“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
look on Winnie’s beautiful
What else can I expect from
hindsight, he found
another glance at Winnie and decided
to leave, a sharp pain
was so intense that he could not withstand
Winnie knitted her
immediately went over
you okay? Since we’re now at the hospital, should we take you to
sounded weak. “I just need to rest for
help you up.” Mary carefully supported Nate and helped
finally had the chance to take a good look at
but express her worry. “Mr. Nate, you don’t look
against the back of the chair and told Mary, “You
weakened voice and how he refused Mary’s offer of assistance. Those words brought a frown to
moment of silence, she asked Nate,
Despite his weakened state, he did not want Mary to know
turned his head with some difficulty to look at Mary. “I need water. Can you please
request as she
agreeing, Mary realized something was amiss. She turned to Winnie for advice. “Mrs.
“Go ahead. I’ll stay here and won’t wander
Mary said before walking toward the other end of the corridor
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