“Oh shit!” Theo flailed nervously, unsure where to put the flower, as if it were scorching, hot in his hands. Seeing his flustered expression, Anathea tugged her lip in amusement. “Are you sure you really learned from Lena?”
“Of course!” Theo’s eyes flickered with a hint of guilt. “Though she kept telling me not to let anyone know she taught me.”
Anathea couldn’t help but smile.
That was because Lena knew how terrible Theo’s flower arranging actually was. If people found out she taught him, it would be a serious blow to her reputation.
“You finally smiled.” Theo’s concern was fixed on her.
Anathea paused, pressing her lips together.
“Smile more. It’ll help you feel better,” Theo added with a grin, showing off his perfectly straight teeth. “Just like this.”
Anathea curled her lips slightly. “So you came here just to make me laugh?”
“Of course.” Theo nodded. He didn’t want to see her so down.
“Oh, and I brought some food too.” He pulled out a box of cookies from his bag. “These are amazing. I woke up at 6:00 am and stood in line for an hour just to get them. Try one.”
Anathea wanted to say she had no appetite, but Theo had already opened the box and was holding a cookie up to her lips. “Come on, try it.”
She bit a small piece. The rich but not greasy buttery flavor spread through her mouth, with a sweet hint of chocolate.
“Is it good?” Theo asked eagerly.
Anathea nodded.
“Awesome! I knew I picked the right place.” Theo beamed.
Her vacant eyes sparkled a little with his infectious smile.
Outside the ward, a tall figure stood silently. Gregory watched the two inside intently.
Anathea tidied the drooping flowers in the vase with one hand, while Theo busily helped beside her.
He handed her a violet. Her eyes lowered as she took it. The sunlight streamed in, bathing them in warm light, as if they were part of a beautiful painting.
Gregory’s gaze dropped. His eyes were clouded with an overwhelming darkness. His shadow blended into the surrounding gloom.
He slowly reached out and grasped the door handle. But when he saw the rare smile on Anathea’s face, he withdrew his hand and turned away.
Theo glanced away from the door and handed the last violet to Anathea. He praised, “Yours definitely looks better. It’s a whole different level.”
Anathea smiled faintly as she looked at the purple hues radiating from the flowers under the sunlight. The soft
1/2
Chapter 455
color and delicate fragrance eased the heaviness in the ward
Slowly, she extended her injured left hand and rested her fingers on the tender petals.
+25 BONUS
Theo was smiling, but his expression immediately darkened when he saw the wounds on her wrist. He reached out to hold her hand.
But before he could, Anathea instinctively pulled away. Her hand barely brushed his palm.
That fleeting emptiness left Theo feeling hollow, but he pushed it aside and asked with concern, “How did you get hurt?”
Anathea didn’t answer.
Her silence said enough.
Theo’s heart sank.
He hadn’t imagined Anathea would ever hurt herself. If they hadn’t rescued her in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Unable to hold back any longer, Theo put his hands firmly on either side of her and looked deep into her eyes. His tone was serious as he said, “Anathea, I’ll repeat myself. If one day you decide you need help, I will be here. Let me help you, okay?”
Anathea stared at his earnest face, pausing for a moment.
Theo expected her to refuse again, like before. But he was used to it and wouldn’t give up easily.
Then, in the next second, she nodded.
Today’s Bonus Offer
