“Winnie? What are you doing here?” Nate picked up his pace and walked toward Winnie when he saw her from a distance.
Winnie recognized his voice immediately, but Mary did not know who he was because he was wearing a hat and a mask.
Mary put her guard up and stepped forward to protect Winnie, asking, “Excuse me, sir, but who are you? How can Mrs. Fairchild help you?”
When Nate realized Mary did not recognize him, he removed his mask and revealed himself. “It’s me, Nate.”
“Oh, Mr. Nate.” Mary dropped her guard and retreated, greeting him by saying, “No wonder Dr. Houghton said he saw someone who looked like you just now.”
At first, Nate looked collected, but as soon as Mary spoke, he pulled up his mask and quickly scanned his surroundings. It was as if he was afraid of being discovered.
Seeing how Nate suddenly became nervous, Mary grew concerned and asked, “I’m sorry, Mr. Nate, did I say something that made you uncomfortable?”
“Nope.” Nate glanced at Mary before asking Winnie, “You didn’t tell Josiah, did you?”
“Of course not.” Winnie frowned slightly. “I don’t really want to discuss your gossip with anyone. Besides, I promised you, didn’t I?”
Upon noticing the disdainful look on Winnie’s face, he quickly apologized to her, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to question you. It was just a reflexive reaction. There’s something I want to tell you. Can you ask Mary to wait outside? Just a little further from here will do.”
Winnie’s frown deepened. “What is there to talk about between us?”
Rendered speechless, Nate paused for several seconds before regaining his composure. “I-I just… I’m sorry for disturbing you. I’ll leave now.”
Winnie hummed in response but otherwise remained silent.
out a
in the indifferent look on Winnie’s beautiful face, he felt
on, they had since grown apart. What else
he found himself
glance at Winnie and decided to endure the
to leave, a sharp pain struck
intense that he could not withstand it and fell
groan, Winnie knitted
Mary immediately went over to help
Since we’re now at
“I just need
you up.” Mary carefully supported Nate and helped him sit
settling him down, Mary finally had the chance to take a good look
but express her worry. “Mr. Nate, you don’t look good. Are you sure
Mary, “You don’t need to worry
weakened voice and how he refused Mary’s offer of assistance. Those words brought a frown
silence, she asked Nate, “Do you have any
replied weakly. Despite his weakened state, he did not want Mary to know
look at Mary. “I need water. Can you
agreed to his request as
something was amiss. She
ahead. I’ll stay
back soon,” Mary said before walking toward the other end
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