Chapter 946

“Of course. I’m on my way,” Henry replied without hesitation.

Laverne returned with a blanket and draped it over Vanessa, studying her pale face. This morning, she’d been radiant. Now, she looked ghostly. *Did they draw her blood again?* Laverne wondered. *But it’s been less than a week since the last time p>

“Here, drink some water,” she said, handing Vanessa a glass.

As Vanessa reached for it, she let out a sharp hiss of pain. A red stain was spreading across the sleeve of her white sweater. “Vanessa, you’re bleeding!” Laverne exclaimed.

Vanessa yanked up her sleeve and saw that the puncture site had indeed started bleeding again. “Get the first-aid kit,” she ordered. “Quickly p>

Laverne scrambled to retrieve it and handed her a cotton ball. Vanessa pressed down hard on the wound, biting her lip. Not a single drop of her blood could be wasted.

Laverne glanced at the spot Vanessa was pressing. The skin around it was a deep, ugly bruise. “Vanessa, be honest with me,” she said with a sigh. “Why does Dr. Smith keep drawing your blood? You’re going to make yourself sick if this continues p>

Vanessa ignored her, her eyes fixed on the bleeding wound. Laverne knew better than to press the issue. A short while later, the housekeeper arrived to make a fortified porridge for her.

After checking the time, Vanessa said to Laverne, “I have a guest coming over. You should go p>

Laverne knew the guest was Henry and took the hint, grabbing her bag to leave. She had watched their dynamic for years. It had been love at first sight for Henry, but he had remained just a friend because of Vanessa’s relationship with Ian. Any other man would have moved on, but Vanessa had plenty of ways to keep Henry devoted to her, and he had given her more than just his time.

Not long after Laverne left, the doorbell rang. The housekeeper answered it, and Henry walked in carrying a gift bag. Vanessa looked at the bag with a slight frown. Since when had Henry become so formal with her?

“You didn’t have to bring anything. You know I won’t accept it,” she said, feigning annoyance.

Henry just smiled. “It’s that expensive tonic you like p>

That seemed to please her. As the housekeeper took the bag, Henry sat down beside her on the sofa, noting the blanket she was wrapped in. Are you sick? You’re so pale

“It’s nothing just been a little tired lately,” Vanessa said, avoiding his gaze.

“If you’re tired, you should take on less work,” Henry said caringly. “You know you

can always ask me or lan if you need money p>

“You’ve already done so much for

me,” Vanessa şaid with a sweet

sincere smile I can never!

repay

for your kindness over the years. How could I possibly ask for more p>

“It’s nothing. After all, we’re… good friends,” Henry said with a slight laugh.

Hearing those words once would have made her happy, but now, they felt different. She bit her lip and looked down. “Yes. Good friends p>

Henry cleared his throat, suddenly nervous. “Vanessa, to me, you’ve always been my best friend p>

Vanessa’s head snapped up, her eyes full of emotion. “What if… what if I told you I don’t want to be your good friend anymore p>

Henry froze, then laughed it off.

“What, are you cutting me off? What did I do wrong?” He chuckled again “Then again, guess I’ll have to keep my distance once you become Mrs. Goodwin. Can’t have lan getting the wrong idea.” sŵnovels