He Gave Me Hearing, Then Taught Me What Silence Really Means novel Chapter 272

Juniper couldn't promise that. Walter's life-saving surgery was still in Nelson's hands.

The two of them stayed by the grave for another two hours, the suffocatingly heavy atmosphere refusing to lift.

It was evening by the time they descended from the cemetery.

The workers carried Brooks back down the steps. As he was getting into the car to leave, he couldn't help but give Juniper one last warning. "If you ever get the chance, stay far away from Nelson. Never let him find you."

He said 'if you ever get the chance' because he knew full well that neither of them had the power to do so right now.

Juniper nodded. Her face was still dreadfully pale, and she reached up to adjust the silk scarf around her neck.

Brooks left first; his eyes were swollen shut, and he desperately needed to rest.

Juniper looked back up toward the cemetery. That solitary headstone marked the sum of Beatrice's life.

She sat down slowly, not caring about the dirt on the steps beneath her.

Her mind was a chaotic blur. She buried her face in her knees, just wanting a moment of peace.

She sat there for half an hour. When she finally stood up, her vision went black, and she nearly tumbled down the stairs.

Just then, a pair of hands reached out and steadied her by the shoulders.

The distinct scent of Nelson enveloped her. She averted her gaze and gently pushed him away.

He didn't force the contact. Once he was sure she had her balance, he let go. "I'm going up to pay my respects to your mother."

He might have despised the Lane family, but out of respect for the dead, he felt obligated.

He took a step toward the stairs, but Juniper's voice stopped him cold. "Don't dirty the ground up there."

Yara was off shift today. The moment she answered, she enthusiastically dived into the gossip.

"I went to check on Moonlight the day you left, but there was a guy at your place! And not just any guy—the gorgeous Dr. Vaughn! Spill it, how far have you two gone? He has access to your place to check on your dog. Did you give him your passcode?"

Her voice echoed through the car. Juniper didn't bother explaining and simply asked, "Is Moonlight okay?"

"He's doing great! Your doctor is taking excellent care of him. He even gives Moonlight belly rubs every day. I think your dog is completely smitten with him. You should just give in and make it official. It's the perfect time to lock down a solid stepdad for your furry baby."

Hearing that Moonlight was well cared for, Juniper let out a sigh of relief. "I'm coming back today."

Yara was still hyped. "It's Dr. Alistair Vaughn! You need to make a move and lock that down. I actually have a few professional questions I want to pick his brain about. He never guest-lectures at our hospital; too many people are fighting over him."

Juniper cracked a faint smile. "Sure."

The moment she agreed, a cold scoff sounded from the seat beside her.