Chapter 292
At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion
Vernice had arrived with a young man in a white uniform earlier that morning, much to Rock’s mild irritation. Alexander had insisted on the arrangement, especially with Ben away, despite Rock’s protests.
“I don’t see why it’s necessary,” Rock grumbled when Vernice showed up, eyeing her bag and luggage. “The medical team practically lives here in the mansion. I’m not exactly unattended p>
“Alexander’s orders,” Vernice replied firmly, setting her bag down with a thud. “After the incident at Sinclair Villa, he wants someone with you at all times. And you know better than to argue with him p>
Rock huffed, muttering under his breath, but didn’t argue further. As much as he hated the extra fuss, he couldn’t deny the logic. The recent scare had unsettled him more than he’d admit, even to himself. And, while Vernice’s sharp wit could be a thorn in his side, her company wasn’t the worst.
“So how long do you plan to stay here, huh?” he asked, narrowing his eyes at her luggage.
Vernice grinned, unbothered by his gruff tone. “Oh, stop frowning. Admit it… you’re grateful I’m here. Besides, I’m the only one who can make your boring life remotely entertaining right now p>
Before he could retort, she motioned to the young man standing beside her in a crisp white uniform. “This is Nurse Lyndol Park,” she said brightly. “He’ll be your private nurse from now on p>
Rock gave the nurse a quick once-over before smirking. “You see, Nurse Park? My kids think I’m so fragile they’ve got me under constant surveillance p>
Vernice snorted, folding her arms. “Oh, please. You love the attention, old man. Admit it p>
His grin widened. “Maybe I do. But don’t go telling Alexander that… it’ll ruin my whole argument p>
Rock quickly let the servant assist Vernice and Nurse Park to get settled. As soon as Vernice was done, she wasted no time, as he expected, in bugging him.
“Come on, take a walk with me outside and pick the perfect spot for your grand pose while I paint you!” she teased with a playful grin.
Rock could see through her cheerful facade. Her smile, though bright, didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was trying her best to maintain her usual spirited demeanor, but he could sense the weight she was carrying.
“Fine,” he relented, sighing. “Let’s just do it in the garden. But you’d better make it quick, you know how much I hate sitting still for too long p>
Vernice chuckled, clearly pleased with his compliance. “Of course,” she replied lightly, grabbing her art supplies. The two of them made their way to the garden, where Rock took his usual seat, surrounded by the lush blooms Alexa had cultivated with such love and care. The garden was her legacy, her presence lingering in every petal.
As Vernice prepared her canvas and brushes, Rock relaxed in his chair, his gaze softening as he took in the familiar scene. Then, Vernice spoke, her voice quieter, almost wistful. “I really envy Alexa,” she said, almost to herself, as she began sketching.
Rock instinctively started to turn toward her, but she stopped him with a sharp command. “Don’t move! Stay just like that,” she insisted, her brush never pausing.
“Even now, even though she’s gone,” Vernice continued, her tone tinged with sadness, “your heart is still with her. You’ve built this wall around yourself, and no one, not even me, can get through p>
Rock stayed still, but her words struck a chord. He wasn’t blind. He had always known how Vernice felt about him. At one point, he had even entertained the possibility of something more between them. But fear had held him back before… fear of ruining the deep friendship they had built over the years. He valued their bond too much to risk losing it.
And then, during that time of uncertainty, Alexa had entered his life like a storm. Their love had been sudden, overwhelming, and life-changing. She had swept him off his feet in a way he hadn’t thought possible, and he had given her everything. Even now, she remained a part of him, her memory etched into his very being.
“Vernice,” he began softly, his voice heavy with emotion, but she interrupted him.
“Don’t,” she said firmly, her eyes fixed on the canvas. “Just stay still and let me paint. That’s all I need right now p>
So he obeyed, letting the silence between them settle like the morning sun over Alexa’s garden.
Vernice bit her inner cheek, willing herself to keep the tears at bay. She had promised herself she wouldn’t cry in front of Rock. He hated seeing her upset, and she knew he preferred her radiant smiles. But holding it in was proving impossible.
Despite her efforts, the tears spilled over. She wiped them quickly, frustrated with herself.
“Stop crying. I’m still alive,” Rock said suddenly, his tone half-serious.
She froze, startled by his words. Before she could respond, he clicked his tongue, shook his head, and turned to face her. “I know you too well, Vernice,” he said, his voice softer now, a mix of fondness and exasperation.
He stood and approached her, closing the small distance between them. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her. That simple gesture broke the last of her defenses, and she let herself cry, burying her face in his chest.
“You always make me cry!” she managed to say through her sobs, her voice muffled. “You don’t even know how much I’ve cried over you… over losing you to Alexa p>
She sniffled, clutching his shirt tightly. “I never got the chance to tell you how I felt because seeing you so happy with her was enough. I let go. I gave way because you deserved that happiness.” Her voice cracked, raw with emotion.
“I hate the possibility of losing you again, Rock,” Vernice continued, her voice trembling with raw emotion. “Yes, I gave way before, and I can give way again to another woman… but please… just don’t die yet.” Her words broke into a quiet sob as she clung to him, her tears soaking through his shirt.