“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
on Winnie’s beautiful face,
What else can
he found
another glance at Winnie and decided
to leave, a sharp
pain was so intense that he could not withstand it and fell
his groan, Winnie knitted
immediately went over to help Nate
you okay? Since we’re now at the
Nate sounded weak. “I just need to rest
you up.” Mary carefully supported Nate and helped him sit on a
him down, Mary finally had the chance
her worry. “Mr. Nate, you don’t look good. Are you
told Mary,
the sound of Nate’s weakened voice and how he
she asked Nate,
weakened state, he did not want
his head with some difficulty to look at Mary.
to his request as
Mary realized something was amiss. She turned to
responded right away, “Go ahead. I’ll stay
I’ll be back soon,” Mary said before walking toward the other
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