Chapter 868

Emily took the phone and explained, “It was just by chance. I might have night blindness. When the power went out, I couldn’t see a thing-not even the hallway. I was feeling my way along the wall and must have wandered into a room by accident, and that’s where I bumped into him. He said he’d help me find the ballroom, and then we ran into you.”
Tristan’s brows drew together as he leaned in, his tone sharp. “Night blindness?”
Emily glanced at her phone; seeing nothing urgent, she slipped it away and shrugged. “Maybe. Once the lights went out, I honestly couldn’t see a thing.”
Talking about it made Emily feel a bit helpless. If she could actually see in the dark, she wouldn’t have needed to rely on Andrew Lane at all.
Tristan’s frown deepened. “You should get that checked out at the hospital.”
Leaning against the wall, Emily folded her arms. “Right now, I just want a shower and some sleep. Where’s your friend?”
“He’s busy saying goodbye to the guests.”
Still preoccupied with Emily’s night blindness, Tristan pulled out his phone and started looking up medical info.
Emily stretched and said lazily, “With Amelia Lane and the blackout, your friend must’ve had his hands full tonight.”
Tristan scrolled through the search results, reading about night blindness and possible treatments, but his frown didn’t budge. “Oh, he’s more than happy. He’s been comforting his lady friend all night—I can’t even find him now.”
Emily gave him a wave. “Well, I’m calling it a night. I’m exhausted.”
Tristan put his phone away and shook his head. “No way. We’re stopping by the hospital first.”
Emily groaned. “All I want is sleep.”
“You can sleep after the doctor checks you out.”
Before she could protest again, Tristan was already steering her toward the exit.
At the hospital, Emily underwent several tests. The doctor ruled out any serious causes and determined that her night blindness was due to a vitamin A deficiency. Prescription in hand, Emily returned to the hotel.
By the time they got back, it was already 1 a.m.
The moment they entered her room, Emily collapsed face-first onto the bed.
Tristan hovered at her bedside, looking every bit the stern caretaker. “You need to eat more carrots from now on to get your vitamins. I’ll have the hotel staff make you a fresh carrot juice.”
Emily wrapped herself in the comforter, burrowing in and covering her ears as if she hadn’t heard a word.
Tristan yanked the blanket off and nudged her. “Go shower. When you’re done, the carrot juice will be here.”
Emily stayed put, refusing to move.
He nudged her again, more insistent. “Go on, now.”
With a resigned sigh, Emily grabbed her pajamas and trudged to the bathroom.
That night, Tristan stood watch to make sure Emily finished an entire glass of carrot juice before he finally left.
Thankfully, she didn’t mind the taste; otherwise, judging from Tristan’s determined expression, she’d be drinking carrot juice for the rest of her life.
Tanner Miller’s birthday party lasted two days, and Emily and Tristan showed up right on time for the second evening.
As they neared the entrance, Emily spotted Amelia Lane standing beside Tanner. Even from a distance, it was clear Amelia wasn’t in the best of moods.
Not wanting a repeat of last night’s drama, Emily stopped just outside the ballroom doors.
She turned to Tristan. “You go ahead. Amelia Lane’s inside. If she sees me, she’ll just leave again. She’s your friend’s crush, after all—I’ll sit this one out.”
Tristan replied, “Where are you going? I’ll come with you.”
Emily raised an eyebrow. “Oh, no, you stay here. It’s your friend’s birthday—go celebrate with him. I’ll be fine on my own.”