?Chapter 1691:


    Seeing the anguish etched across William’s face, Jewell felt a knot of conflicting emotions tighten in his chest. He reached out and gave William’s shoulder a gentle pat, deliberately lowering his voice. “You have to believe this can be treated. It won’tst forever. Don’t shut out the people who care about you — whether that’s Ste or me.”


    The rigidity in William’s posture eased just a fraction, enough for Jewell to know the words had reached him.


    After checking William’s blood pressure and confirming it was within a normal range, Jewell added, “If you really want to make things right with Ste, you’ll have to prove it through what you do. Go look for her.”


    A hollow, humorlessugh slipped from William. “After everything I said to her, do you honestly think she’d agree to see me?”


    Jewell shook his head, not sugarcoating it. “I can’t say. But you still have to try. Are you really prepared to let this be the end?”


    He rose to his feet and began packing away his medical equipment. “Get some sleep tonight. The medication may make you drowsy. We’ll talk about everything else tomorrow.” At the doorway, he paused and turned back, his expression earnest. “William, if you truly love her, then learn to love her the way she needs to be loved. Let her see that you’re trying to build a future — one that includes both of you. Don’t make her face the uncertainty alone. No one can endure that for long.”


    The door shut quietly, and the room fell into stillness. Williamy back on the bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, Jewell’s words reying over and over in his mind.


    Maybe he had been wrong from the very beginning.


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    Time passed without him noticing. He remained awake, staring into the darkness, unable to drift off. By the time morning light crept through the window, he still hadn’t slept — though the medication had steadied his emotions considerably.


    After showering, William studied his reflection in the mirror. His eyes were red-rimmed, but at least they were clear, no longer clouded by the chaotic turbulence that had consumed him before.


    Downstairs, Tasha was in the kitchen preparing breakfast. When she noticed him, she spoke carefully. “Mr. Briggs, breakfast is ready. Would you like to eat now?”


    William gave a small nod and took a seat in the dining room. Tasha didn’t know what had been said between Jewell and William the night before, but she could tell something had shifted. He felt different this morning.


    Once he finished the modest meal, William grabbed his car keys and got ready to leave.


    The instant William pulled the door open, he found a woman standing just outside, her hand suspended in the air as though she was about to knock.


    Their eyes collided. The moment William recognized her, he scowled, impatience in on his face. Why was Alisha at his ce this early in the morning?


    She was wearing a soft pink blouse, her hair carefully braided, giving her a neat, youthful appearance. When she saw William, her face brightened immediately. “Good morning, Mr. Briggs!”


    William’s scowl deepened. “Why are you here?”


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