Chapter 25

Hospital room. Clara had just taken a deep breath and pulled herself together when Frederick showed up with discharge papers in hand. "Clara, everything's done. Let's get going." Once they were in the car, he glanced at her and asked, "You're not going back to Bennett Residence ?" "Nope. Just drop me off at the shop, thanks." From the way she said it, he could tell she planned on staying there. "You're kidding, right? You're not even fully recovered yet, and living at the shop? That's not gonna work," he said, frowning. "Look, I've got an apartment near our company. It's empty but cleaned regularly. You can stay there for now." Clara hesitated before shaking her head. "No, I'll find somewhere else tomorrow. I've already imposed on you enough." "It's no trouble, really," Frederick insisted, his dark eyes full of concern. "Just listen to me this once, okay? I won't feel at ease otherwise." Eventually, Clara gave in. When they arrived, Frederick helped her get settled and handed her a cup