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Outside the ER.
After numerous unanswered calls to Bianca, Blair finally stopped dialing.
Two hours into his hospital vigil, Corey called.
“Mr. Avery, the morning meeting remains adjourned. Everyone awaits your return.”
Blair instructed Katelyn to stay vigilantly at the hospital, demanding immediate updates about Winnie.
Katelyn, being a servant, dared not disobey.
Leaving the hospital, Blair spent the afternoon buried in corporate work.
No calls came from Katelyn.
By 7 PM, his work concluded.
Arriving at the hospital, Blair still found no trace of Bianca.
He questioned Katelyn, “Didn’t my wife visit all afternoon?
No calls either?”
Recognizing his anger yet bound by honesty, Katelyn murmured, “No.”
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Without further queries, Blair headed to the doctor’s office.
The doctor confirmed Winnie’s stabilized condition but ordered overnight ICU observation before discharge tomorrow.
Exhausted from the day, Blair craved a cigarette.
He descended to the hospital garden, settling onto a bench.
Amid exhaled smoke, he spotted Lynette and Kellie.
Lynette approached the inpatient building along the path, holding Kellie’s hand with one hand and carrying fruit with the other, unaware of Blair’s presence.
As they neared the garden’s exit, Blair rose abruptly, striding toward them.
“Sister–in–law.”
Lynette startled at the address.
Turning to see Blair, her tension eased. “What is it?”
Blair cut straight to the point. “Have you seen Bianca?”
Lynette deflected, “Why do you ask?”
“Winnie had a high fever and lost consciousness–she’s in the ICU now,” Blair explained. “I’ve called Bianca repeatedly with no answer. I fear something’s happened; she’s always reachable.”
Lynette withheld Bianca’s hospitalization at this very facility.
“I’m merely her sister–in–law,” she replied coolly. “Her whereabouts aren’t my concern. I cannot answer you.”
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Blair didn’t press further, his voice heavy with defeat. “Understood, sister-in–law.”
After a measured glance, Lynette took Kellie’s hand and walked toward the inpatient building.
But then, Blair suddenly turned back and said to Lynette, “Sis, it’s flu season now. Maybe don’t take Kellie to the hospital these days.”
Only then did Lynette realize she’d forgotten about that.
So she gave Blair a soft smile and said, “Alright.‘
With that, Lynette took Kellie’s hand and walked back toward the hospital exit.
When they returned later, Blair was no longer in the garden.
Lynette carried some fruits into the inpatient ward.
At Bianca’s room, Elvin was feeding her dinner.
Lynette glanced at the meal box–nutritious, light dishes perfect for recovery.
Lynette remarked, “You’re so thoughtful, Elvin. This looks homemade.”
Hearing this, Elvin looked up with a smile. “Sharp eye, sis. My mom cooked everything herself.”
Lynette’s eyes widened slightly. “You’ve told your mom about our Bianca?”
As Elvin wiped Bianca’s mouth after her last bite, he stood and explained, “Everyone around me–friends, family, colleagues–knows there’s only one woman in my heart.”
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He met Lynette’s gaze steadily. “And they all know I’m set on marrying
her.”
Lynette studied his expression, finding nothing but sincerity.
After a pause, her lips curved gently. “Seems you’re the kind of man worth entrusting a lifetime to.
Lynette deliberately glanced at Bianca leaning against the bed frame as she spoke.
Her words seemed intentionally chosen.
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Bianca heard them but pretended otherwise, carefully sipping soup from her bowl.
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Elvin also looked at Bianca. He knew she’d heard and was feigning ignorance.
Yet he didn’t press her, simply telling Lynette with a faint smile, “Thanks, but whether I’m worth marrying is for Bianca to decide. If she says yes, then it’s yes.”
Lynette smiled back. “Hard work pays off.”
Elvin forced a smile. “Hope so.”
In pursuing Bianca, he sometimes felt victory was certain, other times utterly impossible.
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