"After dinner, Charlotte Thompson initially only planned for Olivia Thompson to visit Annie Anne alone, but in the end, all the kids wanted to visit their godmother. Unable to deny the children, Charlotte led them all to the visit.
When Charlotte entered the ward, Annie happened to be sitting by the window.
She was somewhat surprised to see the children and a smile crept up on her lips.
Charlotte swept her gaze across the room, noting fresh lilies placed by the bedside. However, even the strongest scent of the flowers could not mask the smell of the disinfectant.
"You look much better."
Charlotte walked to Annie’s side, placed her hand on her shoulder, and the first thing she felt was Annie’s lean shoulder bones.
"The doctor said I could be discharged after another week."
Annie stood up. She pushed open the window in front of her. The sky outside had darkened, and the air carried a hint of dampness, indicating rain was coming.
"Actually, I thought I was fine last week, but the doctor insisted I should stay in the hospital for observation. This prolonged my stay here."
"Being stuck in the ward every day is suffocating. If not for you bringing the kids to visit me, I feel like I would have gone mouldy."
Annie’s voice was gentle, but carried a hint of complaint.
"Godmother, if you feel bored, you can call us. We will come and keep you company right away."
Grace Thompson approached Annie’s side, grabbing at her sleeve as she spoke.
"Grace, you are a good girl." Annie smiled with pursed lips.
"Yes, if you feel bored, you can call me as well." Charlotte handed over a jacket to her, worried that Annie might catch a cold.
"I’m not that delicate." Annie shrugged, but sat next to Charlotte, holding her hand.
"But I heard that Miss Thompson is quite famous online, making me, a third-class little star, very envious."
"Stop teasing me." Charlotte sighed a troubled sigh.
"Who knows, you are now the winner in life, pampered by those uncles and brothers from the Thompson Family, having such adorable children, and even..."
Speaking of which, Annie’s gaze shifted to the door.
Justin Battleson did not disturb Charlotte and Annie’s conversation. He happened to be handling some company business outside the door.
Seeing a hint of melancholy in Annie’s eyes, Charlotte pulled her into an embrace.
Grace, who was holding Olivia’s hand, did the same.
The children refrained from speaking, allowing the silence to permeate the room.
Outside the door, Justin’s gaze swept across the scene, finally landing on the man down the hallway.
"Aren’t you going in?"
Justin looked at Oliver Hudson, his tone gentle.
Oliver brushed away a lock of hair from his forehead, revealing a furrowed brow. Check latest chapters at Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
He leaned against the cold wall and laughed softly.
"She’s finally a bit happy. I’d better not disturb her."
Or perhaps he didn’t want to see the silent look in her eyes when she looked at him.
Justin walked up, his figure upright in his suit, in stark contrast with the somewhat dejected Oliver next to him.
Justin turned his head to look outside through the corridor window.
"It’s going to rain."
Oliver’s pupils suddenly dilated, as if he had thought of something then cleared his throat.
"Sometimes, I wish he would hate me forever."
Justin listened, not fully understanding.
"Instead of treating me like a stranger now."