Way Back Into Love (Essie) novel Chapter 76

Essie was startled and rushed out to meet Hanson.

His leg was still covered in a plaster cast. ‘How could he be so stubborn? What if he got hurt again?’ she thought, feeling annoyed and worried.

When she got in the car and saw him, a thin layer of mist rose from her eyes.

He looked gaunt and gloomy, with dark shadows under his eyes. It seemed that like Essie, he had not been feeling quite well the past days.

"You should go back to the hospital as soon as possible. The doctor said that you can’t move freely yet while you’re wearing the cast. They’d remove it soon, but you should rest before then," Essie advised with concern.

Hanson didn’t wait for a second to reply, "But if I didn’t come, how would I see you?" The corners of his mouth formed a desolate and bitter smile.

"Hanson, we’re still—" Essie’s voice sounded detached. Hearing her speak that way, he seemed to know what she was going to say next. Hanson quickly and anxiously interrupted her, "Essie, don’t let anyone else stand in our way, okay?" He held her hand tightly in fear that she would disappear if he loosened his grip.

"But she’s your mother…" she whispered as she lowered her head. Essie knew just what he was talking about and felt disheartened.

"Essie, listen to me. My mother is actually very easy to get along with. Right now, she’s just really eager to host Bella, that’s why she seems hard to please. As long as she knows that we truly love each other, she will understand." Hanson tried to comfort her. He wasn’t sure if Essie would believe him, but he had to take a chance.

Essie remained quiet beside him while her mind started to wander into a familiar memory.

She remembered the first time that she met his mom—her eyes had been filled with disgust as if Essie was a thief who would take her son away from her.

‘Could she really accept me? Would she understand?’ Essie mulled over.

No matter what she thought, she couldn’t convince herself. She had no confidence.

Seeing that she lowered her head and didn’t say a word, he reached out his hand and held her in his arms. "Essie, even if everyone objects, even if I don’t get Bella, even if I lose everything, I will stay with you. No one can take you away from me." His voice sounded so solemn, so firm, and so sincere. She felt touched by what she just heard, as though her heart melted from his sincerity.

"Hanson—" She embraced him back and buried her head into his chest. His embrace felt warm and soothing. She had longed for and dreamed about this feeling ever since she met Hanson. She felt as though she was finally home.

Essie closed her eyes for a bit and a faint smile formed on her lips. ‘God must have heard my incessant prayers. He finally sent Hanson to me.’

She felt that as long as he was with her, her life was complete—everyone else was insignificant.

Slowly, the Rolls-Royce headed for the Landmark Bistro, instead of the hospital.

She turned and scanned the area. It didn’t look like they were bound for the hospital. "Aren’t we going back to the hospital?" Essie asked.

"I’m bored to death staying in my room every day. I’m going out to have a big meal, and you’re going to eat with me." Hanson smiled playfully. He felt thrilled to be spending more time with Essie.

"You do look thinner." Essie gently stroked his thin face. Realizing how natural this all felt, she felt cheery and content.

"You haven’t brought me any soup for the past few days. I only eat what you cook. If you don’t cook for me, I won’t be able to eat anything," he sighed heavily on purpose.

"All right, all right. I’ll cook for you every day from now on," she smiled sweetly, two dimples filled her cheeks as they blushed. Essie couldn’t help but feel pleased.

When they got off the car, the new nurse and the driver secured the wheelchair and helped Hanson get on it.