Ch. 1921..1930
Chapter 1921
Another crucial point is that intracranial surgery is a modern medical procedure.
Since Dr.Felch is a traditional medicine practitioner, he has no clue about modern medicine. Although he knows how to perform the surgery, he might not do it.
When Francesca was still deep in her thoughts, Sean asked, "Mr.Lindberg had already told us to look all over the world for a good surgeon to operate on you.However, we haven't yet found a doctor better than you.Dr.Wright said we can't delay it because your life might be in danger.That's why I'm asking you if you know any doctor that we can get in contact with"
“No.l don't."
Francesca didn't want them to find her mentor.
Not only did she not want them to disturb the elderly, but she also didn't know if he could actually treat her.
"All right, then" Sean answered helplessly.
"We'll think of something else.Since there are so many doctors in the world, we'll surely be able to find someone good.”
"Thank you,"Francesca uttered politely.
"I'l make a move now. Rest well.”
Sean bowed before leaving in a hurry.
Francesca's gaze darkened when she thought about her condition.
Since Helen had lowered the success rate by more than half, it seems like my condition has worsened.I'm in need of surgery, and my time is running out.
If someone else was the patient, she was quite confident she could treat the injury.
However, she was the patient.She wasn't able to operate on herself, considering that she had to operate on the back of her head.
Right then, she recalled the one time she'd made a mistake in the past.
At that time, my confidence was high before I operated on that six-year-old girl.
In the end, I failed, and the girl died.Francesca was traumatized by that mistake of hers.
Now, something similar is happening to me.ls this karma? While she was still deep in thought, she heard a vibrating sound coming from inside her backpack.
Francesca snapped out of her daze and stretched her body to retrieve the phone from her backpack.Her phone's battery had gone from full to almost flat.
Before the phone died, Francesca quickly answered it.
"Hello?"
"Francesca! You've finally picked up! I thought something had happened to you! I was so scared—" "What is it? Spill it."
Francesca was annoyed because she thought Anthony was such a nag.
"I've arrived at Xendale, and I've brought Ms.Layla along.”
Anthony went straight to the point.
"We've come to rescue you."
Francesca was stunned.She quickly whispered with her mouth covered, "Anthony, what did you do? Why did you bring Ms.Layla to Xendale?"
"Give me the phone”
A familiar voice rang out from the phone.
"Francesca, why are you treating me like an outsider? Why didn't you tell me when something's up?"
"No.It's not like that—* "If Anthony didn't tell me about it, I'd still be in the dark!" Layla was enraged.
"When you were little, I've already told you that no matter how capable a person is, there's still a limit. When the time comes, you'll need support from loved ones.”
“esas:
It was rare for Francesca to be so obedient in a conversation.
"But Ms.Layla, I can deal with this myself.You can just—"
"If you could do that, you would've solved it by now."
Layla was getting anxious.
"I've heard.Danrique is a cold-faced jerk, and he's hard to deal with, right? Don't worry.If I can get in, I'll be able to get you out"
"Well—"
"You better answer me now.Where are you?" Layla queried.
"I'm at the hospital.”
Francesca was unwilling to get her involved.
"However, there are a lot of people guarding this place.You can't come here.”
"Francesca—"
"Ms.Layla, my phone is dying soon—"
Before Francesca could finish her sentence, her phone died.
Instead of charging her phone, she threw her phone back into her bag.She then lay on the bed and sighed helplessly.
Anthony is making a blunder.
How could he bring Ms.Layla to Xendale? This matter was straightforward at first, but it has become complicated now.
Chapter 1922
Although Ms.Layla can disguise herself well, she's injured now.
Besides, Danrique is watching closely.It would be a daunting task to get me away from the Lindberg residence.
In addition, Danrique is cold, ruthless, and vicious.If he catches them, they would be in trouble. Francesca got a headache from thinking about it.Perhaps it was due to the injury, so she fell asleep unknowingly.
Meanwhile, Danrique had arrived at the castle where Donald had been waiting for him for a long time.
When he saw Danrique, Donald quickly stood up and greeted, "Danrique, you've finally returned!" "What is it, Uncle Donald?"
Danrique took off his coat and changed his boots before heading toward the study room.
"When Mr.Adams came to the company today, he seems to have fallen for Hazel," Donald uttered anxiously.
“That's—"
"That's good news!" Danrique interrupted.
"Congratulate them on my behalf"
"Umm..." Donald was stunned momentarily.
