Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223

“Madam, that’s way too generous,” Nancy declined.

“It’s the least I owe you,” Rebecca said firmly. “With your injury sidelining you for two or three months, consider it compensation for lost income. And if anything arises later, reach out. I’ll help where I can, even from afar.”

Before long, Vance called, asking about her whereabouts.

“I’m at the hospital, visiting Nancy,” she replied. “Are you home already?”

A flicker of concern arose. He might have seen the divorce agreement.

“Just got back, and you weren’t home,” he replied. “How much longer? I’ll come get you.”

“Oh, I’m nearly finished,” she said, relieved.

“I’m heading over now. Won’t be long,” he insisted.

“Alright,” Rebecca agreed.

She’d intended to leave anyway, but why had he clocked out so early?

“Was that Mr. Bradford?” Nancy asked.

Rebecca nodded. “Yes. And honestly, if you need assistance down the line, he’s a good bet too. He’s generally helpful, most of the time.”

To be fair, Vance wasn’t a bad person. As long as Catherine wasn’t involved, he was usually willing to help-especially since Nancy still had that unresolved threat from her rural family that might resurface and bother her and her daughter.

Nancy understood and nodded appreciatively. “Thank you, Madam. I truly hope happiness finds you moving forward.”

“It will,” Rebecca affirmed with conviction.

Her departure from Soliaridge and Vance was precisely to secure her future joy. The hospital’s proximity to home meant Vance arrived in just 15 minutes, striding directly into the room to check on Nancy himself.

With visiting hours dwindling, Nancy encouraged them to leave.

“We’ll head out now,” Vance said. “If you need anything, just call us.”

He took Rebecca’s hand, leading her out of the room. Instead of heading straight out, Rebecca veered toward the billing counter.

“Let me take care of it,” he offered, pulling up his payment app. “Running low on the medical tab?”

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“I want to add extra funds,” she explained. “We might not be around for her discharge. Better to overpay so she can settle without worry.”

“Sensible,” he agreed, transferring a substantial amount. “Any surplus can serve as additional compensation for her.”

He then suggested dining out that evening. “Just the two of us tonight, I swear.”

“Okay,” she consented.

Tomorrow marked her escape: an early flight to Arelmoor, while he’d board a midday one to Colorado.

Tonight, she’d fabricate a story about fetching Josette and staying over, proposing an airport meetup he’d miss entirely. Whatever unfolded after his realization would be irrelevant to her.

One final meal felt fitting. It would be a private ritual of closure on her terms.

“What are you craving?” Vance asked, considerate for once.

“Local cuisine,” she decided.

It might be her last taste of hometown flavors for quite some time.

“Perfect,” he said, dialing a local spot to reserve. After confirming availability, he turned to her. “They’ve got a private room open. Let’s go.”

The restaurant exuded refined elegance. Its understated opulence was evident in every detail as they were escorted to their private room.

The waiter presented menus, and Vance handed hers over first, encouraging her to choose.

Local dishes weren’t his preference, but Rebecca pushed that aside, scanning the options with determination. “Since you’re treating, I’m splurging. No holding back.”

Observing her expression, he smiled. “Around me, forget the rules.”

It highlighted his duality once more.

She selected grilled salmon with polenta, sautéed eel in garlic oil, stuffed duck, and crab risotto as staples. Spotting sliders among the appetizers, she added those, along with garlic pasta.

As she passed the menu back, she couldn’t resist tacking on braised beef.

“You’re a fan of braised beef?” he chuckled.

“Absolutely,” she admitted, though she rarely indulged.

“I always thought dancers were strict about diets-avoiding heavy stuff like that,” he remarked, surveying her picks. “Crab risotto, sliders, garlic pasta… This is a carb convention. Can we finish it all?”

“The risotto’s a must for me, and braised beef pairs perfectly with the sauce,” she explained.

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Sliders were selected out of nostalgia. She wouldn’t be able to have them for a while.

“Why not opt for king crab instead?”

“I’m good. I hate dealing with shells.”

This meal was hers to savor exactly as she wished.

P

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