Chapter 20
Having swallowed two painkillers, Madelyn finally succumbed to sleep. But at the dreaded hour of three in the morning, her forehead was slick with a fine sheen of cold sweat, and her breaths were becoming increasingly labored.
The girl in the bed made a low sound of discomfort. Zach, setting aside his notebook, reached out to touch her forehead and cheek.
“Her temperature has dropped considerably. Seems like the fever’s broken.‘
Rosario, just entering with a tray of water, walked in on this scene.
“Mr. Jardin, let me take care of her. You’ve got work tomorrow. Don’t tire yourself out.”
‘So Mr. Jardin did come after all.‘
She knew that Zach, though he harbored no romantic feelings for Madelyn, deeply cared for
her as if she were his sister.
‘He’s always good to her.‘
okay. Has she
responded. “Yes,
can’t overdo the
the washbasin,
rest. I’ve taken a half–day leave
at the girl in bed, then back at
had been awake for a while, but hearing Zach’s
less face him.
go…”
won’t go. I’m not going anywhere. Mr. Jardin, Madelyn needs me. It’s
be next door. Call me if you
“Alright, Mr. Jardin.”
turned to leave, his face resumed its customary cold indifference, the door to the sickroom gently
the doorway. It was then
away a tear from the corner of
“No, I’m much better.”
you truly stopped
moved to the white
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