The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1856

Bertha returned the gesture with a smile, even though it was tinged with a hint of bitterness.

Ellinor didn't add anything more. She turned and took Theo's hand, and together they said goodbye to Marlinie before leaving the hospital room.

Once outside, Ellinor paused. Her worry was still palpable.

Theo understood her concern. "If you don't want to leave, we can stay here. If anything happens, we can rush right back in to be with Marlinie."

Ellinor nodded. Even though she knew Bertha was no fool, she couldn’t help but feel concerned.

...

After Ellinor and Theo left, Bertha, as usual, naturally walked to Marlinie's bedside. "Marlinie, did you have enough dinner? Do you want me to warm it up for you at the nurse's station? Maybe you should have a little more."

Marlinie shook her head as she looked at her longtime friend with a concerned gaze. Even though Bertha was trying to act as if everything were normal, Marlinie could see that she was far from okay.

"I'm not hungry. Bertha, did you... did you have a fight with Thaddeus?"

Bertha smiled. "No. You need to focus on your recovery. Don’t worry about me."

Marlinie reached out and held her friend's hand. "Stop pretending with me! I can tell you've been crying. What happened? Was it Sophia? Did you and Thaddeus fight over her again?"