Chapter 343 No Angel
Her gaze was distant, tinged with a melancholy that seemed to seep into her very soul. Ava's hands clenched the bedsheet, her eyes welling up with unshed tears.
Observing Ava's detached demeanor, William found himself speculating on the cause of her distraction. He lowered his gaze momentarily, his eyes dimming. When he looked up again, a smile graced his features.
"Come," he said, rising from his seat and extending a hand towards her.
Startled, Ava snapped back to reality, her eyes meeting William's. A look of confusion crossed her face. "What are you doing?"
"I'm offering support," William replied, his tone casual as if he were conversing with an old friend. "You wouldn't want to fall, would you?"
"Okay," Ava obliged, a pang of frustration washing over her as thoughts of Alexander involuntarily crept into her mind.
With a concerted effort, she pushed the thoughts of Alexander aside and reached out to William. He gently helped her up from the edge of the bed, supporting her arm as he led her out of the hospital room.
As they exited the gynecology department, a piercing gaze fell upon them. Standing so close, William and Ava could easily be mistaken for a married couple. The observer's gaze lingered until they turned a corner and disappeared from sight.
…
Back in the hospital ward, Isabella was confined to her bed. Despite Alexander arranging for her care, she yearned for his presence. She longed for his daily visits, but was left disappointed by his constant excuses for his absence.
The last time Alexander had visited, he had reprimanded her. Now, he had ceased all contact.
The ward door creaked open, revealing a man clad entirely in black. His attire was identical to their last encounter, his figure shrouded save for his eagle-like eyes.
"Miss Harrington, we meet again," he greeted.
Isabella had been forewarned of his visit, and had dismissed her caretakers to meet him in secret. She was uncertain of his identity, but clung to the hope he represented.
She could no longer depend on Alexander, who only advised patience. But how long was she expected to wait?
Isabella was wary of the mysterious man. "Let's be clear," she said, "I know you're no angel. You're using me and expecting me to help you."
"You're right," he replied, "I'm no angel. I approached you because I know you're no saint either."
Isabella gritted her teeth. "Can you truly help me find a suitable heart? Don't lie to me."
"Lying serves me no purpose," he said, hands tucked in his pockets, his head held high. "My benefit lies in your salvation."
"And why would my survival benefit you? If we're to collaborate, I need to know who you are."
The man chuckled lightly. "You're ill, yet has anyone from the Harrington family visited you?"
Isabella fell silent, her grip on the blanket tightening.
"Do your father and sister care for you? Your status in that family is lower than a servant's. Even a sick servant might receive their concern or well-wishes."
"Why bring this up now?" Isabella asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
