Chapter 183

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Roscoe grabbed Nicole's ankle gently, but his touch was firm and did not interfere with his task.

Dressed in disposable plastic gloves, Roscoe applied an ointment that produced cooling relief and numbed the pain.

The sensation was so comforting that Nicole felt her toes curl involuntarily and her pulse pounded audibly in her ears.

Roscoe's expression remained indifferent throughout the entire procedure.

Once she was done with the ointment, she threw the gloves into the trash can, along with the porridge Jarrod had brought, without giving him a second glance.

He left briefly, returned with a thermos in his hand and proceeded to raise the bed.

"Nicole, would you prefer to feed yourself or should I help you?" he asked, with unwavering courtesy.

Nicole, still somewhat dazed from the treatment, only realized his question when he repeated it. He extended his hand slowly.

"I can handle myself."

When her fingers brushed his, Roscoe insisted, “Stay still.

"I'll take care of it."

Roscoe set up a small table, put the porridge in a bowl, and picked up a spoon.

Nicole couldn't help but notice the pristine beauty of his hands, the nails short and clean, the veins subtly pronounced against the closed fists, a sign of strength.

His cheeks turned red with heat.

It was not the first time he had treated his wounds.

When Roscoe gave her the spoon, Nicole felt extremely hungry, especially for the shrimp and corn porridge, her favorite dish. He began to eat with great appetite.

After the meal, Roscoe cleaned the table and returned the bed to its original position.

«Now you should rest, Nicole. "I'll be here to take care of you," he offered.

But Nicole shook her head.

"No, Roscoe."

Roscoe's gaze was intense as he watched her silently.

Nicole turned her face away, not daring to look at him. My father's support for your education was one thing. You don't owe me anything for the help you've given me. You see, lately anyone who gets involved with me seems to suffer.

Roscoe listened without a flicker of emotion crossing his face.

When Nicole paused, she expressed her thoughts: “Nicole, I was discouraged when you didn't recognize me earlier.”

Nicole remembered their encounter in the secure hallway of the hospital, but her mind was a haze then, thanks to Jarrod, leaving no room for Roscoe's image.

The last time she had seen Roscoe, he was a young teenager of fifteen, one of many in a crowd her father had taken her to to help the disadvantaged, and Roscoe barely stood out.

He didn't remember him.

Six years had passed. Now, Roscoe was an intern at the hospital.

Staring at her, Roscoe asked, "Nicole, do you love that man?"

His response was quick and sure.

"No.

It was at that moment that Nicole understood the truth. Her affection had clung to a pristine Jarrod, not to the monster who refused to let his parents go without a second thought.

Caught in a daydream, Nicole felt Roscoe's touch, who returned her gaze.

“Nicole, I healed your wounds hoping you would understand my intentions,” he murmured.

Roscoe's eyes were clear and captivating, making it difficult for Nicole to bear his gaze.

Sensing his next words, Nicole looked away.

He didn't want to drag anyone else into his confusion.

So, before Roscoe could express his thoughts, Nicole intervened: “Roscoe, to me, you are like a little brother. Although I don't have any affection for him, my bond with him is complex. You turned out well, and that would please my father. Let's leave it like this..."

With that, Nicole suggested that they leave things as they were, effectively rejecting him.

Just as Nicole tried to turn her face, Roscoe gently grabbed her arm.

He remained silent, looking at her briefly.

Suddenly, Roscoe tilted his head and stopped just before his thin lips met Nicole's.

With a soft smile and a whisper, Roscoe swore, "Nicole, when I get over that man, you will be mine."

Left alone, Nicole's mind reeled.

What the devil? In his eyes, Roscoe was still a child.

But now, his words made her a little uneasy.

One Friday morning, Raegan received a message from Bryce asking for her address to pick her up.

She sent him her location. He went downstairs after hearing about Bryce's arrival.

A few steps from the door, he saw a black SUV.

Bryce was sitting in the passenger seat, waving his finger at her.

Raegan opened the door and climbed aboard. To his surprise, Eloise was sitting in the back, and her presence was almost tangible with hostility.

Eloise's eyes narrowed at Raegan. He turned to Bryce, asking sharply, "Bryce, is she your guardian?"

Bryce just grunted in response.

The air was thick with tension. Eloise harbored a dislike for Raegan, and Raegan disliked Eloise's presence.

Raegan took a seat, pressing herself against the door, creating as much distance as possible from Eloise.

Eloise's gaze fell on Raegan's modest backpack and her lips twisted into a sardonic smile.

"Are you going to have a trip like that?" he mocked.

Raegan just nodded.

Eloise's laughter sounded, tinged with malice.

Anticipation for the weekend's adventure began to bubble inside Eloise.

As the vehicle drove away, Raegan's eyes drifted to the front row, where Mitchel took the wheel.

Mitchel had swapped his usual suit for a casual navy blue jacket and sunglasses, and his new outfit gave him an air of rugged charm.

Seeing Bryce and Eloise's outfits, Raegan realized something.

They were going on an excursion in the mountains.

Bryce had kept it from her, no doubt to disconcert her.

Determined to make the best of the situation, Raegan decided not to think too much. He leaned his head against the window, pretending to sleep.

The trip was long and, perhaps thanks to Mitchel's skill behind the wheel, Eloise fell asleep, with her head resting on the window.

Raegan, for her part, lay awake with her eyes closed, aware that Eloise had her head resting on her shoulder.

To avoid any awkward eye contact with Mitchel, Raegan continued to pretend to sleep, resisting the urge to push Eloise away.

After a while, the constant movement of the car made Raegan feel like taking a nap.

He thought about how Mitchel's driving had changed since Eloise came on the scene, replacing the rush of earlier with a more considered pace.

Upon arrival, Raegan woke up from her light slumber. Unlike Eloise, who was fast asleep, her head in Raegan's lap and her arms wrapped around her waist.

Raegan nudged Eloise, who still didn't react.

Suddenly, the back door burst open.

Mitchel appeared, touching Eloise's back to wake her up.

But Eloise, disoriented by her abrupt awakening, slapped Raegan in the face.

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