?Chapter 89:


    Rachel froze, her mind questioning whether her ears had deceived her.


    When Jeffrey’s voice drifted through the air again, her hands shook violently, spilling the steaming water everywhere.


    The scalding liquid raised an angry blister on her hand, but in that moment, pain was the furthest thing from her mind.


    She quickly turned and rushed to his bedside. “Jeffrey…” Tears of pure joy and relief streamed down her face at the sight of his open eyes. “You’re finally awake. You scared me half to death. Promise me you’ll never do anything so reckless again.”


    A gentle smile graced Jeffrey’s pale face. “I promise. From now on, your word isw.”


    With Jeffrey’s return to consciousness, the crushing weight that had been suffocating Rachel’s heart finally lifted, and she released a deep sigh of relief. But fate had other ns, for she encountered Brian sooner than she had anticipated.


    Their paths crossed in the sterile hospital corridor—Rachel standing, Brian seated in his wheelchair.


    Time seemed to crystallize around them, the air growing thick with unspoken words.


    Ronald, ever perceptive, broke through the tension. “I’ll take my leave.”


    Within moments, the long corridor held only Rachel and Brian, facing each other in weighted silence.


    “Rachel…” Brian finally spoke, his voice rough and unfamiliar, stripped of its usual self-assured tone. “How is Jeffrey?” he asked.


    “He regained consciousness,” Rachel replied, her voice as cold as winter frost. Though Brian had steeled himself for her iciness, the reality of her indifference cut deep.


    “I’ve investigated what happened between Doris and Jeffrey. It was a misunderstanding on her part. She’ll apologize to him personally. I’ll make sure of it.”


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    Rachel nodded curtly. “Fine.”


    She epted not for herself, but because Jeffrey deserved that closure. “If there’s nothing else, I should go.” She turned to leave, but Brian’s hand shot out, catching hers.


    A soft cry escaped her lips as she yanked her hand back. He had unknowingly grabbed her injured flesh, already sporting a blister. Concern flooded his voice. “What happened to your hand?”


    She instinctively concealed her hand behind her back. “Nothing serious—just a minor ident.”


    “Let me check it.” His tone carried a gentleness that almost felt like a caress.


    “It’s unnecessary. A few days will heal it.”


    “I insist. I won’t rest easy otherwise.” Brian’s voice grew earnest. “Rachel, I know you’re angry with me. Give me a chance to make amends. Whatever you ask, I’llply.”


    Rachel’s glistening eyes met his. “Are you certain?”


    Brian nodded with unwavering conviction.


    “Then maintain your distance from me.”


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