Justin had been deeply engrossed in his work, forcing himself to block out any thoughts of Natalie.
But just when he thought he had succeeded, his cellphone rang. The name "Mr. Ford" flashed on the screen, surprising him.
He quickly answered, "Yes, Mr. Ford?" only to be met with the displeased voice of the old man. "Aiden, is this how you treat my granddaughter, your wife?"
Justin was taken aback and heard him again, "Is work more important than my injured, hospitalized granddaughter? How can I be sure that you would take care of her?"
Realizing what was happening, Justin replied quickly, "Apologies, Mr. Ford. I should not have left her alone."
"So?" Albert’s tone remained displeased, expecting more.
"I will be there right away," Justin assured him, already standing up from his chair.
He headed to his room, his hands working to remove his tie and unbutton his shirt, preparing to quickly change into more ordinary-looking clothes.
"Good, I am waiting for you," Albert said before hanging up.
Justin, meanwhile, instructed Noah, who had followed him, trying to understand why his boss had suddenly turned so serious. "Get that low-brand car ready."
"Yes, Mr. Harper."
Soon, Justin was dressed in ordinary attire and left in the unassuming car. As he entered the hospital room, his gaze immediately met Natalie’s. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her surprised, beautiful eyes.
"Aiden, finally you are here," Albert’s voice broke the moment, bringing them both back to reality.
They quickly averted their gazes, avoiding looking at each other, both aware of the unspoken tension that had formed between them.
"Yes, Mr. Ford," Justin replied, walking further into the room.
"Come, have a seat," Albert gestured to the chair next to him, and Justin complied, sitting down with an air of calm composure.
Natalie didn’t know what to do or say and preferred to keep quiet and watch what these two would talk about as last time she had missed it.
"I was a little angry not to see you by Natalie’s side, but I’m glad you returned the moment I called," Albert said, his tone softening.
Justin could only nod, and heard the old man continued, "I understand you’re young and want to focus on your work, but you should also remember your responsibilities toward your family. You can’t just leave your injured wife alone in the hospital like this. She should be more important than work."
"I’ll keep that in mind," Justin replied, his voice calm and obedient, as though he were the perfect son-in-law.
Natalie, watching the exchange, couldn’t help but be surprised by how smoothly Justin played his role. ’He sure is good at acting. Just stay calm and composed and say a few convenient words and be done.’ She felt a mix of admiration and frustration.
"Good," Albert offered a delightful nod and turned to Natalie, his expression softening. "I must say, you found a good husband for yourself. I can trust you with him."
Natalie forced a light smile, replying, "Thank you, Grandpa." Her eyes briefly met Justin’s, and she could almost sense what he might be thinking. ’He must think I’m just as good at acting. Sigh, what have I gotten myself into? This is going to be so difficult to sort out.’
Albert, seemingly satisfied, shifted the conversation. "Have you looked for a house, or are you still busy with work?" he asked Justin. "If not, I can call my property agent right away and—"
"Grandpa, we’ve found a house already," Natalie interrupted, hoping to avoid further complications.
"You did?" Albert raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised, while Justin simply looked at her, waiting to see what kind of a lie she was going to cook now.
"Ah yes, Grandpa," Natalie continued, the smile on her lips widening. "I’m the one who selected it, and Aiden agreed. I’ve always wanted to have a home of my choice and I found it. But then this accident happened, and we haven’t moved in yet. Once I’m discharged today, we’re going directly there to arrange everything and start living there."
Albert’s face lit up with genuine happiness. "Very well, then. I look forward to visiting your home once I’m allowed to leave the hospital."
Natalie could only nod, as she hesitantly looked at Justin, who only offered her a silent gaze, leaving Natalie unable to read his thoughts.
Albert, feeling delighted by Justin’s respectful and responsible demeanor, didn’t refuse.
For Justin, other than being responsible, it was his attempt to avoid being alone with Natalie. They sure needed to talk about the home thing she had mentioned, but before that a small break, a time to compose himself, was not a bad idea.
Natalie, meanwhile, was relieved to see Justin treating her grandfather well, even if it was all part of the act. She felt a momentary sense of peace, knowing her grandfather was in good hands.
A while later, there was a knock on the door. Natalie assumed Justin had returned, but when she saw who entered, her mood darkened. ’I should have kept John around so I wouldn’t have to deal with this nuisance,’ she thought bitterly.
"What are you doing here?" Natalie asked coldly.
"Of course, I’m here to check on my sister, to see if she’s hurt," Briena replied, walking gracefully into the room, her expression smug.
Natalie offered her a mocking smirk. "I don’t see your sister here. Seems like you entered the wrong room."
Briena’s smile didn’t falter; if anything, it grew more confident, her demeanor radiating the smugness of someone who believed they were the winner. "Deny it all you want, but it won’t change the fact that we are sisters and share the same blood."
"I wish I could change it so I wouldn’t have any ties with trash."
Briena chuckled, unfazed. "What can we do? We’re both trash from the same bin." Her eyes gleamed with triumph as she observed the small injuries on Natalie’s face. "Seems like you’re not that hurt."
"Sorry to disappoint you," Natalie shot back. "But if you’re done, then leave. Or don’t blame me for hurting you in return."
"Hurt me?" Briena raised an eyebrow, her expression amused. Then her ears perked up as she heard a man’s voice from outside, asking for directions to a patient’s room.
"Sir, room number three."
"Thank you."
A smirk painted itself across Briena’s lips. In a sudden, calculated move, she picked up the glass from Natalie’s bedside table, stepped back, and smashed it on the floor right in front of her own feet.
The glass shattered, scattering shards everywhere with a little water in it spreading along. Briena then moved back toward the door, her voice rising in a loud, dramatic cry, "Natalie, what are you doing?"
A door slammed opened and a man hurried inside the room, seemingly hearing the noise from inside.
"Ivan," Briena called out, her trembling body rushing to him as if she were scared to death. She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly, playing the role of the victim perfectly.
Ivan’s eyes darted from Briena to the shattered glass on the floor and then to Natalie, who was sitting in her bed, unbothered.
His expression darkened with anger. "What the hell happened here?"