Chapter 74
Juniper was fuming. "Celeste pulled an all-nighter at the office and just got out this morning! Whose fault do you think that is? Now, the whole company, including your dad, is cleaning up your mess!"
Before she could say more, a calm voice came from the doorway. "I'll take responsibility for the Bailey Family's losses."
Juniper and Celeste spun around, startled.
David walked over to the bedside, tapping the table with his finger, but his eyes stayed on Juniper and Celeste.
Alice puffed out her cheeks, clearly annoyed, and kept copying notes.
David repeated, "I'll cover the Bailey Family's losses."
Juniper's lips trembled. "This... this is too much. Besides, it was Alice's mistake; she should face the consequences. Just because you two are engaged doesn't mean you should always protect her."
David smiled, making Juniper's heart tighten. He said, "She messed up, so I'm stepping in for her. Haven't you noticed?"
Juniper was speechless. Alice made a mistake, and her fiancé David was taking the hit. The logic was solid. But it was David's nonchalance that made Juniper's throat tighten with jealousy.
Why did the mistress's daughter get Lucas's pampering? Why did she have someone to protect her? An illegitimate daughter who wrecked another family, yet she had the audacity to treat Juniper and Celeste like they were the outsiders!
Juniper's face twisted with anger, and she dragged Celeste away. As soon as they left, David sat next to Alice and said quietly, "You didn't tell me..."
Alice lay back on the table, still copying notes. "I didn't have time to call, and even if I did, Juniper would have seen it and snatched it. I'm disabled; I can't fight her..." She stopped mid-sentence, sat up straight, nudged David's arm, and put on a sweet smile, "Baby..."
David knew right away Alice wanted something; she wouldn't call him "Baby" otherwise. He snorted inwardly but kept his cool. "What's up?"
Alice replied, "I want to be discharged and go home..."
David's face darkened. "Do you not care about your leg anymore?"
"I do!" Alice nodded quickly. "But the hospital is so boring. At least at home, it's more comfortable."
Seeing her pitiful look, David's heart softened, but he didn't give in. "There are caregivers here to look after you. At home, there won't be any. Are you planning to have me take care of you, help you bathe and change clothes?"
Alice was momentarily stunned.
"If you don't mind, I don't either. I'll go handle the discharge right now." With that, David stood up, ready to leave.
Alice quickly grabbed David, her expression firm. "I've thought about it; I'll stay in the hospital!"
David looked at her quietly, his lips slightly pursed. He thought, 'See, she still didn't take the initiative to get close to me.'
"Really!" Alice was worried David wouldn't believe her, so she nodded like crazy. "The hospital's great. It's perfect for changing dressings, super clean, no germs, no risk of infection. Sure, it's boring, but for my leg, I can deal with it! Just like I never complained before, I'll keep doing my homework."
What she dreaded most was the boredom. Even with David around, she couldn't think of anything to talk about. He stayed in the room, making sure she ate and studied like a parent, not a boyfriend, nailing the "parent" role perfectly, leaving no room for complaints.
Unbeknownst to Alice, every night after she fell asleep, David would quietly do something a fiancé should do, gently kissing her forehead without her knowing.
All the romantic gestures, David did them silently, choosing moments when she was unaware, carefully controlling his feelings, afraid he wouldn't get a response. This way, he could make sure he could back out without getting hurt if needed.
Life in the hospital felt like it was on pause, and half a month flew by. On the day her stitches were removed, she was shocked by the ugly scar on her calf, staring at it for a long time.
The scar was dark and twisted, like a nasty tattoo, snaking across her skin, really standing out.
The doctor looked at her with pity, especially since she was so young.
"How about trying some scar removal cream?" the doctor suggested kindly. "Laser treatment might not be the best option right now, but you can use scar removal products to lighten it. In a few years, you can consider laser treatment, and it might work better."
The doctor's gentle words hinted at how bad the initial injury was, with blood that wouldn't stop. It was lucky it hadn't hit the bone.
"No need," Alice said, her voice tinged with sadness. "I'll keep it as a reminder."
In the ward, David had packed everything and was about to pick her up when he saw Alice standing at the door, looking really down. He had been ready for this moment. His earlier words about leaving a scar to teach her a lesson were said in anger; he never really wanted Alice to have such an ugly mark.
"Is everything ready?" David walked over with the luggage, gently placing his hand on Alice's head, asking with concern, "Are you feeling okay?"
Alice nodded slightly, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. "I'm a girl too. Who would want such an ugly scar on her body?" Even though she had prepared herself, seeing it with her own eyes was still hard to accept, leaving her in a gloomy mood.
She already had many scars, including one on her shoulder that couldn't be erased, though it was hidden and unnoticed. But the one on her leg was different; it would be visible when she wore summer shorts. Would she have to cover it up forever? Alice was full of resistance inside.
David stepped closer, his hand sliding from her head to gently pat her back, sighing, "Alright, you're getting discharged today, and you should be happy. How about I take you out for something to eat?"
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