"Danrique, are you joking? Mr.Adams has been vying for Lindberg Corporation's assets.If he were to marry Hazel and unite the three great families, the Lindberg family will be left standing alone. When that happens, they might gang up on us.”
Danrique went silent after hearing that.
Although he was decisive and competent, he was rather clueless in dealing with schemes and conspiracies concerning familial matters.He knew Frank well, but he had never taken him seriously. After all, they had never offended each other, and they never stood in each other's way.
Danrique was supposed to be there to entertain Frank's inspection, but he was caught up by what happened with Francesca.
Although it was slightly inappropriate, he thought it would be fine, since the other three great families were hosting the conference.
However, he didn't expect something like that to happen during the conference.
Mr.Adams has fallen for Hazel? Uncle Donald is right, though!
If Mr.Adams were to have a marriage arrangement with the Atkinson family, the three great families will link up with Mr.Adams.
When that happens, the Lindberg family will get singled out.
The three great families had never been fond of having me at the helm, and they had been trying to kick me out.
However, they are no match for me.
Things might change if they have Mr.Adams backing them.
"Most importantly, the president is getting old, so Mr.Adams is most probably going to be the successor.When that happens, we won't be able to turn the tide,” Donald advised anxiously. "Danrique, I know you're a proud man, and you've never been a fan of arranged marriages.You have your own ideas, and you're assertive.Besides, you even have a girl you like.No one has a problem with that. However, you bear the fate of the Lindberg family on your shoulders, and you are in charge of the future of the Lindberg family.At this moment, you shouldn't act rashly.”
"What are you trying to say?" Danrique furrowed his brows.
"Speak your mind."
"Okay.Since you've said so, I shall not beat around the bush.”
Donald then uttered in a serious tone, "Danrique, we can't let Mr.Adams marry Hazel. When both their families joined hands, the Lindberg family is doomed.Everyone knows Hazel is into you.If you were to act now, she will definitely choose you—"
"Act now? What do you mean?" Danrique interrupted.
"Well, marry Hazel,” Donald answered quickly.
"If you don't marry her, Mr.Adams is going to marry her.Since Hazel is the only girl available in the four great families, she's very sought-after.”
"I'm marrying Cece,”
Danrique answered firmly.
"I'm not going to change my mind." Donald sighed, and he became frantic.
"Even though you like Cece, that doesn't mean you have to marry her.You can just keep her in the castle.Isn't that the same?"
Upon hearing that, Danrique knitted his brows, and he looked annoyed.
"As the heir of the Lindberg family and the person in charge of Lindberg Corporation, you have the responsibility to do the right thing.You can't do as you wish—"
Chapter 1923
When Donald was still trying to convince him, Danrique was getting very annoyed.
"This is my personal matter, so I'll decide what's best for myself.You don't have to be bothered by it, Uncle Donald"
Danrique then proceeded to send Donald away by saying, "It's getting late.You should go home and rest.”
With that, he gestured for Donald to leave.
Seeing that, Danrique's subordinates immediately approached Donald to send him out.
Although Donald was fuming, he said patiently, "Danrique, I know you're an arrogant man.All these years, you've been doing things your way, and we've never stopped you.However, this concerns the Lindberg family, so I hope you can think about it thoroughly.”
After saying that, Donald left feeling helpless.
With his head lowered, Danrique sat on the couch and sipped his tea in silence.
There seemed to be something weighing on his mind.
Right then, Norah delivered him dinner and uttered caringly, "Mr.Lindberg, you haven't eaten anything all day.Have some food, okay?"
"All right.”
Danrique glanced at the dishes on the table, but he had no appetite at all.
"Mr.Lindberg!"
At that moment, Sean rushed in and gestured for everyone to leave.
Silence fell, and only Danrique and Sean were left in the room.
Sean uttered softly, "When I was on my way here, Gordon had told me about what happened at the company.l've looked into the matter.In fact, Mr.Adams had already contacted the Atkinson family secretively prior to this.Besides, he had long been interested in Ms.Atkinson.He had only taken the opportunity to announce it to everyone at the conference today"
"It seems like he did that on purpose to get my attention.” Danrique grinned.
"I don't understand.If Mr.Adams wants to unite the three great families, why doesn't he just do it secretively? Why would he alert you?"Sean asked curiously.
"Why wouldn't he?"
Danrique chuckled coldly and added, "If he gets to choose, he would rather have me as his ally.After all, the three great families are still no match for me if they were to link up.If I don't give in, they'd rather risk everything they have to take me down.
