From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 32

Laurinda listened quietly, her head bowed, lost in thought. She’d really believed she was past all that, but now it felt like she’d just been fooling herself.

“I’ll try to keep a better attitude,” she said after a long pause. Her voice sounded a little bitter, like she was forcing herself to believe it.

He smiled at her, as if to say, That’s the way.

“How old are you? Got a boyfriend yet? Honestly, a good romance would probably fix half your problems.”

Laurinda’s face softened, the tension easing away.

“I just turned eighteen. Still pretty young.”

“Eighteen, huh? Sure, that’s not old, but you’re definitely old enough for love. Sometimes having the right person by your side does more good than any medicine ever could.”

He didn’t get to finish before someone called out from the doorway. “Eaton, are you busy? Adolphus is here to see you.”

Both Laurinda and Eaton looked over. A familiar figure was heading their way, sunlight shining from behind him.

Laurinda recognized him immediately. She frowned, feeling a little out of it. All night, she hadn’t been able to get him out of her head, and now here he was in the flesh. Was she imagining things? Or had he put a tracker on her or something?

She turned away, not interested in talking. Seriously, what were the odds?

Adolphus clearly didn’t expect to see Laurinda here either, especially not at the doctor’s office.

“What are you doing here, kid? Why don’t you and Helena go inside and take a seat? I just have this one patient this morning. We’ll catch up after I’m done.”

York’s face was complicated. He recognized Adolphus as the man who’d taken Laurinda away right in front of him yesterday.

Adolphus held Laurinda’s wrist, checking her pulse, his brows drawn together, his face even colder than before.

The whole thing made York more and more uneasy. He finally blurted out, “Wait, is she dying or something? Why do you look so serious?”

Helena, startled by York’s sudden question, finally noticed there was another young man in the room. She figured he must have come with Laurinda and glanced at Eaton.

Eaton caught the look and smiled, explaining, “Laurinda’s got a lot on her mind, and it’s starting to take a toll on her health. She’s a little weak, but it’s nothing serious yet. Still, if she doesn’t take care of herself, it could become a real problem.”

“You’re low on energy, and you’ve got an old injury.” Adolphus’s tone was calm, but there was no doubt in his voice. He was sure she was still recovering from something serious. And yesterday…