Chapter 187
“But-“
Effie was about to refuse, but her grandmother gently interrupted, “Effie, if you have things to take care of, go ahead. I’m just lying here anyway. If I need anything, I’ll call the nurse.”
Effie understood
her grandmother only wanted to spare her. She didn’t want Effie, newly married into the Etheridge family, to get into any big conflicts with them.
Effie murmured her agreement and hung up.
“Grandma, I’ll find someone to stay with you, all right?”
Lyman had already arranged for a nurse, but her grandmother had insisted she could look after herself. The truth was, she just hated the idea of them spending money on her.
People of that generation were always like that. Effie had long since grown used to it.
But this time, her grandmother didn’t refuse. She didn’t want to make things harder for Effie.
Just as Effie was about to head home, her phone rang. It was Lyman. “Wait for me at the hospital. I’ll come pick you up.”
“Okay,” Effie replied, heading downstairs to wait by the hospital entrance.
A familiar Porsche pulled up in front of her.
Even before the window rolled down, Effie already knew who it was.
She turned her face away, her expression frosty.
The window slid down-it was, as expected, Mitchell.
“Effie, where are you headed? Let me give you a ride.”
Effie thought Mitchell was just impossible. When he had her, he didn’t care; now that he’d lost her, he just couldn’t let it go.
She couldn’t even be bothered to acknowledge him, not sparing him a glance.
Mitchell frowned, annoyance flickering in his eyes.
“Effie, get in the car!”
He called out again, but now his voice was edged with irritation. It wasn’t an invitation-it was a command.
What, was she supposed to feel grateful for his attention?
Just then, another car honked behind Mitchell.
Effie saw it was Lyman’s car and couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips.
She walked toward Lyman, and as he saw her approach, he broke into an answering grin.
He got out and took her hand, leading her to the passenger seat. He opened the door for her, shielding her head so she wouldn’t bump it, and after she settled in, he buckled her seatbelt himself.
Only after making sure everything was in place did he walk around and get behind the wheel.
Lyman’s gentle care, so deliberate and considerate, played out right in front of Mitchell, who watched from a distance, his emotions twisting.
So Effie was the kind of woman who deserved to be treated like this.
Had he ever done anything like that for her?
Even when he’d chased her before, he’d never managed such tenderness.
Mitchell stared after Lyman’s car as it pulled away, scoffing under his breath, “It’s just a novelty, that’s all. Lyman’s the type who’s been with every kind of woman. Effie’s just someone new; he’ll get bored soon enough, and when he does, she’ll be tossed aside without a second thought.”
He didn’t even notice the jealousy contorting his face, making him look nothing like his usual self.
Meanwhile, Effie felt a gentle warmth bloom in her chest at Lyman’s careful attention. She glanced at him as he drove the sharp line of his jaw, the intensity of his profile, both captivating.
Lyman felt her gaze. He turned his head, catching Effie staring at him, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings about to take flight.
If he weren’t driving, he’d have kissed her right then.
Effie snapped out of her reverie, suddenly aware of Lyman’s deep, magnetic eyes
locked on hers, as if he might draw her in completely.
She swallowed, flustered. “Eyes on the road.”
“Alright.”
Lyman turned his attention back to driving.
Effie could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks, her whole face burning.