Old Mrs. Connolly had given Ste a family heirloom worth a fortune, just like that.


    Aplex feeling washed over Ste. "I can''t ept this," she said, trying to refuse. "It''s far too valuable."


    "I heard from Marvin that you took care of him when you were in Novaris, and he adores you," Old Mrs. Connolly said warmly. "Star, don''t feel any pressure. Whether you marry into our family or not, I want you to have this as a token of my gratitude."


    Hearing this, Ste felt a pang of guilt. The Connollys were such good people; she felt terrible deceiving a woman so close to the end of her life.


    Just then, Neville spoke up. "Star, you should ept it for now."


    Since Neville had said so, Ste felt she couldn''t refuse any longer. "Thank you, Grandma."


    Old Mrs. Connolly fastened the bracelet onto her wrist. "From now on, if anyone dares to bully you, youe straight to Grandma, and I''ll make things right."


    Ste smiled and agreed.


    After leaving the Connolly house, Ste removed the bracelet from her wrist and handed it back to Neville. "Neville, here, you should take this back."


    He shook his head. "Grandma gave it to you. You should keep it on for now. If she sees you without it next time, she''ll ask questions."


    Ste considered this and nodded gently. "Alright. I''ll return it to you in six months."


    Neville didn''t insist. "I''ll take you home," he said.


    ***


    Pushing open the door to the hospital room, Ste saw Joshua leaning against the headboard, reading a book.


    Thest rays of the setting sun streamed through therge, clean window, casting a warm glow on his sharp handsome features. It was like a scene from a beautiful old painting.


    As an art student who had minored in painting, Ste felt a sudden urge to capture the moment on canvas.


    Joshua heard her enter but didn''t look up. When he heard neither footsteps nor a voice after a long moment, he finally lifted his gaze and met her slightly dazed eyes.


    A flicker of emotion crossed his face. "Why are you back so early today?"


    Ste snapped back to reality, embarrassed that she had been staring at him. She quickly looked away. "I brought you dinner... By the way, did Harold note today?"


    "He was too noisy," Joshua said, his tone t. "He was disturbing my rest, so I sent him away."


    Ste''s eyes scanned the room andnded on an unopened container of food on the table. Her brow furrowed instantly. "You didn''t eat lunch?"


    Joshua nced at the food as if just remembering it. "Oh... I forgot."


    Ste looked at him and sighed silently. "Joshua, you''re still recovering You need to eat on time,


    or it will affect your health...ene


    trailed off, a sudden memory


    Keen O''Brien and Haynes surfacing. She used to say the same things to them, and they had always found her annoying. Her well-intentioned concern had only ever mattered to her. Would Joshua find her just as bothersome?


    Just then, his voice cut through her thoughts. "Missing a meal or two won''t kill


    me."<fn5311> The rightful source is </fn5311>


    Ste unpacked the dinner she''d brought. "Let''s eat now, before it gets cold."


    This time, Joshua didn''t argue. He reached out and took the container. "Thanks." Watching him eat quietly, Ste felt an unexpected wave of guilt.