"What should we do now, then?" Sean was getting uneasy.
"When Donald came to look for you, did he want you to arrange a marriage with the Atkinson family? If you do that, at least the three great families would still be on our side, and Lindberg Corporation wouldn't get dissolved.Otherwise, Lindberg Corporation might crumble if Mr. Adams ends up being in control in the future. When that happens, Donald might be in trouble as well. Now that he’s on the same boat as us, he does have a point.If Mr. Adams were to marry Hazel, things might not turn out great for us.”
"Yes.I know."
Danrique nodded.
"However, I can't marry her"
"Yes.But.."
Sean didn't dare to finish his sentence because he was well aware of Danrique's temper.
Once he had decided on something, no one would be able to change his mind.
"I would be a coward if I have to sacrifice my feelings and body in exchange for power and status.” Danrique knew what Sean was about to say, so he gave him his answer right away.
"Still, the current situation isn't favorable to us,” Sean uttered cautiously.
"We're now facing internal turmoil as well as external threats.Although everything might seem manageable now, the consequences might be catastrophic when something bad happens.” "Indeed.I'll talk to Mr. Adams—"
Suddenly, Danrique's phone rang, and it was Hazel on the other end of the phone call.
Surprised, he picked up the phone.
"Hazel?"
"It's me, Mr.Lindberg,"
Hazel uttered in her soft and sweet voice.
"Can we meet? I'm parked right outside your castle.”
"I'll get them to let you through.”
Danrique shot Sean a glance.
Sean immediately relayed his order before asking Danrique, "Mr.Lindberg, should I go and get her?" "No," Danrique answered coldly.
"All right, then.”
Sean didn't dare to say another word, but he was feeling somewhat helpless.
Now that Hazel is a key person, why can't Mr.Lindberg treat her nicer? If this goes on, how is he going to win against those scheming families?
Chapter 1924
Hazel arrived shortly after.
When Danrique's subordinates came to inform him, he showed no sign of attending to her. Instead, he remained seated and continued eating his dinner.
Sean went out to greet Hazel.
After exchanging some pleasantries, he brought Hazel to the study room.
When Hazel saw that Danrique was still having his dinner, she asked worriedly, "Are you just having your dinner now, Mr.Lindberg? You've had a busy day, haven't you?"
"Yes." Danrique continued eating.
Hazel sat down and waited for him obediently.
Nearby, the maid was making tea.
Sean proceeded to have a chat with Hazel.He was so humorous that he had gotten her to laugh boisterously.
Soon, Danrique was done with his dinner.He wiped his mouth with a napkin elegantly before shifting his gaze toward her.
"How was it? How was your first day at the company? Are you getting the hang of it?"
"It was quite nice."
Hazel flashed a smile.
"It's such a shame I didn't get to see you."
Since it was Hazel's first day, she had gotten prepared, and she was eager to see Danrique.To her surprise, Danrique wasn't there, and she had met Frank instead.
"No need for that," Danrique said flatly.
"Why have you come to see me?"
"Well..."
Hazel glanced at Sean awkwardly.
"Mr.Lindberg, I'll leave you two alone.”
Sean took the hint and left.
Only Danrique and Hazel were left in the room.
Under the dimmed lights, Hazel looked even prettier.
She looked at Danrique with her gentle gaze and said, "My dad doesn't know I'm here.I- I..."
She was hesitant to speak, and she looked nervous.
Even a fool could understand the meaning between her lines.
However, Danrique was in no mood to beat around the bush.He asked directly, "Does your father want you to marry Mr.Adams? What about you? What do you think?"
"I don't want that, obviously.”
Hazel had no choice but to speak frankly with him.
"I-l wanted to know what you think about it."
"Me?"
Danrique acted clueless.
"Do you want me to marry Mr.Adams?"
Hazel bit her lip and looked at him nervously.
"I don't" Danrique answered firmly.
"Really?" Hazel was elated.
"I knew—"
"If Mr.Adams ends up marrying you, he'll unite the three great families and gang up on the Lindberg family.You know that, right?”
Danrique put on a serious face and explained, "Hence, he's just doing it for financial gains.Although I don't want you to marry him, this is your personal matter. won't intervene, so you'll have to make your own decision.”
His words got Hazel to freeze for a while.
When she finally regained her composure, she looked disappointed and dissatisfied.
