Chapter 5

The scorching weather worsened the infection in Mabel's untreated arm, forcing the doctors to admit her. She agreed without hesitation. She had tended to Wesley's every need for the past three years, never leaving his side even when she was unwell. But now, she only wanted to live for herself. Mabel turned off her phone and stayed in the hospital, resting and studying. Watching the busy doctors around her, she felt a deep sense of longing. Once, her dream was to become a skilled physician and save lives. But she abandoned that dream for Pearl's contract. Now, with the chance to return to school, she was determined to learn as much as she could—to one day return to the medical field and fulfill her unfinished aspirations. Before her discharge, Mabel ran into Alora at the hospital, who was accompanying a friend. The moment Alora spotted her, she stormed over in a fury. "What the hell are you doing, you country mouse? Disappearing on purpose? Do you have any idea how chaotic things have been at home? My brother's been searching everywhere for you!" "Why would he be looking for me?" Mabel didn't understand. Wasn't her absence giving Wesley and Anais the perfect opportunity to enjoy their time alone? Alora scratched her head impatiently. "Ugh, I'm not explaining this to you. Just go home and see for yourself!" Without caring for Mabel's injury, Alora dragged her out of the hospital and back to their home. The moment Mabel stepped through the gates, she sensed something was off. The once-lush garden had withered in just a week, and the interior was in complete disarray. Hearing the commotion, Wesley's eyes lit up. He strode to the door and seized Mabel's wounded arm. "Where the hell have you been? "Mabel, you've really grown a temper! So what if I was late sending you to the hospital? Was that any reason to run away? "Look at this mess! Who's been taking care of things?" Blood seeped through Mabel's bandages, the pain radiating from her flesh straight to the bone. So this was why Wesley had been looking for her. It was not because he cared but because the house was missing its maid. He didn't care about her injury or where she'd been all this time. All he cared about was scolding her for not playing her role as the dutiful housemaid like before. Mabel gritted her teeth and pulled her arm free. "Wesley, you're hurting me!" Only then did Wesley notice the bloodstains on her clothes. Remembering her burns from the cafeteria incident, his tone softened slightly. "I didn't realize you were injured this badly. Fine, I was wrong this time, but you running away balances things out. "Come here, I want to show you something." For the first time in his life, Wesley took Mabel's hand and led her upstairs. An exquisite diamond necklace lay before Mabel as Wesley explained, "This is for you. Consider it compensation for your injury. Now that Annie's moving out, stop being difficult." Mabel opened her mouth but couldn't find words. There was a time when she'd longed for any gift from him, no matter how small. But now that it was finally here, she couldn't tell if this gift was truly for her or just another ploy for Anais' benefit. Mabel accepted the box and set it aside with an expressionless face. She went to shower, only to find Anais preening before the mirror with the necklace when she returned. Catching Mabel's reflection, Anais smiled provocatively. "Sorry Ms. Myers, don't mind me. I just mentioned liking this necklace yesterday, and Wes bought it immediately. "He's really something..." Before she could finish, Wesley emerged from the kitchen. His expression froze momentarily when he saw the necklace around Anais' neck. Anais clung to his arm, batting her lashes as she said, "Wes, you're so sweet. I love this gift." Wesley glanced awkwardly between Mabel and Anais before finally muttering, "As long as you like it." "Yes, as long as Ms. Boyer likes it," Mabel echoed tonelessly. She then walked past them into the garden without another glance. As her familiar scent drifted past, Wesley stared after Mabel's retreating figure, feeling somewhat unsettled. Why wasn't she angry? Was she pretending? But it was just a necklace. He'd buy her a more expensive one next time. Mabel wasn't petty like that, Wesley quickly reassured himself.