Chapter 951
Chapter 951:
Rupert stood beside her. At the sound of Rory’s name, his expression darkened, but he stayed silent.
The doctor let out a relieved breath and answered in a calmer tone, “Don’t worry. The surgery was successful. You brought him here in time. The bullet missed his heart—it was slightly off course. We removed it, but he’ll need a few months to fully recover. During that time, he must avoid strong emotions and any strenuous physical activity. He also needs to remain in the hospital for observation. Once the wound heals, he can be discharged, but he’ll still need to take it easy p>
Annabel’s shoulders finally loosened. She exhaled shakily, a smile appearing without her realizing it. “Okay… thank you, doctor p>
“You’re welcome,” the doctor replied with a small smile. Then he added, “The surgery just ended, and he’s still under anesthesia. Keep your voices down, and don’t disturb him p>
“Okay, okay p>
As the doctor walked away, Annabel finally let herself breathe. She had been terrified. If Rory had died because of her, she would have carried that guilt for the rest of her life.
Rupert had been watching her expression the entire time. When he saw the relief soften her face after speaking with the doctor, his lips tightened and he looked away. A storm of emotions churned inside him. No man wanted to see the woman he loved so anxious over another man.
Jealousy was a natural instinct.
Before Rupert could say anything, Annabel turned and headed toward the ward. They weren’t allowed inside yet, so she stood at the door and stared through the small window at Rory’s unconscious body on the bed. Her eyes brimmed with emotion—mostly relief.
What Rory had said to her before the surgery…
Annabel forced the thought away. “Forget it. Don’t think about it anymore,” she told herself.
“Now that Rory is okay, can we talk?” Rupert asked, trying his best to keep his voice calm.
Annabel lowered her gaze. She didn’t know how to respond to Rory’s feelings, especially after he nearly died for her today. In a way, she would owe him for the rest of her life.
And as for Rupert…
After a moment, Annabel turned to him and said softly, “Rupert, why don’t you go back first? I’ll call you later. Right now, I’d rather stay here with Rory p>
Rory had been hurt because of her. There was no way she could leave him behind and walk away with Rupert.
Rupert fought to keep his anger in check, but the moment he heard her words, his face darkened. He looked at her and said firmly, “Annabel, you’re my girlfriend. Rory is out of danger now, and the doctors will take good care of him p>
“I… I was the reason he got hurt. I think it’s best if I stay here… for now p>
Before Annabel could finish, Rupert reached out, gripped her chin, and lifted her face toward his. Then he captured her lips in a forceful, heated kiss.
Rupert’s kiss was so intense that Annabel struggled to breathe. She shoved him back and took a moment to steady herself.