Chapter 524
“Now isn’t the time for this. Bailee being here could affect your mother. Look after Winona and yourself; ask for help if you need it,” Eileen said.
With others around, it was clear that deep emotional conversations were inappropriate.
The situation was already charged with life-and-death stakes, making it an unfit moment for discussing relationships.
Learning that Huey’s phone was broken, Bailee took the card out of her phone, handed Huey her phone, and made sure they could at least stay connected.
She then made her way back to Milford’s ward with Eileen following her.
“You’re right, Eileen. I dragged it out too long,” Bailee admitted, despising herself for the delay. If she had reached out to Huey sooner, she would have discovered Winona’s condition earlier.
She wouldn’t have tormented herself for so long.
Suddenly, Eileen felt like the world was spinning out of control, and the haunting words of Zola echoed in her mind.
“You’ll lose it all…”
Taking a deep breath and furrowing her brow, Eileen said, “Winona’s illness has stalled your relationship with Huey. I’ll talk to Mom. Perhaps you should consider moving back home for a while.”
“Perhaps I could stay here and look after Milford for a few days,” Bailee suggested. “He needs someone, and I’m concerned about Huey. At least this way, I can keep an eye on him from a distance.”
Milford would need a couple of days in the hospital, at least until the doctor cleared him for discharge after his foot wound had properly healed.
Knowing she wasn’t up to the task of caring for Milford and seeing the earnest plea in Bailee’s eyes, Eileen agreed.
After leaving a note for Milford, Eileen headed home.
At home, only Bryan was present. Ruby had taken Gabriela out for a stroll around the neighborhood.
As Eileen changed her shoes at the entrance, Bryan noticed her distressed demeanor and came over to assist her with her bag, his intense gaze locking onto hers.
After she had changed her shoes, his strong, veined hand grasped her wrist and pulled her into a tight embrace, his deep voice resonating.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” Bryan asked.
His tone was filled with affection, a soothing balm that eased Eileen’s weariness and the lingering unease.
Eileen lifted her head and rested it against Bryan’s chest, leaning into him quietly.
“Nothing…” she began.
Before she could say more, Bryan noticed the scent of disinfectant on her. “Did you go to the hospital? Are you—”