Chapter 390
“Lauren!” Winni hurried over, wrapping her arms around her niece in a warm, motherly embrace. Love and worry shone openly in her eyes. “Oh, sweetheart, you disappeared without coming home-why’d you run off this way? Look at you! You’ve only been abroad for two months, but you’ve worn yourself out. You’re so much thinner. You’re making me worry!”
“Hi, Aunt Winni.” Lauren’s cool expression softened as she hugged her aunt back, the affection clear between them.
She turned to Murray. “Uncle Murray.”
Murray stepped over with a gentle smile. “Your aunt’s right. What are you doing here? Your cousin’s injury isn’t serious.”
Lauren shook her head. “I was worried. I couldn’t relax until I saw him myself.”
She started toward Benson, but stopped short when she caught sight of Anastasia. Her steps faltered.
Only then did Mr. and Mrs. Brennan remember Anastasia was still standing there. The room fell silent, the atmosphere suddenly awkward.
“Uncle, Aunt, I have something to take care of, so I’ll head out. I’ll come visit Benson again soon.”
Anastasia spoke up, her voice even. She glanced at Lauren, her eyes calm and unreadable. She knew full well that the Brennans’ attention was now completely on Lauren; if she stayed, she’d only be humiliating herself.
The moment Winni realized Anastasia was still there, she instinctively looked at Lauren, as if worried Lauren would read too much into things. Now, hearing Anastasia volunteer to leave, Winni couldn’t help but quietly breathe a sigh of relief.
Anastasia caught the exchange, and she wasn’t quite sure how to feel about it.
She turned and walked away.
Benson hesitated, but in the end, didn’t call after her.
Juliet glanced at her family, then at Lauren. She bit her lip and, while everyone was distracted, quietly slipped out after Anastasia.
“Annie!”
Hearing her cousin call out, Anastasia paused and turned, her expression softening. “Juliet, what are you doing out here?”
Juliet looked at her, concern shining in her eyes. “Annie, you
Anastasia felt a warmth inside and smiled, trying to reassure her. “Don’t worry. I’m all right.”
Juliet’s lips parted, wanting to say more.
All your family’s attention has been stolen by someone else; your place completely replaced. How could you possibly be all right?
Anastasia let out a sigh. “I really am fine
There was no trace of pretense in her eyes-she wasn’t just putting on a brave face.
She truly was a little sad, but she wasn’t the type to wallow in self-pity. If anything, she’d rather use her time for something productive.
She was warmed-and a little amused-that her cousin seemed to be taking this even harder than she was.
Anastasia spent a while comforting Juliet. Just as they were about to part, Murray and Winni, along with Benson and Lauren, came out of the hospital. It seemed they’d finished the discharge paperwork.
It made sense; knowing Benson, with his temperament, he’d never stay quietly in the hospital for such a minor injury. Content orıginally comes from ÍŸ.net
When Murray spotted Anastasia still waiting outside, he looked a bit surprised. “Anastasia, you’re still here?”
At that moment, the Brennans’ cars pulled up to the curb.
There were two vehicles-one that Murray and Winni had used to come to the hospital, and another that had gone to the airport to pick up Lauren. With five members of the Brennan family, that made just enough seats.
Lauren helped Benson toward the car.
Just as they were about to get in, Benson paused, frowning with a hint of irritation. He glanced over at Anastasia, who stood off to the side, looking rather alone. “Didn’t the Sterlings send a car for you?”
It wasn’t a big deal these days, it was easy enough to call a cab-but on a freezing day like this, watching the whole Brennan family pile into their cars and leave her standing there alone…it just didn’t seem right.
Juliet glanced at her parents and said quietly, “There are six seats between the two cars-there’s one left. We can give Annie a ride home.”
Murray looked at Anastasia, who hadn’t said a word, and sighed inwardly. He nodded. “Juliet’s right. Since there’s space, let’s give her a lift.”