I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 371

I had no idea what Mr. Lancaster Sr. said. After dinner, I went to bed early.

I didn't even see the messages Horace sent me.

When I saw his concerned messages the next morning, I bit my lip and quickly replied.

I felt a little guilty, like I hadn't quite settled into the role of being his girlfriend yet. After quickly handling some diamond materials for work, I touched up my makeup and headed to the hospital to see him.

The cut on my forehead from yesterday's bump was just a faint mark today, easily covered with a bit of foundation. The cut on my lip was almost healed too.

When Mrs. Spencer saw me, she pursed her lips but said nothing, leaving the room to give us some privacy. Horace was out of bed, practicing walking, and I joined him.

Horace looked at me, a smile gracing his pale, handsome face as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

"The doctor said my leg is healing well. I might be able to walk normally again soon."

I remembered what Mrs. Spencer had said yesterday, and my heart sank, but I forced a bright smile.

"Serious injuries take time to heal. Don't rush it. Just take it slow."

"This is a good general hospital, but it's not a specialist orthopedic center. Since your leg was injured before, I think we should consider going back to that specialized hospital abroad. It would be better for your recovery."

A leg injury really needs specialized orthopedic care, with targeted treatment.

Horace was quiet for a few seconds, looking at me. "Do you want me to go abroad for treatment?"

I looked up at him and smiled. "Of course. You should go to whichever hospital can help you recover."

Horace took my hand, his gaze deep and intense.

"Changing hospitals would mean being far away from you. We just got together, and I don't want to be separated. It's fine here."

I'd rarely seen such a raw, open look in his eyes. I dropped my gaze, instinctively looking away.

"Well, then... we'll continue with the conservative treatment here for now. But if you feel any discomfort, you have to tell us."

Now, with Horace, I'm also nervous, but it's a different kind. I'm afraid of running out of things to say, afraid of awkward silences, so I force myself to talk. I rack my brain for a response to everything he says, terrified of saying the wrong thing and making it awkward or hurting his feelings.

Both relationships have felt so strange. I'm really not cut out for romance; I'm much better off just being friends with people.

Horace didn't say anything. He just sat down, picked up an apple, and began to peel it. His hands were clean and slender, and the knife moved skillfully and efficiently. Soon, he handed the peeled apple to me.

I took it from him, forcing a smile.

"Thanks."

Horace's eyes watched me intently before he suddenly changed the subject.

"Remember back in senior year, when you got sick? I came over to your house to give you my notes. You had a terrible cold and your voice was all hoarse. You were hoping to use being sick as an excuse to skip homework, but I brought you a mountain of assignments and study materials. I even nagged you to do them right after taking your medicine and stayed to make sure you did."

"You were so mad you were practically fuming. The moment your mom left the room, you sprang to life and tried to strangle me, shouting my name in that awful, raspy voice and telling me never to set foot in your house again. It took a lot of effort to calm you down. Remember? I had to promise to take you out for some great spicy food once you got better."