Chapter 35

Anna Ross lowered her gaze.

Her fingertips discreetly wiped away the moisture at the corners of her eyes.

She didn't understand what she was still hoping for.

Some expectations were destined to bring only deeper pain.

She supported herself on the edge of the hospital bed and slowly stood up.

Her body was still so weak it trembled.

She walked out of the hospital room.

The hallway was empty, devoid of Adrian Sinclair's presence.

Anna's heart clenched.

Had he already left?

She forced a bitter smile.

Leaning against the wall, she slowly made her way out.

Outside the hospital entrance.

The black Mercedes-Benz sat silently.

Adrian was already in the driver's seat.

The sharp lines of his profile were cold and unreadable.

Anna paused for a moment where she stood.

Finally, she pulled the car door open and got in.

"So slow."

"What a nuisance."

Adrian glanced at her.

His eyes held no warmth whatsoever.

Anna closed her eyes, refusing to look at him.

Her hands unconsciously pressed against her abdomen.

Although she had received an IV drip.

The prolonged hunger still caused sharp pains in her stomach.

Adrian noticed her pale complexion.

He casually tossed a paper bag toward her.

"Don't die in my car."

Anna opened the paper bag.

Inside was a still-warm breakfast.

She silently picked up the food and began eating in small bites.

She had been hungry for too long.

She ate a little too quickly.

Her cheeks puffed out slightly.

Adrian's gaze flickered over her.

A barely perceptible shift passed through his eyes.

But it quickly returned to ice.

Anna stole a glance at him.

This was the first time she had looked properly at his profile since their reunion.

He was still heartbreakingly handsome.

But colder and more distant than she remembered.

That once gentle young man.

Had truly vanished.

The sunlight through the car window stung her eyes.

She hurriedly tilted her head back.

And continued eating mechanically.

Anna made a vow to herself.

One day, she would leave him completely.

And never see him again.

The car came to a smooth stop.

Adrian's voice was devoid of emotion.

"Get out."

Anna gathered her trash.

She pushed the door open but froze in place.

They were right in front of her apartment complex.

"Don't I need to go to work?"

She asked hesitantly.

Had he suddenly softened?

Adrian gave her a cold look.

"You look terrible."

"Do you want to be responsible for scaring the clients?"

He paused before adding.

"Be available on call during your rest."

"Don't even think about slacking off."

The car sped away.

The slender figure in the rearview mirror grew smaller and smaller.

Adrian's fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel.

She had asked if he truly hated her.

That question echoed repeatedly in his mind.

Had he gone too far?

Anna stood still, lost in thought.

She only turned to walk home after the taillights disappeared around the corner.

Vivian Lowell was arranging flowers in the living room.

She had picked these flowers with her daughter.

She trimmed them with extra care.

A gentle smile graced her lips.

She looked up at the sound of the door opening.

Her face first lit up with delight at seeing her daughter.

Then she noticed Anna's pale complexion.

She immediately put down the scissors and hurried over.