Silly Bride

Chapter 217

while before he vowed solemnly, “Don’t worry, Winnie. I’ll never allow you to die on my watch!”Despite the phone separating them, and they couldn’t see each other, Winnie still nodded in response.Chuckling, she replied, “I trust you, Lucas.”After hanging up the phone, she decided to head back and look for Zayn to find out the latest situation.Unexpectedly, she was greeted by the sight of Josiah the instant she turned around.Judging from the man’s expression, he seemed to have been standing there for a long time.Winnie promptly frowned, but before she could utter a single word, Josiah started chortling.“Well? Are you feeling very much frustrated, thinking, ‘D*mn it! I actually didn’t notice him standing behind me!’?”Having been exposed, Winnie couldn’t help chuckling softly. “You understand me pretty well, Dr. Houghton.”“That’s for sure. After all, we’re considered good friends who have been through life and death together. It’d be a travesty of the time we’ve known each other if I don’t understand you at all.”Winnie bobbed her head lightly. “I love hearing that. So, when did you come over, and how much have you—”“I heard everything.” Josiah cut her off without waiting for her to finish speaking.That had Winnie startled for a moment. “You’re rather honest.”“Yup!” Twisting his body slightly, Josiah leaned against the huge container at the side.With his eyes pinned on her, he drawled, “Didn’t you tell Xavier previously that you don’t like being lied to? Furthermore, would you believe me if I were to tell you that I merely passed by and didn’t hear anything?”“Naturally, I won’t believe that entirely. Promise me something?” Winnie walked over to him and leaned against the container by his side.“What is it?”“Don’t tell Xavier about this.”A frown marred Josiah’s countenance. “But Winnie, this is very dangerous, you know?”Winnie scratched her head. “I’m sick of repeating myself. All of it, from my grandmother’s life and Xavier’s antidote to my black badge, is worth me making a trip personally. Besides…”Shooting him a look, she continued, “That isn’t the most dangerous place I’ve ever been.” After a long silence, Josiah relented, “Fine, then. It seems that no one can sway you from a decision you’ve made anyway. Can I ask you a question?”“Shoot.”“Since you’re so confident, why don’t you want Xavier to know about it? You’re afraid that he’ll worry, right? If you know he’ll worry, can you not go?”Frowning deeply, Winnie fixated her gaze on Josiah. “That’s not the only reason. He said he’d go with me if I were to go. But you’re his doctor, so you know his condition full well. His reflexes and stamina are no longer as good as before. You know what that means. If we were to encounter the same danger, I might be able to dodge easily, but the same can’t be said of him right now. I’m going over because I’ve got something crucial to do. I don’t want to lead him to his death.”“Is it absolutely necessary for you to go?”In response, Winnie nodded. “I’m going over to save someone, not to tempt fate. In all situations, my life comes first. Don’t take me as such a reckless person, okay? Just tell me this—can you promise to keep this secret for me for the time being?”Seeing her solemn expression, Josiah suddenly felt like teasing her.“What can you do if I were to go and tell Xavier about it now? Are you going to kill me?”Winnie had already seen the answer she wanted in his eyes. Still, mirth bubbled within her.“I won’t go as far as killing you since I’m not such a vicious person. But you won’t be able to escape a beating.”“No way! I’m utterly afraid of pain. But Winnie, you must be careful. Make sure that you’re fully prepared and be sure to tell me if you need my help.”Lifting her hand, Winnie patted Josiah on the shoulder lightly. “Thank you! I’ve still got to seek Lieutenant Zielinski out, so I’ll be going over first.”“Go ahead. I’ll go and get some gauze.” Josiah watched as she left before he spun around and headed in