The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 294

Petty couldn’t help laughing at Franco’s reaction, but her laugh sounded broken, almost painful, like swallowing glass. He figured it out right away, without even waiting for her to explain anything.

“Why?” Her voice was so soft, but her question hung heavily between them.

Franco’s eyes moved to her hands, still clutching the end of the hospital bed. Her knuckles were white and her fingers trembled. His expression was cold, almost impossible to read. “I won’t marry the daughter of my enemy.”

So there it was. The truth she’d been dreading but also expecting.

Petty just nodded, feeling strangely at peace, almost relieved. She turned toward the door. Her hand had barely brushed the handle before Franco reached out and grabbed her wrist. His fingers were cool and careful.

“The doctor said you should rest,” he told her.

“I want to go home,” she answered quietly. Her face was calm, but there was something wild in her eyes, a flicker of defiance. “My parents’ ashes are already in the sea. There’s nothing left for you to threaten me with.”

Franco stared at her pale face, his eyes dark and steady. His voice dropped lower. “I’m not here to threaten you. You should stay... I’ll go.”

He let go and left the room, the door clicking gently behind him.

A little while later, Jay came in with a cup of warm brown sugar tea. He set it on the small table beside the bed, then left without another word.

Petty stared at the tea. Her stomach was still aching, a slow, heavy pain she rarely ever experienced. She didn’t try to tough it out anymore. Instead, she picked up the cup and took a few careful sips.

Soon, the doctor walked in with a nurse. He was gentle and respectful. “Mrs. White...”

“Please call me Petty,” she corrected softly.

He paused for a second, then remembered something and nodded. “Of course, Petty. How are you feeling now?”

Jay nodded from the driver’s seat. “Will do.”

It didn’t take long for Amy to get to the hospital. She rushed in, worried as soon as she saw Petty sitting against the pillows, her complexion pale and tired.

“Oh, Petty, look at you. You really don’t look well.” Amy reached out and wrapped Petty’s hand in hers, bringing a little warmth and comfort.

Petty pulled her lips into the barest smile. “You didn’t have to come… how did you know?”

“They told me you passed out from cramps. Is it really that bad?”

Petty assumed it was the colleagues from her meeting who had called her friend. “The doctor said I just need to take care of myself and rest. If I do that, it’ll get easier.”

Amy looked at her, eyes full of concern. “Why don’t you come home with me? My mom is amazing — she helped cure my cramps when I was younger. She’d take good care of you, I promise.”