From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 124

Laurinda watched Baily struggle in pain, but her eyes held not a hint of sympathy. In fact, she seemed almost energized by it.

“Don’t get worked up. Really, you don’t have to worry. Even if you kick me out of the Austin family, I’m not going to abandon you. I heard you used to run a nursing home, right? Lots of old folks passed away there…”

She leaned in a little, her voice light but cold. “Once you’re discharged, I’ll make sure you’re sent to a nursing home too. Same spot as your old place. Did you know? They rebuilt it. Funny thing, some of the current staff have parents who stayed there when you were in charge. Guess it’s only fair for you to revisit your roots.”

Baily’s hand shot up, trembling, and he tried to point at Laurinda. All that came out were a few broken, desperate sounds. He couldn’t find the words, couldn’t understand how things had come to this.

“Ah… you… ah…” His fists pounded weakly against the mattress. It finally hit him—regret, sharp and bitter. He wished he hadn’t gambled his future on Aiken. He wished so many things had gone differently.

A single tear slid from the corner of his eye.

Laurinda saw it, but she didn’t think it was guilt. No, it was fear. He was afraid of dying, afraid of being left alone, and maybe most of all, afraid of ending up just like the residents he’d once neglected. It always takes the tables turning for people to see how cruel they’ve been.

“Grandpa, this is just the beginning for you. You have to stay strong, alright? Don’t worry, I’ll make sure the nurses take good care of you.”

Laurinda stood, closed his window, and left the room without looking back, ignoring the pitiful noises echoing behind her.

Outside the door, Adolphus was waiting with a disinfectant spray bottle. As soon as Laurinda stepped out, he started spritzing her all over.

She threw up her hands, laughing as she tried to block the spray. “Okay, that’s enough. Seriously, a little is fine. We’ll just ditch this jacket before we get in the car.”

Adolphus nodded, his face serious. “Got it. Once we’re in the car, just take it off.”

His ears were turning pink as he spoke. He hadn’t planned on sticking around, but Laurinda had changed everything. So he decided to buy instead of rent.

Laurinda looked at the familiar building and suddenly remembered the apartment she’d had Bonnie sell. All this time, she’d thought the buyer was some clueless stranger, but it turned out to be Adolphus. What a small world.

“Come on, let’s go up and order some food. I’m starving,” Laurinda said, giving him a playful nudge.

Hearing that, any worries Adolphus had seemed to melt away. They hurried upstairs together.

Once inside, Adolphus slid his arm around Laurinda’s waist, pulling her close. His voice dropped to a teasing whisper. “Is takeout really all you want? Or are you in the mood for something else?”