Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 31

Silvia was torn, caught between indecision and the urge to ask for help.

Just as she was considering whether to reach out to a colleague, a familiar voice sounded nearby. “Miss Ashford?”

She looked up and saw Jacob, Kent’s assistant.

She’d run into Jacob a few times before, but their relationship had never gone beyond a polite nod or two.

“What brings you here?” she asked, surprised.

Jacob glanced at his bandaged hand. “I injured myself a few days ago. I’m just here to have my dressing changed.”

Suddenly, it clicked—she remembered that not long ago, when she’d come to the hospital for her stomach issues, she’d run into Kent. He’d mentioned then that his assistant was hurt and that he was checking in on Jacob.

This was too good an opportunity to miss.

“Jacob, would you mind helping me with something?” Silvia ventured, her tone tentative.

“Of course!” Jacob looked down at her, concern in his eyes. “Did you hurt your foot?”

“Yeah. I twisted it coming down the stairs with groceries. The doctor says I need to be admitted, but there’s no one to help me with the paperwork…”

She let her words trail off, hoping he’d understand.

Jacob caught her meaning right away. But with his hand freshly bandaged, he was in no shape to help.

“Miss Ashford, wait here for a moment.”

Before Silvia could respond, Jacob strode off toward the end of the corridor.

She called after him, puzzled, “Where are you going?”

But Jacob didn’t so much as glance back. Watching him disappear, Silvia felt her heart sink. Where on earth was he headed?

Resigned, she settled onto a bench in the ER hallway to wait, hoping Jacob would return soon.

She couldn’t help but look up at him. His chiseled jaw and cool, distant expression sent a chill down her spine.

Kent set her gently in the wheelchair and took hold of the handles, pushing her forward.

He shot a look at the nurse. “Lead the way.”

The nurse, clearly awed by Kent’s commanding presence, nodded quickly. “Yes, of course.”

Once Silvia was settled in her hospital room, Kent stood up from his chair. “A caregiver will be by soon to look after you. She’ll stay with you as long as you need.”

“Thank you. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you’ve helped me again. I’ll never forget it—I just don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

Kent’s voice was quiet, his expression as unreadable as ever. “Then you owe me. Pay me back when you get the chance.”

Silvia nodded, forcing a small, awkward smile.

Kent looked down at her, his tone casual but his gaze sharp. “Are you really done with Shipley?”