How could Alexander feel relieved when Lily was so unwell? "No," he insisted, "even if nothing is wrong, I have to take you to the hospital. Let's go to the doctor immediately!"
His stubbornness was frightening; negotiation was impossible. Weakened and lacking strength, he carried her outside and rushed to the car. He sped to the hospital, Lily silently enduring the journey in the passenger seat. She lacked the energy to speak, only desiring sleep. Reluctantly opening her eyes, she watched him drive. "I'm really fine," she whispered. "I just want to sleep for a while. I don't want to go to the hospital."
Lily coughed.
"Shut up! Stop talking!" Alexander snapped, his face grim and terrifying.
Her condition seemed to worsen. He offered her a bottle of water. "Drink more water and talk less. We'll be there soon!"
Holding the water, Lily pouted but merely gazed at his profile. Soon, exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she fell asleep. Alexander, focused on driving, didn't notice for a while. Only when he glanced over and saw her soundly asleep did he assume she was obeying him. He adjusted the air conditioning, but maintained his speed.
The thought of her illness distressed him deeply. He'd hoped to handle minor issues, to keep her safe, but it was unavoidable. Despite his absence, the Russell house remained theirs, along with the allocated budget. Yet Margaret's family still craved control over all their assets—the business and everything else. He couldn't bear the thought of them finding Lily!
Lily awoke disoriented, met only by a blinding white space. Stunned, her mind momentarily blank, she couldn't place herself. Then, a sound drew her attention. Alexander, his back to her, placed something on a table. Had she fainted?
"Alex," she croaked, her voice hoarse. She cleared her throat. Hearing the sound, Alexander turned and rushed to her side.
"Are you awake?"
"I passed out?" she wondered. It was only a minor cold and fever! When had her health become so frail?
"No, you just fell asleep," he explained. "I didn't want to wake you, so I let you stay at the hospital."
Lily remained silent.