
She couldn’t help it. Her chest tightened with a sour ache, and she couldn’t stop the thought from circling in her mind that Sean had made time in his busy schedule to come see Vivian. He had even brought her soup.
Sean’s hands settled gently on Charlotte’s shoulders.
“Lottie, you’re the one who’s sick I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying with you.”
He turned back toward Vivian.
“The nurse is here. Let her take you outside for some fresh air.”
And without waiting for her response, he took Charlotte’s hand and led her back into her room.
The door closed behind them, leaving only the two of them.
Sean guided her to sit on the bed, his gaze never leaving her.
“When did you get sick?”
“Just a couple of days ago.”
“What happened?”
“It’s just a inild case of the flu. Nothing serious.”
Sean kept hold of her hand, his voice steady but firm.
Chapter 139
+25 Bonus
“From now on, you tell me right away when you’re sick. Promise me?”
Charlotte’s lashes fluttered.
“I didn’t want to distract you from work.”
“Lottie, I’ve told you before–nothing you do is a distraction. You’re always my top priority.”
He paused, then a warm smile spread across his face.
“Besides, what’s the point of working so hard to make money if I can’t spend it on my wife? If I can’t even take care of my wife, then what’s the point?”
Charlotte puffed her cheeks slightly.
“Wife? We’re not even married yet. Who’s your wife?”
Sean’s smile widened, his voice teasingly affectionate.
“Who else could it be? You’re the only one I’m going to marry. I’m just calling it early.”
Remembering what Vivian had said earlier, a knot of bitterness tightened in Charlotte’s chest.
“Oh? Is that so? Then why didn’t you make soup for your wife?”
Sean blinked, then quickly realized. His tone was calm but clear.
“She’s lying. Grandma called me this morning, asking me to come check on Vivian. I didn’t even want to come, but Grandma apologized and admitted she was wrong at the family dinner. She asked me to do her a favor and visit Vivian.
“That soup? Grandma had someone else make it and deliver it to the hospital. I didn’t even touch it.
Charlotte didn’t respond immediately.
“Wait…” Sean’s smile shifted, and a hint of amusement filled his voice.
“Are you jealous? Is my Lottie jealous?”
3/2
