Whispers of Destiny: His Belated Love novel Chapter 80

Rosemary's swagger was cut in half in an instant, but she still stood her ground, "Like it or not, you're staying. Doc, write up that admission slip."

I fully expected Maxwell, with his usual antics, to stir up some trouble, but he just sat there in silence, not saying a word.

The billing department was practically empty, so Rosemary was back with the paperwork in no time.

The inpatient ward was in the building out back, and he got a private room.

Rosemary: "Should I find you a caregiver?"

"I'm not down with being watched by a stranger while I snooze."

"How about I station them outside the door? Holler if you need anything," Rosemary said, while suppressing a yawn.

Maxwell gave her a cool look, "You think after a concussion I'd have the strength to shout?"

Rosemary retorted, slightly peeved, "Having a concussion doesn't mean you've lost your voice."

She was cut off mid-sentence by a voice from outside.

"Maxwell."

It was Pearl.

Seeing the bandage on Maxwell's forehead and confirming that, as Jason said, he had no other injuries, she frowned and scolded, "You're not a kid anymore, how can you still take a tumble walking? Can't you watch where you're going?"

Maxwell: "Jason told you I was in the hospital?"

Usually, Pearl would've been asleep at this clock.

"You have the nerve to ask? I called you a dozen times and got no answer, and I was nearly scared to death. If it wasn't for a friend of mine working at this hospital who happened to see you, I'd still be in the dark about your hospital stay. I bumped into Jason downstairs. You didn't even bother to tell me about such a big deal. There goes your bonus for the month."

Once Pearl saw Maxwell was okay, she said, "Rosemary, I'm counting on you to take care of him tonight."

The way Pearl treated Rosemary and the way she treated him were a stark contrast,, like the attitude of a birth mother versus a stepmother.

Rosemary couldn't say no, or Pearl would definitely catch on to the tension between them, "Alright, Mom, I'll walk you downstairs. It's late, and you need your rest."

The two walked arm in arm like mother and daughter, leaving Maxwell, the patient, alone in the room.

"Rosemary, when are you and Maxwell planning on having a kid? It's about time." Pearl quickly added, not wanting Rosemary to think she was pressuring her, "It's tougher for women to recover from childbirth as they get older, and complications can linger."

Rosemary: "Mom, Maxwell and I."

She hesitated, trying to find a gentle way to remind Pearl that she and Maxwell were planning to divorce.

But Pearl switched topics, "How did that last medication work out? If you're out, I'll ask the doctor to prescribe some more."

Rosemary remained silent.

She really couldn't fathom discussing Viagra's effectiveness with an elder so candidly.

The elevator arrived, and Pearl smiled, "Alright, go back now. I can manage on my own."

Before, Rosemary would have insisted on walking her down, but now, she was afraid Pearl would continue on the topic. She told her to be careful and then hightailed it back to the room.