"You don't want me to marry Mr.Adams because you don't want him to get financial gains?" "Yes." Danrique nodded.
"Of course, as a friend, I would want you to have a happy marriage instead of marrying for the interests of the family.”
"Am I your friend?"
Hope was suddenly reignited in Hazel. What a luxury it is to be regarded as a friend by someone as cold and distant as Danrique!
"Yes." Danrique nodded.
"When you were little, Aunt Isabella loved you."
Hazel was disheartened when she heard that.
Talking to him is like being on a roller coaster ride! Indeed, when he told her not to marry Frank, she thought that was because he was reluctant to let go of her.
However, he later told her it was because he didn't want her to get married for others’ financial gains.
When he said she was her friend, she was elated because she thought she still had a chance to be with him
To her dismay, he ended up saying that it was because his aunt liked her.
Hence, he only considered her as a friend because of his aunt.
"Aunt Isabella even taught you piano lessons, right? Every time I see you playing the piano, I would think of her!" Danrique exclaimed.
Hazel felt her heart drop into the abyss.He would always stare at me whenever I played the piano. I thought he liked how I looked when I do that! Prior to that, she thought he was fond of her.Only then did she find out that wasn't the case.
Chapter 1925
Like what my dad said, he really has no feelings for me at all.
Hazel was in a turmoil of emotions.
However, she had been taught how to control her emotions ever since she was little.
After composing herself, she smiled and said, "Back then, I was still little, and I would always hurry toward her whenever she was playing the piano.When she knew I liked it, she taught me right away.Frankly, she was the one who got me started!"
"I figured.” Danrique nodded.
"Aunt Isabella wanted to teach me as well, but too bad I had never understood music."
"Do you miss her?"
Hazel glanced at him gently.
"I miss her as well. If possible, I'd like to visit her grave with you.”
"Okay.I'll bring you along the next time I go there.”
Danrique’s tone softened when he said, "About your marriage, I think you ought to think it through.If you like Mr.Adams, you should marry him, and I'll wish you all the best.However, if it's for your family's sake, you'll have to proceed with caution!"
With that, Danrique glanced at his watch and asked, "Is there anything else?”
Hazel had gone there with plenty to talk about with him, but she was at a loss for words upon getting asked.
Since he had already hinted to her to leave, she had no choice but to stand up and leave.Her purpose for the visit was to spend some time with him and convince him to consider having a relationship with her.She didn't care if it was for the sake of her family or just for the sake of the bigger picture.
All she wanted was to be his woman, and she was willing to do anything in her powers to make that happen.
However, he didn't give her a chance to express her feelings.
"All right, then.I'll go now."
Hazel knew there was no way she could convince him if he had no interest in talking about it. Indeed, relationships weren't to be forced.
"Okay."
Danrique nodded and called out, "Sean!"
"Mr.Lindberg.” Sean hurried in.
"See the guest out"Danrique ordered.
"Yes." Sean walked up to Hazel and uttered politely, "Ms.Atkinson, this way, please!"
Hazel curtsied to Danrique and left with Sean.
When Hazel walked out of the study room, disappointment was written all over her face.
Sean comforted her, "Mr.Lindberg is just cold and indifferent by nature, and he’s not good with relationships.Please forgive him, Ms.Atkinson!"
"Well, that's not the case when Ms.Cece is concerned.”
Hazel couldn't hide her jealousy.
"For her, he could even miss such an important conference.”
"He wasn't left with much of a choice.Mr.Cece was seriously injured, and her situation was dire.Mr.Lindberg had to stay at the hospital to accompany her."
Sean smiled.
"I've heard.Did Ms.Cece get kidnapped?" Hazel asked worriedly.
"What happened?”
"We're still investigating the matter.”
Sean changed the topic and said, "It's windy outside.Get in the car first, okay, Ms.Atkinson?" With that, Sean opened the car door for Hazel to get in.
"Sean, help me convince Mr.Lindberg, will you?"
Hazel continued earnestly, "We're people with a lot on our shoulders.We ought to think of the bigger picture!"
"You're right, Ms.Atkinson." Sean nodded.
"I think so, too."
"Besides, I'm willing to compromise.”
Suddenly, she was hinting at a deeper meaning to her words when she said, "I know how egoistic Mr.Lindberg can be.If he wants something, he'll make sure he gets it.l won't stop him from doing that. All I want is a formal identity”
Her intentions were loud and clear.
