Chapter 331
Gently, she maneuvered one of his arms into the sleeve. Leveraging her strength, she assisted him to a sitting position to tidy the shirt from behind, and then gently lowered him back, guiding his other arm into the sleeve. “There, all set.”
Linda, slightly flushed from the effort, finished helping Ernest.
As she secured his shirt, she reassured him, saying, “I know you’d rather not have the nurses see you like this. You’re okay with me helping, aren’t you? Look, I can manage on my own.”
Ernest’s eyes fell to Linda, observing her in silence.
Hadley, peering through the doorway, took in the entire scene. She felt certain that Linda’s actions were driven by genuine affection for Ernest and that her feelings were sincere. Yet, Hadley found Linda’s past actions puzzling.
Why had Linda done everything she did?
The child had been Ernest’s blood, potentially the only piece of him Linda might have kept if he had never awakened. Could Linda truly have considered jeopardizing their child just to spite Hadley?
The thought seemed illogical.
Observing them quietly, Denver said, “They look like they’re managing fine.” He then lifted his hand to knock on the door. “Please, come in.”
“Hadley, we should head inside.”
“Sure.”
Entering the room, they noticed Linda by the bed, carefully clipping Ernest’s nails.
Looking up, Linda said, “Here to visit Ernest? He’s just woken up.”
“Please, have a seat.” She indicated the available chairs.
“Thank you.” Denver nodded.
Hadley watched Ernest closely.
Visibly, he appeared much improved compared to before. His hair was neatly trimmed, his face clean-shaven, and his nails well-maintained.
Linda finished with the nail clippers, picked up some lotion, and began massaging it into Ernest’s hands, their fingers weaving together. She offered a gentle smile. “Now your hands won’t feel so dry. Better, isn’t it?”
Ernest blinked, seeming to agree.
Hadley’s expression turned contemplative, her suspicion deepening. Such detailed care couldn’t stem from anything but deep affection. Despite having professional caregivers available to care for Ernest, Linda chose to do these tasks herself.
Ernest uttered a soft sound, his gaze shifting towards Hadley.
“Rest easy,” Linda soothed him. “Hadley’s right here, and she’ll keep coming to visit. When you’re feeling up to it, you’ll have a lot to chat about.” She then turned to Hadley. “Won’t you agree, Hadley?”
“Of course.”
While she often found herself at odds with Linda, Hadley agreed to her words this time and smiled warmly. “Ernest, I promise to visit as often as I can, if that’s alright with you.”
“Ernest.” Turning towards Ernest, Denver added his introduction as he moved closer to the bed. “And I’m here as well. You might not recognize me. My name is Denver Moran, cousin to Marshall Myers.” Ernest seemed puzzled by the introduction.