Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 554

“The last time I was in the village to get you, everything was so rushed,” Haskell said with a smile. “I never got the chance to properly meet them.”

“Well, you’d better prepare yourself,” Larissa teased.

“Don’t worry,” he said confidently. “I won’t embarrass you.”

“After my birthday, your legs should be almost healed,” Larissa noted.

Haskell looked down at his legs. “You’re right.”

He was so close. He had almost forgotten what it felt like to walk normally. He had been following her instructions, putting weight on his feet every night to prevent muscle atrophy. At first, the pain had been unbearable, but lately, it had lessened significantly. He still couldn’t walk, but he could stand on his own for a few seconds. He couldn’t wait to stand before her as an equal, to marry her.

“By the way, have you heard from Torrin lately?” Haskell asked.

Larissa shrugged. “Not a peep. Avril even messaged me the other night to say she hasn’t heard from him either. It seems he’s finally gotten the message and decided to give up.”

“Or maybe he’s planning a big surprise for your birthday party,” Haskell guessed.

“Let him,” Larissa said, unconcerned.

Torrin wasn’t smart enough to cause her any real trouble. She had once thought he was just a bit arrogant but ultimately harmless, maybe even someone she could try to get to know. But it quickly became clear that they were on completely different wavelengths. If he wasn’t so stubborn, he could easily find a nice girl. She hoped, for his sake, he wouldn't remain a fool forever.

“Alright, I’m getting sleepy,” Larissa said with a yawn.

“Okay,” Haskell nodded. “Goodnight, Larissa.”

“Goodnight, Haskell.”

...

The next day at the office, Larissa listened to the final mix of her song produced by the post-production team. After approving it, she followed up on a few other projects besides “Heaven’s Will”.

Just before her lunch break, Haskell called.

Their hushed whispers quickly escalated into excited squeals.

“How is a face like that even possible? I can’t even create a character that perfect in a video game!”

“That’s what you call being divinely favored.”

“Even from this distance, I can see how deeply he’s looking at Ms. Judson!”

When Larissa got downstairs, she saw the car parked by the curb. The window was down, revealing Haskell’s impossibly handsome face. She jogged over.

Crispin had already gotten out and opened the door for her.

“Ms. Judson,” he said respectfully.

Larissa nodded at him and slipped into the car. “So, are we heading straight to the asylum to see Thatch?”