As long as Danrique was willing to marry her, she wouldn't mind having Francesca around. Even if Francesca were to live in the castle, she wouldn't mind it either.
"Umm..." Sean froze momentarily.
"You're so kind, Ms.Atkinson.I'll definitely relay your message to Mr.Lindberg!"
"Thank you!"
Hazel slightly raised her brows and said, "If I end up as the lady of the house in the future, I'll do my best to repay you!"
Chapter 1926
"Haha! I'll have to thank you in advance, Ms.Atkinson!"
Sean laughed and closed the car door for her.He only went back in after watching her convoy leave. "How was it?"
Gordon walked up to Sean and asked softly, "What did Ms.Atkinson talk to you about for so long?” "She asked me to convince Mr.Lindberg.Also, she said she's willing to compromise as long as he ends up marrying her."
Sean proceeded to tell Gordon everything Hazel had told him.
"What? She said that?"
Gordon was shocked.
"She's so kind and generous.”
Sean analyzed out loud, "Well, she’s a girl from a prominent family, so she had been taught this concept ever since she was little. The moment Ms.Atkinson turned six, she was frequently sent to the Lindberg residence to spend time with the family.Hence, they had been saving her for Mr.Lindberg.In order to make their family stronger, the Atkinson family was willing to sacrifice anything.Besides, Ms.Atkinson likes Mr.Lindberg.Since every girl yearns for strong and capable men, she's not losing out on anything if she were to end up together with Mr.Lindberg.In addition, girls from prominent families are into power and status, so they had long abandoned the concept of love.They are after personal gains and titles.Mr.Lindberg, however, is still a simple and pure person when it comes to relationships.”
"Right." Gordon nodded.
"There aren't many people left who are simple and pure like Mr.Lindberg.”
Sean heaved a sigh.
"Although that's true, Mr.Lindberg is facing threats from every direction at the moment.If he insists on doing things his way, he'll have to face the consequences in the future.”
"That's right” Gordon agreed.
"The Nacht family hasn't acted yet.Once they do, things are bound to get dicey"
"Mr.Lindberg knows that as well. That's why he wanted to settle our internal affairs before the Nacht family act. However, who would've thought Mr.Adams would show up out of nowhere? Besides, Ms.Felch's appearance had severely messed up Mr.Lindberg's plans,” Sean said softly because he was afraid that Danrique would hear him.
Mr.Lindberg is a protective person.He can scold her all he wants, but he can't tolerate people talking badly about Francesca.
"I felt it, too,” Gordon whispered.
"Before this, Mr.Lindberg was fearless and ruthless because he had no liabilities.Now that he has a weakness, someone might end up using it against him."
"Exactly." Sean nodded.
"What happened today is just the beginning.No one knows what's coming up next.”
"What should we do now, then?" Gordon asked solemnly.
"What else can we do?" Sean retorted.
"It's not like we can convince Mr.Lindberg otherwise.Also, who can tell him to do something he doesn't want to?"
"Things are going to get worse if Hazel really ends up marrying Mr.Adams.” Gordon was growing anxious.
"Why don't you try to convince Mr.Lindberg?"
"Forget about it.Not only will I fail, but I'll also get scolded.”
Sean rejected the idea unhesitatingly.
"Sometimes, he has to learn it on his own.We should let Mr.Lindberg figure it out"
"Okay, then."
Gordon didn't comment further.
"I'll get going now."
"Okay."
When Sean was about to head upstairs, he saw Danrique had changed, and he was heading down the stairs.
"Mr.Lindberg? Where are you going at this hour?" Sean asked.
"I'm going to the hospital to keep Cece company.”
As Danrique was walking down the stairs, he ordered, "Get the car ready”
Yes:
His subordinates went to fetch the car.
Sean quickly followed him from behind.
"Since it's already so late, Ms.Felch is most probably asleep now.You still have to go to work early tomorrow morning, Mr.Lindberg.Why don't you rest—"
"You're full of rubbish”
Danrique interrupted and headed out.
"Mr.Lindberg, I'll come with you, then.”
Sean hurried after him.
"That won't be necessary.”
Danrique got into the car.
Sean couldn't help but let out a sigh when he watched the car leave.lt seems like Mr.Lindberg has fallen in love.
Chapter 1927
The security was tight in the corridor of the hospital.
Not only were there bodyguards everywhere, but medical staff and maids were also seen standing by.
When they saw Danrique, they all lowered their heads to bow at him in unison.
Danrique merely gestured at them before walking into the ward.
