From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 180

As they neared Fidelia’s room, Laurinda spotted Earl slipping out, deep in conversation with his assistant. His voice was low, his face set with that serious look Laurinda knew all too well. Back when Fidelia first came to the hospital, Earl had worn that same expression almost every time he spoke to her.

A wave of worry hit Laurinda. She hurried over, unable to keep the anxiety out of her voice. “Is something wrong? Has Fidelia taken a turn for the worse?”

Earl looked up, surprised, and his gaze landed on the man standing just behind her. He hesitated, clearly caught off guard, before finding his words. “Adolphus… What brings you here?”

Adolphus wasn’t in the mood for small talk. He just glanced at Laurinda, concern etched on his face. “I came with Laurinda to see Fidelia. How is she doing?”

“Oh, Fidelia’s alright. I was just dealing with another patient,” Earl replied, then turned to Laurinda and managed a sheepish smile. The sight of the two of them together had clearly thrown him. “How come you two showed up together?”

Relief washed over Laurinda. She gave Earl a small smile. “I thought he’d want to see how Fidelia was doing. Is she in her room right now?”

“She is,” Earl said, nodding. “And you’re just in time. Fidelia hasn’t had much of an appetite lately. The meds are really wearing her down. Maybe your friend can help.”

He assumed Adolphus was a doctor Laurinda had brought in for Fidelia. Honestly, it made sense—Laurinda had a way of convincing even the busiest people to help.

Earl told his assistant to head off, then led Laurinda and Adolphus down the hall, filling them in as they walked. “Fidelia’s been doing better mentally. She’s gone out for walks, even chatted with people she runs into. It’s a big step for her.”

He paused. “Physically, she’s okay too. She’s gained a bit of weight, but her appetite’s still not great. It’s a side effect of the medication. Not much we can do about that.”

Hand in hand, Fidelia pulled Laurinda into the room, set the flowers on the coffee table, and tugged her down to sit beside her. They chatted for a few moments, catching up, before Fidelia finally noticed the two men standing nearby.

“Sweetheart, who’s this gentleman?” she asked.

Laurinda noticed there was no sign of recognition in Fidelia’s eyes when she looked at Adolphus. She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She started to introduce him. “Fidelia, this is—”

“He’s the doctor Laurinda brought to help with your appetite,” Earl cut in, explaining before Laurinda could finish. “Would it be alright if he took a look at you?”

Adolphus’s brows drew together, just a hint of annoyance showing. He could see right through Earl’s intentions.