Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 150

Following the lead of the hospital director, Professor Franklin stepped forward to inquire about my symptoms. Without even bothering with a blood draw, he prescribed medication on the spot and had a nurse fetch it for me to start an IV drip.

As the needle pierced my skin, I instinctively flinched, attempting to pull my hand away. Suddenly, a pair of comforting hands covered my eyes. "Don't worry. It's already in," a voice assured me.

Feeling slightly more at ease, and just as I began to relax, the needle slid into my vein.

With the hands removed, I looked up helplessly at Mark. "Mark, you lied, too?"

"A white lie," he said with a light chuckle.

After the nurse helped me onto the bed and applied a cold pack to my forehead, the hospital director and his entourage left the room. The cold pack brought instant relief, cooling me down and making me feel much better.

Mark sat beside my bed, gesturing outside with a hesitant and cautious look. "Did I scare you just now?"

"Huh?" I was momentarily puzzled and realized he was referring to when he had snapped at Margaret. I shook my head. "Not scared, just a bit surprised."

Mark smiled. "Surprised that I could get mad?"

I thought it over. "Not exactly. It’s just that I’m used to seeing you so calm. But we're not puppets. It’s normal to show anger."

"Right." Mark seemed suddenly relaxed, his amber eyes sparkling as a small smile played on his lips. "I used to be passive, but then I realized that wouldn’t help me protect the people I care about."

"Trying to protect that girl?" I teased.

He shot me a look and smiled. "Yeah, now I am. But that girl protected me when we were kids, always so bright and a bit of a spoiled princess. Initially, the person I wanted to protect was my mom."

"Mrs. Larson? Who would dare to bully her?" I blurted out without thinking.

Mark’s eyelashes fluttered down, a touch of sadness in his smile. "She should have been," he murmured.

"What?" I asked.