At that moment, Francesca was deep asleep in the hospital bed, and she didn't even notice it when Danrique went into the ward.
The light in the room was very dim, and it shone on Francesca's face, making her seem particularly calm.
Danrique took off his coat and sat on the sofa beside the bed.
With his hands under his chin, he sat there and watched her in silence.
Seven years ago, she was only fourteen.
Indeed, she has grown up now.
Although her appearance has changed a little, she still looks the same as before.lt's just that now her hair is longer, and she looks pure and elegant in that white gown.
However, she now has a wild and uninhibited temperament.I wonder what she has been through all these years.
She has a different demeanor now.
Also, why does she need to hide her identity? Why doesn't she want to acknowledge me? His mind was filled with a myriad of questions.
Just as he was deep in his thoughts, Francesca suddenly shuddered and woke up from a nightmare. "What's wrong?" Danrique quickly approached her and asked.
Francesca only regained her senses after a long while.
As she was staring at him blankly, she frowned and asked, "Why are you here?"
"I came to keep you company.”
Danrique used his sleeves to wipe off the beads of cold sweat on her forehead.
"Are you all right? Do you want me to get the doctor?”
"There's no need for that."
Francesca pursed her lips and uttered, "I want some water."
Danrique took a bottle of water and fed her.
Since he had never taken care of somebody before, he opened the bottle and shoved it into her mouth.She ended up choking herself and coughing profusely.
Danrique hurriedly took a tissue and wiped her mouth before frantically patting her chest. Francesca was coughing so hard that she could barely catch a breath.She then pointed at her back instead.
Danrique held her up aggressively and started hitting her back.
Francesca was getting breathless, and she looked awful.
In the end, Danrique had no choice but to call out, "Somebody, come here!"
Two nurses rushed in at once.
"Mr.Lindberg?"
"Have a look at her.Why is she coughing?"
Danrique looked like a fish out of water.
The nurses quickly attended to Francesca.
Soon, she calmed down and breathed heavily while lying in bed.
The two nurses were taking care of her, and Danrique wanted to help.
When Francesca saw that, she put up her hand to stop him.
I almost died from choking, and I wish to stay alive for a few more years! Seeing that, Danrique had to stand down and not intervene.
After a long time, Francesca finally caught her breath.
The nurse fed her some water again, but she was fed gently this time around.
After drinking a few mouthfuls of water, she felt a lot better.
"Are you hungry? I can get someone to get you food.”
Danrique realized he was too rough prior to that, and he wanted to make it up to her.
"A little.”
Francesca was famished.She had only had Norah's oatmeal in the morning, and she hadn't eaten anything since.
"I'll get them to get you food right away."
Danrique immediately ordered his bodyguards to get them supper, and he also told them to be quick.
After giving them his order, he quickly went back inside the ward.
"I've already told them to get food.They'll be back soon”
"Okay. Thank you."
Francesca was touched when she saw how attentive he was.
"You don't have to take care of me.Since I have so many nurses and maids here, they'll be able to look after me."
"It's not the same”
Danrique uttered in a serious tone.
"I want to take care of you myself."
He had no idea how to talk to the opposite sex, so he was clueless about sweet-talking.All he could say to her was that he wanted to take care of her.
"Thank you!"
Francesca closed her eyes to rest.
Danrique gestured at the nurses to get them to leave.He then sat on the sofa and asked softly, "By the way, I have a few questions for you."
Chapter 1928
"Go ahead." Francesca turned toward him.
"Why do you not want to acknowledge me?" Danrique asked directly.
"Back then, you knew I was looking for you in M Nation.Why did you keep hiding your identity?" "I've suffered an injury to my head back then, and I've lost my memory" Francesca answered truthfully.
"I didn't know I was the person you were looking for."
"Since you don't remember, then why did you want to find that necklace so badly?"
"Well..." Francesca didn't want to tell him the necklace was the key to her safe.
"That necklace is very important to me.”
Danrique was thrilled when he heard that.Since she cares about the necklace so much, that means she cares about me, too.
"What else do you want to know?" Francesca asked.
"After you've arrived in Xendale, why did you not want to reveal your identity?"
"I didn’t dare to tell you because I was afraid that you might think I've lied to you in M
Nation Besides—"
Francesca froze for a while before telling him the bleak reality.
"I'll never marry you, so sooner or later, I'm going to escape.If you were to find out about my real identity, I'll never be able to leave.”
"Why don't you want to marry me?" Danrique was bewildered.
