Though Balfour was a bit miffed with Theo, he couldnât help but muster a playful grin, lifting up his hands and spreading his arms wide. âIâm all yours then, husband of Ellinor.â
Theoâs brow furrowed at the nickname as a mixture of amusement and annoyance stirred within him.
In the end, he didnât give Balfour a piggyback, not wanting another man clinging to his back, yet he couldnât dismiss his wifeâs commands. So, Theo stepped forward, bent down, and with his sturdy arms, he hoisted Balfour up, carrying him out of the hospitalâs doors. All eyes were on them even before Theo set Balfour down in the car.
A handsome man carrying another equally handsome man was definitely a sight that turned heads.
The nurses at the front desk could barely contain their squeals as their eyes widened with surprise.
They clamped their hands over their mouths to muffle their shrieks.
Patients around the hospital stole glances at them as their eyes filled with curiosity.
Balfour, however, felt incredibly uncomfortable. This was the first time heâd been carried like this by another man in public. He was mortified and afraid of being recognized, yet he was unable to jump down and walk on his own. Angrily, he shot Theo a glare before burying his face into Theoâs chest, hoping to hide his identity.
His actions, to onlookers, made it seem as though he was being shy, fueling the ambiguous atmosphere between them.
Ellinor felt awkward in the situation, unsure whether to stay close or keep her distance.
Finally, they reached the hospitalâs parking lot, where fewer people were around.
Theo roughly set Balfour down in the backseat, slamming the door shut. He brushed down his clothes with a hint of annoyance.
Then he moved to the front passenger side, opened the door, and called out, âEllinor, hop in!â
Ellinor quickened her pace and obediently got into the car, letting Theo buckle her seat belt.
After buckling himself in, Theo started the car and drove out of the hospital parking lot.
They hadnât gotten far from the hospital when Balfour chimed in, âYou donât need to take me back to the Howard familyâs mansion.â
Theo kept his eyes on the road as Ellinor turned to ask Balfour, âWhere are you planning on going then? Youâre not thinking of heading to the office, are you?â
Balfour shook his head at his sister, smiling as he said, âDonât worry, Iâm not heading to the office. I have an apartment in West Coastland; itâs closer from here. You can just drop me off there.â
Ellinor frowned, âYou shouldnât worry about the distance; we donât mind the gas money. Right, Theo?â
Theo chuckled, reaching over to gently tap her nose. His voice was low and indulgent as he said, âThatâs right.â
Balfour interjected, âItâs not about the distance. I canât go back. I donât want my grandparents to see my injury. Theyâll worry too much. Itâs not necessary to make them worry. Just drop me off at West Coastland; I want some alone time.â
Ellinor understood Balfourâs concern about not wanting the elders to worry, butâ¦
âWith your leg injured, how are you going to take care of yourself?â
Balfour gave a slight chuckle, âIâll get Quinton to arrange a caregiver. Donât worry about me, Ellinor.â
Ellinor shrugged, turning to Theo, âThen letâs drop Mr. Howard off at West Coastland, Theo.â
Theo grunted in acknowledgment, steering the car towards West Coastland.
Upon reaching a posh neighborhood in West Coastland, Theo parked the car, once again faced with the task of carrying Balfour out.