Aveline's brow furrowed slightly as she glanced at Annie, who gave her a playful wink.

"You two talk; I'll step out for a bit."

Seeing they needed privacy, Lucas turned and left the room.

Once he was gone, Aveline said, "He's not my boyfriend."

Annie burst into a smile, her cheeks dimpling with two small, charming dimples. "I know. You're upset with him right now. I've seen lots of couples act like that when they're fighting. I won't say it again." Aveline sighed.

There was no explaining this away.

Besides, there was no need to burden Annie with the details of her pending divorce from Lucas.

It would be over soon enough, so there wasn't much to discuss.

Changing the subject, Aveline said, "While you're staying here, you can go for a walk when you're feeling up to it. The environment here is quite nice. If you need anything, just ask the nurse, and if you feel unwell, call me right away." Annie nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I will, Aveline. Thank you so much."

Aveline smiled gently. "The most important thing is that you get better."

forward and hugged her, her voice thick with emotion. "I wish we

a sister like Aveline would have

tugged at Aveline's

...

the faint scent of antiseptic

quietly, her work meticulous and unobtrusive. Lucas pushed open the door and entered. At the sight of him, the nurse greeted respectfully, "Mr. Tudor." Lucas walked in, his

self. His face was gaunt and hollow, his body frail and shrunken, a mere shadow of

a stroke, Frederick's mouth was crooked, and his eyes were unfocused. When he saw

the corner of his

and wiped the drool from Frederick's

apart like this before Leo even makes it back. I'm worried you won't hold on until the

struggling to

looked

your time on pointless thoughts. But one thing you

fought tooth and nail to take it. He would, of course, treasure

or compassion for the man

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