The night was as dark as ink, with moonlight filtering through the sparse leaves, casting dappled shadows and adding a touch of serenity and mystery to the garden of the Magistrate’s Manor.
Emily Parker stood alone, glancing around with a vigilant expression.
Her skirt swayed gently with the night breeze, her long hair lifted and clung to her slightly tense face.
The slight bulge of her abdomen was faintly visible under the skirt, adding a gentle maternal glow to her.
After waiting for a while, just as Emily was about to turn and leave, she saw a tall figure slowly emerge from the shadows of the trees.
He was a middle-aged man, about forty years old, standing erect like a pine tree under the moonlight.
He wore a dark-colored cloth robe, the hem fluttering casually in the breeze, in stark contrast to the luxurious formal attire of the guests attending the inauguration ceremony tonight.
His features were angular, with a high nose bridge, cold but clear eyes, exuding a calm and authoritative aura, yet with an almost imperceptible peace.
Although his attire was simple, his demeanor demanded respect, as if he belonged to the tranquil night rather than the bustling banquet.
"You must be a guest for the inauguration ceremony, right? You’ve come to the wrong place."
The man’s voice was deep and gentle, carrying a hint of unexpected amusement.
He stood in the moonlight, slightly lowering his head, his gaze falling on Emily’s slightly bulging abdomen, a hint of softness flashing in his eyes.
Emily was slightly taken aback, then inwardly chuckled at her earlier unnecessary tension.
She raised her head, revealing a faint smile.
"Sorry, I came out for some fresh air."
She spoke softly, her voice carrying a hint of warmth and apology.
The man’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment, as if admiring a fine painting.
He nodded slightly, a subtle curve at the corner of his mouth.
"Inside, with so many people, it does feel stifling after a while. I also came out for some air."
After speaking, they shared a smile.
It seemed both of them, like each other, were unaccustomed to the flattery in the banquet hall and had escaped outside.
Emily thought inwardly.
Emily carefully studied the man’s complexion in front of her.
His complexion was somewhat pale, with faint dark circles under his eyes, and a hint of fatigue between his brows.
"You don’t look well, daily work must be tiring. You need to take care of your liver and spleen."
Her voice was gentle and warm, like a breeze in spring, warming one’s heart.
The man was slightly surprised, a hint of astonishment flashed in his eyes.
He examined Emily again. Although young, she had an extraordinary presence.
He smiled slightly, his tone tinged with curiosity, "You know medicine?"
"I know a little bit.
Your constitution is very good, but you must have suffered a serious injury in your early years, and for these years, you must have been tormented by chronic illnesses?"
The man’s expression changed slightly.
His health had always been good, but years ago he suffered a grievous injury, nearly losing his life. Though his wife had saved him, his body still bore hidden ailments, which even the most advanced medical skills internationally could not cure.
He did not expect that the young woman before him could see through his problem at a glance.
He nodded slightly, a hint of gratitude in his eyes,
"Thank you for the advice, I will take care."
Emily turned slightly, pointing in the direction of the steaming hot springs behind her, where the water surface shone with a faint mist under the moonlight, rendering it hazy and enigmatic.
"You can soak your feet, like I just did."
Her voice was soft and warm, as if sharing a thoughtful little tip,
"The hot spring water here is of moderate temperature, rich in minerals, and particularly beneficial for the body."
As she was speaking, a familiar voice called out from afar. Someone was calling her name. It sounded like Carlos. Emily smiled faintly and turned in the direction of the voice. She saw Carlos walking briskly toward her, his figure appearing especially tall under the moonlight, with a hint of concern in his eyes.
"My husband has come looking for me."
Emily said softly, her tone tinged with a touch of warmth.
She tilted her head slightly, looking at the man in front of her, her eyes sincere,
"By the way, if you want to treat your chronic ailments, you can find me at the small clinic across City First Middle School. My name is Emily Parker." Find the newest release on NoveI-Fire.ɴet
She smiled gently, her eyes exuding a gentle strength, silently encouraging him.
The man nodded, slightly turning to glance in Carlos’s direction.
Emily nodded to the man, gently lifted her skirt, and walked toward Carlos.
Carlos, seeing Emily walking toward him, showed a hint of relief in his eyes.
He quickly moved forward, reached out to take Emily’s hand, and frowned slightly, "I’ve been looking everywhere for you."