Next Man Better Plan novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Verna was frantic. “What should we do? Should I call an ambulance?”

The abbey was on a mountain, and an ambulance wouldn’t get there easily. Besides, as a sign of devotion, visitors were expected to walk up the path.

Stephanie said, “I know some physical therapy techniques. I could try to massage the area and see if I can loosen up the muscle.”

Verna thanked her profusely. “Oh, miss, that would be wonderful. Please.”

Stephanie’s technique was professional; she had learned it from her second brother years ago.

He had been a gentle soul, only in his early twenties and still in university when he died in the car accident. He had been a medical student, studying physical therapy.

Stephanie had been closest to him. That night, her father and eldest brother were going to a business meeting. Her second brother didn’t have to go, but he was worried they would drink too much and wanted to keep an eye on them.

He went with them and never came back.

Thinking of the past brought a sudden sting to Stephanie’s eyes. If only she had stopped him that day.

Stephanie kept her head down as a tear rolled down her cheek. Mrs. Vasquez Sr. thought it was a bead of sweat from the effort of the massage and felt a pang of sympathy. What a kind young girl, she thought.

Mrs. Vasquez Sr. said, “Dear, you’ve worked so hard. If you’re tired, please take a break. You don’t have to keep going.”

“It’s okay.” Stephanie controlled her emotions and blinked back her tears.

At first, Mrs. Vasquez Sr.’s back had been so sore she could barely move. But as Stephanie worked, the pain gradually subsided replaced by a warm, soothing sensation that seemed to ease even the chronic ache from her herniated disc.

Mrs. Vasquez Sr. was full of gratitude. “That’s enough, dear. I feel much better now.”

Stephanie smiled and stopped, gently reminding her, “Please be careful next time, so you don’t injure yourself again.”

Mrs. Vasquez Sr. nodded. The girl before her was bright–eyed and beautiful, and she felt an instant, familiar connection to her, as if they had met somewhere before. She took an immediate liking to her.

Mrs. Vasquez Sr. took her hand warmly and asked with a smile, “A pretty girl like you, do you have a boyfriend?”

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Chapter 28

Stephanie was taken aback.

Before she could answer, the young man happened to walk by. “Nope. She came to Aeterna Abbey to pray for a good marriage.”

Stephanie was speechless.

Upon hearing that the girl was single and looking for a husband, Mrs. Vasquez Sr’s eyes.

lit up.

She was more and more pleased the longer she looked at her. A wonderful girl like this–she couldn’t let her get away.

Mrs. Vasquez Sr. started her sales pitch. “Dear I have a grandson. He’s twenty–six and has never dated in his life.”

“Since you’re also looking for a husband, and we met here in this abbey after you saved me–it must be fate. Why don’t you consider my grandson?”

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