"Do you know how many women in the world are eager to marry me?"
"You should marry them, then" Francesca uttered.
"I'm not the right woman for you."
"Why not?" Danrique was getting anxious.
"We're each other's first crush, no? Now that we've met again in a foreign land, don't you think this is fate? How could you not be the right woman for me?”
"I've told you about this a lot of times before.” Francesca's patience was running thin.
"I'm not getting married, okay? You should find someone else."
"It's all right.Perhaps you just don't want to get married now, but I think that'll change.”
Danrique was unwilling to give up.
"Now, we'll focus on getting you well first We'll talk about the rest in the future.”
"I ..." Francesca was about to say something, but she was interrupted by a knock on the door. The subordinates said, "Mr.Lindberg, supper is here!"
"Come in; Danrique uttered.Those two subordinates gently opened the door.Behind them, a chef and a few waiters were seen pushing two carts into the ward.After bowing at Danrique politely, they laid out all the sumptuous food on the dining table.It took them half an hour to lay out all the luxurious dishes on a rectangular dining table in the ward.
Francesca was dumbstruck when she saw the whole table of dishes.
I just wanted a few quick bites! Is he crazy? What did he do this for? Danrique dismissed the others with a wave.
"What would you like to eat first? I'll feed you.”
Danrique pointed at the dishes on the table.
Francesca let out a deep sigh after taking a glance at the food.
Meat and seafood? These are all luxurious dishes! However, I can't even have any of them.
"I remember hearing that you should eat something light, am I right?"
Danrique looked around and brought a bowl of seafood oatmeal for her.
"You can eat oatmeal, right?"
Words eluded Francesca.l have a wound, so I'm not supposed to eat seafood.Doesn’t he know that? It's general knowledge!
"How about steak?"
Danrique offered her another dish.
"No.Forget about it"
Francesca closed her eyes.
"Give the food to the bodyguards. I'm tired, and I want to sleep.”
"Didn't you say you were hungry?"
Danrique was feeling somewhat helpless.
Women are such a hassle! They just can't make up their minds! Despite his thoughts, he patiently told the others to bring the food away.
After cleaning up, he washed his hands and went into bed to lie down next to Francesca.
"Hey! What are you doing?"
If she wasn't heavily injured, Francesca would've already jumped out of the bed.
Chapter 1929
"Rest now" instructed Danrique matter-of-factly.
Lying beside her and propping his head with his arm, he gazed at her gently.
"When I fell sick, you climbed into my bed and kept me company just like this..."
"I simply wanted to get my necklace back.”
Francesca stared at him warily.
"Did you misunderstand anything?"
"No..."
Danrique moved closer to her.
"You even kissed me"
" Before Francesca could say anything, Danrique's cold lips touched on her forehead.His gentle kisses landed on her brows, eyes, cheeks and finally, her lips.Francesca was stunned.Her heart started pounding rapidly as her mind turned blank.
For some reason, she did not have the urge to push him away.ls it because I'm injured and can't move my arm?
"See, you still like me"
Danrique remembered clearly what the book said—if a girl did not refuse a guy's intimate acts, it meant that she liked him.
A girl's body was very honest.
"Danrique..Mmm..."
Just when Francesca was about to speak, Danrique kissed her lips.His passionate kiss took her by storm, stealing her breath away.
Her heart pounded quickly and her body tensed.
Widening her eyes, she stared at him in shock.
Feeling his bodily reaction, she wanted to push him away but could not move at all.
One of her arms was pinned beneath his body, while a needle was stuck to her other arm.It was so numb with pain that she could only place it over his shoulder.
She could not exert any force at all.
However, to Danrique, her actions were simply in sync with him.
It meant that she liked him and could not control her actions—her true feelings were overflowing. Danrique became even more engrossed in the kiss.
Blood surged through his body as he felt a primitive urge to pull Francesca into his embrace and become one with her.
He was already trying his best to control himself but he still accidentally hurt Francesca.
"Ah..."
Francesca was in such pain that she trembled uncontrollably.Her tears were almost streaming down her cheeks.
Panicking, Danrique quickly let her go and moved aside.He called for the doctor in a flustered manner.
"It's fine."
Francesca quickly stopped him.
"It's just the needle poking me.lt's no big deal.”
Only then did Danrique realize that the needle had pierced her skin, causing her to bleed.He quickly summoned the nurse over to tend to her wound.
