Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After…

Chapter 696 In a Dream

Meryl was hurt by Malcolm’s words. Leaving him and Bianca behind in the hospital room, she walked out without looking back.

Bianca, afraid that any further comments might make Meryl resent her too, stayed silent. Instead, she turned her frustration toward Malcolm.

“What on earth were you saying just now? Meryl just survived a car accident and gave birth to a child. She’s done a great service to the Aniston family! Chandler’s absence is his fault, and you dare to blame her instead? How could you?” Bianca scolded.

She feared that the fragile truce they had recently reached with Meryl might be shattered because of Malcolm’s insensitivity.

Malcolm didn’t dare argue. Facing Bianca’s anger, he could only lower his head and admit his mistake.

“I only wanted to encourage her to maintain a good relationship with Chandler. Let’s be honest. Letting our daughter marry into the Aniston family is a big accomplishment for our family,” Malcolm muttered defensively.

“Accomplishment? Marriage is a mutual decision, not some one-sided favor! No matter what, you can’t belittle your daughter. Would you have said the same thing if this had happened to Lydia?” Bianca snapped back.

Malcolm fell silent.

Bianca jabbed a finger at him. “You’re so unfair! Meryl’s endured so much over the years, and as her father, it’s your job to support her!”

Looking back on everything, Bianca couldn’t shake the guilt she felt toward Meryl.

Malcolm wasn’t keen on hearing more of this but chose not to argue.

Instead, he shifted the topic. “I think she and Chandler are having problems. Did you notice how upset she got the moment I mentioned him? Do you think their marriage is on the rocks?”

Bianca shot him a glare. “She just gave birth and her husband’s nowhere to be seen. Who wouldn’t be upset? Chandler is definitely in the wrong here!”

As they spoke, Malcolm’s phone rang.

It was Lydia.

“Lydia? What’s wrong? Alright, we’re at the hospital already. We’ll come to you right away,” Malcolm said hurriedly before ending the call.

He grabbed Bianca’s arm, urging her to follow him.

“What’s going on?” Bianca asked.

“Lydia’s in bad shape. The fall she had last night dislocated her pelvis. She was in pain all night. The doctors said they could treat her, but she’d have to terminate the pregnancy. If she wants to keep the baby, she’ll have to endure it,” Malcolm explained.

Bianca frowned. “And what exactly can we do about it?”

“Charlotte won’t let her deliver early. She says it’s too risky for the baby. Lydia’s begging us to step in and talk to Charlotte for her,” Malcolm replied.

Lydia was in agony, but she wasn’t even eight months pregnant yet. Charlotte wouldn’t risk the baby’s life by inducing early labor.

To ensure the child’s safety, the doctors refrained from administering strong painkillers as well.

“We’re her parents. Who else can she rely on right now?” Malcolm said.

Bianca’s expression turned icy.

“Oh, now we’re her parents? Malcolm, your double standards are astonishing. You’ve never been this concerned about Meryl! She’s gone through so much, but you’ve never stood up for her. I can’t believe you!” Bianca shot back furiously.

Meryl entered Felix’s hospital room. As she unpacked her acupuncture kit, she asked, “Did anything change while I was away?”

Philip shook his head. “I’ve been here the whole time, but Mr. Powell hasn’t moved a muscle.”

Meryl nodded. “Alright, help me remove his shirt.”

Philip quickly unbuttoned Felix’s shirt, knowing she intended to perform acupuncture.

But as Meryl approached to begin, she froze.

Felix’s torso was covered in scars.

Some of the scars were older, having healed with new skin that was lighter than the surrounding tissue.

Others were fresh wounds, clearly recent, still red with the marks of injury.

She drew a sharp breath. She had never imagined his body would bear so many wounds.

Philip sighed quietly, “Mr. Powell has had a few tough years. Most of these scars are from people seeking revenge for things he did for the Powell family.”

Meryl pressed her lips together. “Couldn’t he just stop doing their dirty work?”

The Powell family’s history was murky. Though they’d cleaned up their image a decade ago, their methods often skirted the edges of legality.

Philip hesitated before replying, “Mrs. Aniston, the Powell family’s affairs are… complicated. You’ll understand in time. Mr. Powell doesn’t have much of a choice.”

Meryl didn’t press further.

She stepped closer to Felix and began the treatment, her hands steady and precise.

Philip watched nervously, keeping a close eye on Felix’s condition.

He was concerned that Meryl, still recovering from childbirth, might not feel well herself, so he suggested she sit on the bed.

Half an hour later, the session ended.

Meryl began to wrap up her work.

However, despite finishing the procedure, Felix remained unresponsive.

Philip’s face turned pale. His eyes reddened, and he nearly broke into tears.

“Mrs. Aniston, do you think Mr. Powell… might not make it? He still hasn’t moved…” Philip’s voice trembled.

Meryl frowned. “This is just a supplemental treatment. It might take more sessions to see results.”

As she finished speaking, Felix’s eyelashes fluttered.

“Mr. Powell!” Philip’s eyes widened, and he was unsure if he was imagining it.

Then Felix’s fingers twitched.

Philip burst into tears of relief. “Mr. Powell, you scared me half to death! I thought you’d never wake up!”

Felix opened his eyes.

His face was pale, and his usually sharp gaze looked unfocused. His injuries had taken a toll.

Seeing him awake, Meryl let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

She held up two fingers in front of him. “Felix, how many fingers am I holding up?”

Felix rasped, “One.”

Meryl felt her stomach sink.

She tried again, this time holding up five fingers. “And now?”

“Nine,” Felix answered.

Her heart dropped further.

She grabbed his hand, preparing to check his vitals.

She thought, “This doesn’t make sense. His injuries were internal. They shouldn’t affect his vision. Could it be… the crash damaged his eyes? Or his brain?”

As her hand moved closer, Felix suddenly clasped it.

“What are you doing?” Meryl asked, startled. She looked at him with a mix of worry and irritation. “Don’t mess around. Your condition is serious. I need to…”

Felix’s voice was hoarse but teasing. “I can see just fine. I was only messing with you.”

He cut her off before she could finish, his tone softening. “Sit down. Stay with me for a bit.”

Meryl hesitated. “Messing with me? Are you sure? You’re not… brain-damaged or something?”

Felix’s gaze sharpened, and a faint smile played on his lips. “You’re worried about me.”

Meryl frowned. “Of course I’m worried. You got hurt because of me. Isn’t it normal for me to care?”

Her eyes fell on his wrist. “Let go. I need to examine you.”

Their eyes met. Felix, still grinning, said playfully, “If you want to hold my hand, just say so. Let me guess, you fell for me when I saved you? Can’t resist my charm, huh?”

Meryl stared at him, speechless.

Even in this state, he still had the energy to joke.

Judging by his clear speech and coherent thoughts, she had to admit he seemed fine.

Felix’s hospital gown hung loosely on his shoulders. He didn’t bother adjusting it, lying there with his usual nonchalance.

Yet the pallor of his face gave him a fragile air.

It seemed like he lacked the strength to resist anything.

His gaze lingered on her face, and a sly smile formed on his face.

“You tried so hard to keep your distance from me, and now you’re here, worrying about me. Tell me, if I never woke up again, would you regret it, crying and begging to marry me?” Felix teased.

Meryl rolled her eyes. “You’ve got quite the imagination. Have you been daydreaming too much?”

“Of course,” Felix chuckled, his voice low and laced with amusement. “I’ve done plenty of things with you in my dreams.”