Chapter 285: Recuperation at Home

The following day, Roxanne awoke to find a coat draped over her. Lucian had covered her after she fell asleep the previous night. She sat up and looked around the ward, but he was gone. A strange emptiness settled over her.

She was still in a daze when the ward door opened. Turning, she saw Lucian tiptoeing in, wearing only a shirt. He looked exhausted.

Their eyes met, and his gaze darkened. His voice was hoarse. "You're awake?"

Roxanne nodded. After a moment's hesitation, she rose and placed the coat over Estella, who was still sleeping soundly.

Lucian's expression softened at this. He approached her, examining her bandaged wrist. "How are you feeling? Do you need your wound redressed?" he asked with concern.

Roxanne shook her head calmly. "No need. I can do it myself at home. My own medicine is more effective than the hospital's."

Lucian raised an eyebrow at her confident tone, then nodded noncommittally, remembering her profession and experience.

An awkward silence filled the ward.

"If there's nothing else—" Roxanne began, but Estella's soft voice interrupted. "Ms. Jarvis"

The little girl sounded on the verge of tears. Roxanne's heart ached. She turned quickly to see Estella crying in her sleep; tears streamed down her face, her expression crumpled with distress. Perhaps she was reliving last night's events.

"I'm here," Roxanne reassured her, gently wiping away the tears.

Estella woke, crying. Seeing Roxanne, she leaped into her arms, sobbing. Though quieter than her cries from the previous night, her whimpers still tugged at Roxanne's heart. She must have been terrified by a nightmare.

Roxanne comforted Estella for a long time until the little girl's sobs subsided. Her eyes were red as she stared silently at Roxanne.

Lucian's expression had darkened when he heard Estella calling for Roxanne in her sleep.

After a brief conversation with Estella, Lucian summoned the doctor, who confirmed Estella was fine. He then left to handle the discharge paperwork.

Outside the hospital, Estella clung to Roxanne's hand, unwilling to let go.

Roxanne patted her head. "You should recuperate at home. Call me anytime you miss me, okay?"

Estella nodded, but remained firmly attached. Roxanne couldn't bring herself to detach her. Estella was clearly traumatized by the events of the previous day, and Roxanne wanted to offer all the comfort she could.

Seeing Estella's stubbornness, Lucian's heart ached. Knowing Roxanne couldn't stay with her forever, he knelt and took Estella's wrist. "Essie, let go of Ms. Jarvis. We need to go home. Your grandparents are worried."

With a pout, Estella reluctantly released Roxanne's hand.

Roxanne felt a pang of sadness; Estella's disappointed expression mirrored the one she'd seen yesterday afternoon.

"Ms. Jarvis, goodbye," Estella said softly, her head bowed. This was her first audible speech since last night, aside from her sleep-muttered words.

Roxanne's heart softened. Smiling, she bid Estella farewell and hurried away, fearing she'd be unable to leave if she lingered.

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