After taking out the needle and treating the wound, the nurse left quietly.
This time, Danrique did not dare to sleep on the bed anymore.
He sat on the sofa at the side and stared at her silently.
After a long while, he said softly, "I didn't do it on purpose.”
"You scum!”
Francesca glared at him furiously.
"Don't touch me in the future!”
"Why?"
Without thinking it through, Danrique blurted, "I thought that you enjoyed it earlier..."
"I didn't!” rebuked Francesca angrily.
"I didn't manage to react...”
"But you didn't push me away."
Danrique pursed his lips, reminiscing the earlier kiss.His cheeks turned red.
"Obviously, you liked it."
"I didn't!” rebutted Francesca firmly.
"I couldn't shove you away because I'm injured!”
"I don't believe you," interrupted Danrique.
"You liked it!"
Francesca was at a loss for words.
"When we were at the hot spring in Summerbank, you kissed me first. That was my first kiss.You also fed me the medicine and crawled into my bed..."
Danrique started listing out the times when Francesca acted intimately with him.The more he spoke, the more delighted and confident he became.
"You like me, but you're refusing to admit it!"
Chapter 1930
"I already said that I don't..."
"All right.Facts are facts.It's useless even if you refuse to admit it"
Without giving Francesca a chance to speak, Danrique concluded, "I won't touch you tonight.Just sleep.”
Francesca was speechless.He's so narcissistic! Danrique stood up again and moved closer.
"What do you want to do now?"
Francesca immediately became nervous.
Without saying anything, Danrique tucked her in and flicked away the hair on her forehead.Then, he sat on the sofa and gazed at her gently, propping his chin with his hand.
"Sleep!"
"Aren't you leaving?"
For some reason, Francesca felt nervous.
"'I keep you company here."
Danrique leaned against the sofa lazily and placed his feet on the hospital bed.
Patting her shoulder with a foot, he repeated, "Sleep!"
"What are you doing?"
Francesca turned her head and stared at his foot in shock.
Although his foot isn't smelly and in fact, looks quite nice, why is he patting my shoulder with it? "I'm coaxing you to sleep" replied Danrique matter- of-factly.
"If I pat you, you'll fall asleep quickly."
"With your foot?"
Francesca stared at him in astonishment.
Without replying to her, Danrique closed his eyes and rested.
Francesca did not know what to say.
This man is so odd! Everything he does is different from a normal person.
However, she could not be bothered to argue anymore.She was exhausted and wanted to rest. Her stomach suddenly grumbled.
Stroking her stomach gently, she thought about Norah's oatmeal and glanced at the clock on the wall.
There were still eight more hours to go before Norah would come.
Francesca sighed quietly.
Turning around and looking at Danrique, who was falling asleep, she felt conflicted.
When he forced her to take the vow on the hill, she was filled with hatred and wished for nothing more than to strangle him.
However, after arriving at the hospital, she heard what Sean said to him.
Even though he was so busy, he cast everything aside and kept her company.He even got Helen over from M Nation.
After finishing his work, he returned to take care of her again.
Although he was bad at everything else, she could tell how nervous and concerned he was from his sincerity.
She would be lying if she said that she felt nothing at all.
In fact, she realized that she was not repulsed by his intimacy.
When he hugged and kissed her, she did not find that disgusting.
Instead, she would feel nervous, shy, and uneasy.
As she had never dated before, she did not know if she liked him.
However, she did not seem so anxious to leave like before.
Upon that thought, Francesca was startled.
No! This can't do! I'm determined to leave! Don't be stupid! The colder and decisive she was, the better it would be.
Otherwise, they would just be entangled with each other even more.
Just when all those wild thoughts were flying across Francesca’s mind, Danrique's foot stopped moving.
When she turned around to look at him, she realized that he had fallen asleep.He leaned against the sofa and slept quietly.
Even though he looked so casual, he was still so handsome.
It was like he had just come straight out of a painting.
As Francesca stared at him silently, memories emerged in her mind.
They were scenes of a young girl and guy holding hands and running in the hills.
Bright smiles were plastered over their faces as a loving atmosphere enveloped them.
She did not know if it was because she had suffered a blow to her head, but she seemed to have recalled some things.She could almost be certain that she and Danrique had shared a beautiful relationship before.
Seven years had passed and she could not quite remember anymore.
However, it was like he had never forgotten the promise—he had been looking for her constantly. In comparison, she seemed heartless.
Upon that thought, Francesca felt a bit conflicted.