Chapter 30.
This little moment quickly passed.
Armando finally arrived, clearly having run to get to her. He was out of breath, looking apologetic as he said, “Sorry, Vana, something came up on the way. I’ll get the medication for you now…”
The ‘something he was referring to was clearly going to see Juliette, to care for her, and apply medicine to her.
Jovana let out a small laugh, her voice flat, “It’s fine.”
At her calm look, Armando’s guilt deepened, especially when he noticed her swollen ankle.
He wondered, “Why have I abandoned her for Juliette?”
Armando sank down beside her, gently placing her leg on his lap as he carefully applied the medicine.
“Baby, I’m sorry.”
He pulled a watch from his bag and put it on her wrist, fastening the strap and holding her hand gently.
“Keep it on. Wherever you go, I won’t lose you again. I was careless at the haunted house. It won’t happen again.” Jovana forced a smile, her mind elsewhere as she listened absently.
“But you already lost me…” she murmured inwardly.
She gave a nonchalant smile and said, “Okay.”
She looked so obedient, so heartbreakingly sweet.
This made Armando feel even worse. He adjusted her clothes and pulled her into a hug, as though this was the only way he could fill the emptiness in his chest.
Jovana lowered her gaze, enduring the faint scent of the perfume as her eyes chilled with emptiness.
The next two days passed.
Armando stayed by Jovana’s side, tending to her every need as she recovered, working from home, and doing everything in his power to care for her. It was hard to overstate how attentive he was.
Several times, Jovana noticed Juliette calling, but Armando’s response was always cold and detached.
It was strange.
“Aren’t you going to answer?” she asked, hearing his phone vibrate incessantly as she sat reading on the balcony swing.
Annoyed, Armando hung up the call and walked over to her. He poured her a cup of tea with a practiced gentleness, handing it to her.
“It’s nothing important. I told you I’ll take you to your grandmother’s birthday later,” he said, his tone softening.
Mentioning Ingrid made Jovana’s face relax slightly. No matter their issues, she had to keep up appearances for Ingrid.
She gave a small, polite smile and took the tea from his hand.
It was nearing noon when Armando accompanied Jovana to pick up Ingrid for her 70th birthday celebration at the hotel they had arranged.
Armando knew just how to charm Ingrid, making her laugh and feel at ease.
“You and Vana are good together. I can rest easy,” Ingrid said, her tone warm and sincere.“You’ve been married a few years now; maybe it’s time to have a baby.”
Jovana paused, her hands stilling as she peeled an orange. She couldn’t think of a good response.
Armando, noticing her hesitation, gently took her hand in his, his thumb softly rubbing over her palm.
With a smile, he turned to Ingrid and replied, “Vana and I are still young. We want to enjoy some time together before we think about having kids. And honestly, I’m concerned about Vana’s health.
His words were laced with tenderness, but Jovana couldn’t help the discomfort tightening in her chest as she forced a smile. “Grandma, I’m at a crucial point in my work right now. And I’m still young, so we can wait a few more years for kids.”
–) 07.49
28.3%
< Chapter 20
Ingrid nodded, a hint of concern in her eyes. She knew Jovana was under pressure, but she said those words to remind them both that time was slipping away.
Just then, a knock echoed at the door.
“Mr. Dunbar…
Normand entered the room, looking like he was holding back something important.
Armando frowned, sensing it was business–related.
“Go ahead and handle it, Ingrid said, sensing the tension in the air.
Since Normand had come, it must be something important. Jovana spoke softly, “You should go check on it.”
Armando hesitated for a moment, giving Jovana’s hand a lingering squeeze. He apologized to Ingrid before standing up and leaving the room, closing the door behind him.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Armando tugged at his tie, his voice sharp and commanding. “Didn’t I tell you to push today’s work back” Normand looked troubled, his face clouded with worry.“Mr. Dunbar, something’s gone wrong.”
