Chapter 542 Pretending to be Blind
Emma nervously clutched the bed sheets. She knew George's plan, but hearing the doctor's diagnosis still made her heart ache.
George's lips tightened almost imperceptibly for a moment before he quickly regained his composure. "Thanks, doc. I'll keep seeing Dr. Salazar."
After the doctor left, Emma signaled Sophia to get some water, then lowered her voice to ask George, "Is something up with Wanda?"
George leaned closer under the pretense of adjusting the sheets and whispered, "Yeah."
Emma gasped, the movement aggravating her rib injury, causing her to wince in pain.
"Don't get worked up," George said, gently rubbing her back. "I just think something's off with her. She looks way too much like you for it to be a coincidence. I think she's trying to get close to me on purpose. When I couldn't see, I missed a lot of details, but now that my vision's back, I can observe her better. She's out in the open, while I'm in the shadows. I'll figure out her secrets."
Sophia returned with the water, eyeing them suspiciously. "What are you two whispering about?"
"Nothing, Mom," Emma forced a smile. "George was just asking what I wanted to eat."
Sophia snorted, placing the water cup heavily on the bedside table. "He can't even see, and he's thinking about taking care of you?" She turned to George. "The doctor said you need to see a psychologist?"
George nodded, looking a bit confused. "Yeah, Mrs. Stuart. The doctor said my blindness might be psychological."
Sophia scrutinized him, then suddenly said, "I know a better psychologist. No need to go to the hospital."
"Mom!" Emma protested. "The hospital's treatment has continuity. Changing doctors isn't good. Besides, George has a regular psychologist."
Sophia narrowed her eyes. "Emma, you seem to know a lot about his psychologist?"
In the afternoon, George, guided by a nurse, arrived at the psychology department.
This was the first time George had seen Wanda since regaining his sight. She indeed resembled Emma about eighty percent. Even Wanda's mannerisms sometimes mirrored Emma's.
This couldn't be a coincidence.
"Long time no see, Mr. Russell. Please, have a seat," Wanda gestured for George to sit on the recliner.
George clumsily fumbled around, deliberately knocking over a pen holder. "Sorry."
"No problem," Wanda bent down to pick up the pens, her low-cut blouse revealing a hint of cleavage. She observed George's unresponsive gaze, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. "I didn't expect you to encounter such misfortune in just a few days. Let's start by talking about your recent nightmares, shall we? I heard you witnessed Ms. Stuart in danger?"
George's fists clenched slightly at his sides, but his voice remained calm. "Yeah. I heard her scream, but couldn't see where she was." His voice choked. "I couldn't save her. If it weren't for Joshua, I..."
Wanda handed him a tissue, her tone full of sympathy. "That sense of helplessness can indeed worsen psychological trauma. But..." she shifted gears, "Your relationship with Ms. Stuart seems complicated? Three years ago..."
"Three years ago, I wronged her," George interrupted, his voice pained. "Now, I just want to make amends."
Wanda thoughtfully jotted down notes, then suddenly asked, "If Ms. Stuart were in danger again, what would you do?"
George turned towards the sound, his voice steady. "I'd protect her with my life, even if I couldn't see."
Wanda's lips curled into a barely noticeable cold smile before she quickly resumed her professional demeanor. "That's a commendable resolve. We'll continue next week. I'll help you regain your sight."
Back in the hospital room, George ensured no one was around before whispering to Emma, "I saw Wanda."
Emma nervously grabbed his hand. "How did she react?"
"Just like before," George sneered. "She thinks I still haven't recovered and is testing my feelings towards you." He gently caressed Emma's cheek. "She brought up the incident from three years ago, clearly trying to provoke me."
Emma leaned against his shoulder. "I'm worried she might hurt you."
"She won't," George said confidently, kissing Emma's forehead. "She needs me as her 'patient' right now."
Morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft golden glow on the white bed sheets. Emma leaned against the raised hospital bed, watching the two busy figures in front of her, a mix of helplessness and warmth tugging at her lips.
"Emma, try this chicken soup," Scarlett carefully held a thermos, her thin fingers trembling slightly with nervousness. "I simmered it for six hours."
Sophia immediately stepped in front of Emma, her finely arched brows raised high. "Who knows if you poisoned it?" She turned and took out a fancy food box from her designer handbag. "I brought you a special meal prepared by a Michelin chef."
"Mom!" Emma said, half amused, half exasperated. "Mrs. Russell, she..."
"Mrs. Russell, my foot!" Sophia's voice rose sharply. "Does she deserve that title? How did she treat you three years ago? Now she's pretending to be nice!"
Scarlett's hand shook, spilling the hot soup on her hand, reddening it instantly. She seemed oblivious to the pain, just bowing her head like a child who had done something wrong.
"Mom, look," Emma gently held Sophia's hand, pointing to the corner of the room... it was filled with things Scarlett had brought over the past few days: hand-knitted blankets, daily varying soups, and even a notebook full of dietary therapy recipes.
"Mrs. Russell has really changed."
Sophia snorted but didn't stop. Scarlett's eyes welled up, her hands trembling as she scooped a spoonful of chicken soup, gently blowing it cool. "Here, be careful, it's hot."
The hospital room door suddenly swung open, and George walked in carrying a large bouquet of champagne roses. As soon as he entered, his smart glasses reported the room's situation to him. He raised an eyebrow. "Looks like I'm not needed here?"
"George!" Emma's eyes lit up, then she noticed the faint outline of bandages under his suit. "You just got discharged. Why are you back already? Didn't the doctor tell you to rest more?"
George placed the flowers on the bedside table and kissed her forehead. "I missed you." He turned to the two older women, his tone respectful but firm. "Mom, you've been here all night. Go home and rest."
Sophia and Scarlett spoke in unison. "No way!"
"You can't see, how can you take care of a patient?" Sophia found an excuse, but in reality, she just didn't like seeing Emma and George together.
She didn't believe a man could change his nature so easily.
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