His Regret Arrived Three Days Late novel Chapter 5

A few moments later, footsteps echoed in the hall. Annika knew their sound well—steady, measured, and strong.

When Conrad reappeared, she was still sitting in the same position. He glanced at her, his lips parting. “The doctor said you can be discharged.”

He stripped off his wet clothes, took a dry set from Hank, and quickly changed. Then, he walked over, lifted Annika into his arms, and carried her from the room.

Hank was waiting for them at the hospital entrance. As soon as he saw them, he rushed over with an umbrella, but it was no match for the downpour. The hem of Annika’s nightgown was soaked by the time Conrad settled her in the car. He shrugged off his own overcoat and draped it around her shoulders.

The car sped through the rain-slicked streets and soon arrived at their villa. Conrad carried her inside, straight to their bedroom. He turned up the heat, helped her change out of her damp clothes, and then went into the bathroom to clean up.

He was as gentle and attentive as ever, but underneath the surface of his care, Annika felt an unbridgeable coldness. The room was warm, but her heart felt like it had been plunged into an icy cavern.

When Conrad emerged from the bathroom, he began drying his hair with a blow dryer. Annika moved to help him, but he took a subtle step away, leaving her hand hanging awkwardly in the air. He was so close, yet it felt like they were separated by an ocean.

When the hum of the dryer finally stopped, he turned to her, his expression cool and remote. “Annika,” he said, his voice low and deliberate, “if anything happens to Serena tonight, it will be your fault.”

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