Chapter 12

In the hospital's VIP ward, the scent of disinfectant was masked by the fragrance of lilies placed nearby. Tristan sat by the bed, holding a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. The spoon gently clinked against the rim of the bowl. "Cassie, just one more sip," he said, bringing the spoon to Cassie's lips. His voice was full of tenderness as he continued, "I simmered it for four hours and skimmed off all the fat." Cassie's pale cheeks flushed faintly. She sipped from the spoon in his hand, her lashes casting a shadow on her face beneath the lights. "Tristan, if you stay here with me, won't Ms. Norton…" "She won't mind," Tristan cut in, sounding as if he were trying to convince himself. "Anna's always been understanding." However, when he set the bowl down, the porcelain spoon struck the glass coffee table with a sudden clink. The sound shot through his temple like a needle. It had been three days, and he still hadn't heard from Annabel. Tristan pulled out his phone. The loc