Chapter 71

Esme just stood there, totally stunned. She watched Lucas, who had just chewed out Alice, now getting an earful from Gavin. When she finally snapped out of it, she realized she was the only outsider in the room.

David was watching her quietly, while Alice was sulking over the fact that she'd be stuck eating oatmeal porridge for the next month.

Esme glanced at the sofa and the chair and said, "Guess I'll crash on the chair then." Translation: 'I'm not going anywhere, deal with it.'

David gave her a look but didn't say anything. About an hour later, Esme's parents showed up. Seeing Esme was okay, they finally relaxed, checking her over to make sure she was really fine, and then hugged her tight.

Isla said, "Esme, everything's sorted out. Let's go home. We'll hit the police station tomorrow to give a statement. Leave this to us and get some rest at home."

As Isla spoke, she noticed Alice on the hospital bed and rushed over, grabbing her hand, tears in her eyes. "Thank you, sweetie, thank you so much! If it weren't for you, Esme would have... It's okay, everything will be fine. I'll cover the medical bills, and I'll take care of the scar removal after the stitches are out!"

With a grateful smile, Isla gently squeezed Alice's hand before turning to Esme. She then dragged Esme out of the room without giving her a chance to argue, asking as they walked, "Where's the previous medical report?" Their voices faded away, leaving just David and Alice in the room.

David sat on the sofa, staring at Alice without saying a word. Alice felt a bit uneasy under his gaze. "If you're going to scold me, just get it over with. I'm used to it."

"I'm not planning to scold you," David said, "You did well."

Alice felt a chill run down her spine. She was more nervous than when facing Lucas's anger. David actually praised her. He must be out of his mind.

David's gaze fell on Alice's leg, a faint smile on his lips. "Do you really not want your leg anymore?"

Alice pouted and shook her head. "I want it."

David asked, "Will you still do such reckless things in the future?"

Alice quickly shook her head. "I won't, I promise."

David continued, "Will you still try to hide things from me when you're in trouble? Seems like you haven't learned your lesson."

Alice hurriedly said, "I have! I really have! But I was afraid you'd be angry. Look, you're so mad right now!"

As soon as she finished speaking, David stood up and walked to the bedside, leaning close to Alice with his hands on the bed. "If you know I'm angry, why don't you apologize? Why don't you try to make it up to me?"

Alice leaned back slightly, crossing her arms over her chest, and asked cautiously, "How should I make it up to you?"

David said, "Start with an apology."

Alice said, "I'm sorry."

David frowned, his face darkening. "No sincerity, do it again."

Alice said, "I'm sorry, I know I was wrong. I won't dare to do it again. I promise there won't be a next time. Please forgive me."

David slowly narrowed his eyes, his Adam's apple moving as a satisfied smile spread across his face. After a moment of silence, he lowered his voice and said, "Call me Baby."

Alice's mouth dropped open in surprise as she looked at David.

The smile on David's lips disappeared the moment Alice looked up, his face still stern, exuding an air of authority that made her feel a bit nervous.

Alice pouted and reluctantly said, "I know I was wrong. I won't do it again. I promise there won't be a next time. Baby, please forgive me." The way she said "Baby" was so gentle that it made David's throat tighten, his body feeling a bit uncomfortable.

David stood up and ruffled Alice's hair. "You said it yourself, no next time. You'd better remember your promise today. If you do it again, an apology won't be enough. I'll punish you, and no one will be able to plead for you."

David gave Alice who was pinned down and unable to lift her head, a meaningful look. The air in the room felt stifling, making it hard to breathe. He let go and turned to walk towards the door.

He stood in the hallway for a moment, then sent a text to Garrett, asking him to bring work to the hospital the next day. He'd be working from the hospital for a while, not going to the office.

Alice had been dreading the thought of eating oatmeal porridge for a month, but knowing that David would stay with her in the hospital for at least a week made her feel both happy and worried.

She was happy to have time alone with David, but worried about the strict diet. While others in the hospital could have some chicken soup for nourishment, she was stuck with oatmeal porridge.

In the morning, Gavin brought Lucas to see Alice and brought breakfast. Lucas, though a bit displeased, was more concerned about Alice's injury.

Lucas said, "During this time, I'll be checking in on you to make sure you're staying in the hospital and cooperating with the treatment. Don't think that just because I'm in the nursing home, I can't keep an eye on you. If I find out you..."

"Lucas, I promise I'll follow the doctor's orders and cooperate with the treatment," Alice replied, holding Lucas's hand firmly. "But you have to promise me the same. Make sure you're taking care of yourself and following your treatment plan too."

Lucas rolled his eyes at Alice, pinched her cheek gently, and then left the hospital to return to the nursing home.

Alice's unexpected hospital stay meant she had to take a break from university. David thoughtfully took care of her leave from school and moved his work to the hospital, staying by her side day and night.

Hospital life was incredibly dull. From dawn to lunchtime, apart from opening and closing her eyes and eating breakfast, there was almost nothing to do. Her leg injury limited her freedom, and she couldn't overuse painkillers. The constant, dull pain was almost unbearable.

In the morning, Garrett not only brought David's fresh clothes but also a room full of silence, with only the sound of a pen scratching on paper. After changing in the bathroom, David sat on the sofa and got absorbed in his work.

Alice leaned against the headboard, trying to pass the time with her phone to distract herself. Unexpectedly, the phone screen lit up with several messages of concern.

Esme: [Alice, are you awake? Are you feeling any better today? I'll head straight to the hospital after my morning class. Let me know if you want anything to eat, and I'll bring it for you.]

Simon: [Why didn't you tell me you got hurt! When my brother told me, my heart broke. Which hospital and room are you in now? I'll come over immediately! Reply as soon as you read this, I'm so worried I'm about to cry!]

James: [There aren't many people I look up to in this life, but you're one of them.]

James's message made Alice frown slightly, tilting her head in confusion. So she quickly replied to James.

Alice: [What do you mean by that?]

A few seconds later, the reply popped up in no time.

James: [How can you ask that? Last night, the whole family was involved! Gavin and David went to the police station to handle things for you, Felix went to the Smith Villa, and Mom and Dad were up early making soup to bring over! And me? I was kicked out of the house before I even finished breakfast!]

Alice couldn't help but laugh out loud. In an instant, she felt his gaze on her. She turned her head and met David's eyes. Her eyes blinked, her smile faded, and her lips pressed into a line, looking a bit innocent.

David looked away, quickly signed the documents, handed them to Garrett, then came to sit by the bed. He picked up her phone and glanced at the conversations.

David asked, "Do you want Esme to bring you something good to eat?"