The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 19

Maria opened the sack. "Mr. Lowell, look. This is what Jocelyn brought back today."

Adrian peered into the bag.

Inside were live chickens and ducks.

Adrian was taken aback. "Where did these come from?"

Jocelyn stood up, walked over to Adrian, and deliberately rolled up her sleeves, showing him her arm.

"I heard that these organic, farm-raised chickens and ducks are the most nutritious. I thought it would be good for Audrey to eat them while she's recovering."

"So, I drove out to the countryside early this morning and got them from a farmer."

Adrian was stunned. "The countryside? It's at least a five-hour round trip from here."

Jocelyn said, "It's no problem. I have nothing to do all day anyway. I would have driven for ten hours if I had to, as long as it helps Audrey get her strength back."

"You..."

It was then that Adrian noticed her arm.

There was a scratch on her forearm.

It looked like she had been scratched by something. Luckily, the wound wasn't deep.

But Adrian's brow still furrowed slightly. "What happened to your arm?"

Jocelyn pulled her sleeve down. "It's nothing."

But Adrian took her arm. "Tell me, what happened? Why is there a scratch?"

"It's really nothing." Jocelyn's voice was tinged with self-reproach. "It's my fault for being so clumsy. I couldn't even catch a chicken, and I got scratched."

Adrian's voice carried a sharp edge of frustration, yet his eyes betrayed a flicker of something dangerously close to worry. "Why weren't you more careful? You grew up pampered. You're not used to doing this kind of thing. Who told you to do it yourself?"

Before Jocelyn could answer, he added, "Maria, call the driver and have him bring the car around. Jocelyn is injured, she needs a rabies shot."

Jocelyn quickly stopped him. "It's not a big deal. It barely bled. I don't need a shot."

"No, you have to go."

"I really don't need to." Jocelyn's voice was gentle. "The driver has had a long day. Let's not trouble him."

Adrian thought for a moment. "I'll take you."

Claire was speechless for a moment. "Of course not! I guessed!"

A classic case of protesting too much.

Jocelyn couldn't be bothered to call her out on it.

"You're still on the market, so I wouldn't expect you to understand the joys of marriage. Things may seem one way on the surface, but you have no idea how much fun we're having behind closed doors."

Claire's face flushed with anger.

"What do you mean, 'on the market'? Jocelyn! You're being so rude!"

"Am I?" Jocelyn's smile was faint. "Good. Rude words are for rude people."

Claire was so angry she could barely breathe.

"Jocelyn! You're shameless!"

"Am I the shameless one, or are you?"

Jocelyn's smile vanished, her expression turning cold and hard.