Chapter 1239
Chapter 1239:
His skin was slick with sweat, the pain written clearly across his clenched jaw, and yet he still had the audacity to smile. “Worth it,” he whispered, as if he’d just done something heroic.
“Worth what?” I snapped, half frantic and half furious, jabbing the call button. “You idiot—lie down! Stay still!”
The doctor rushed in, nurses close behind, and I backed away to give them space to re-bandage the wound.
Alden winced, gritted his teeth, but never took his eyes off me. Even then—hurting, sweating, scolded—he still managed to sneak glances at me, like he couldn’t help himself. I wanted to be mad, but my heart was full of ache and resignation.
Once the room had cleared and quiet settled again, Alden slumped against the headboard, still pale but grinning like a boy who’d gotten away with mischief. “Makenna… I’m hungry.”
I rose without hesitation. “I’ll have the kitchen send something up.”
But before I could take a step, his fingers curled gently around my wrist, halting me.
He looked up at me, eyes glimmering. “Makenna, I want to eat something you made.”
I couldn’t help the soft chuckle that escaped me. “Alright.” I reached out to ruffle his hair. “But only if you lie down properly and stop trying to act like a wounded hero.”
His grin widened instantly. “Okay!” he agreed with surprising eagerness, nodding like a child promised dessert.
I adjusted his blanket with gentle hands, tucking it neatly under his arms to make sure he was comfortable. Then I turned to a nurse, murmuring instructions to keep an eye on him before heading out. Back at the Pierce estate, I made a beeline for the kitchen.
The pantry was stocked to the brim, every ingredient you could imagine within arm’s reach.
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Without hesitation, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
Alden had lost a lot of blood. He needed something restorative, rich in nourishment and warmth. I peeled a ginger and began to slice it, its sharp scent rising with each stroke of the blade. Then my thoughts began to drift.
Were Alden and I really together now?
Then, I heard footsteps behind me.
I turned instinctively, only to find Maia standing behind me.
“Makenna?” she said, one brow rising slightly as her eyes flicked between the knife in my hand and the scattered ingredients on the counter. She looked utterly surprised.
My heart gave a small jolt. For reasons I couldn’t explain, panic bubbled up. I quickly set the knife aside and forced a smile. “Mrs. Pierce…”
She stepped forward, eyes lingering on my face for a moment before she sighed. “You and Alden…”
My fingers gripped the hem of my apron before I could stop them.
Maia knew.
The silence hung just long enough to tighten around my chest. “You’re together, aren’t you?” she asked, her voice gentle but sure.
Heat flooded my face, racing all the way to my ears. There was no point denying it. Not when the truth had already lit up the air between us. I drew in a breath and answered softly, “Yes.”
.
.
.