Chapter 386

Rosalind nodded. "Alright. Where's Everett?"

Dominic pulled out a duffel bag and began stuffing his belongings inside. His movements were mechanical, voice devoid of emotion. "She left. We're just classmates, nothing beyond that."

"I've seen how girls throw themselves at you. Remember that one who slipped a love letter and handmade truffles into your gym bag? Lillian caught her red-handed. What was her name... Adriana?"

Dominic's head snapped up, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Don't compare them to Rosalind. She's nothing like those girls."

A knowing smile played on Rosalind's lips. "So in your world, Rosalind exists in some special category all her own?"

Silence. Dominic's face became unreadable as he resumed packing with deliberate movements.

"Dominic, you're not a boy anymore. If you care about someone, don't let them walk away. Rosalind is special."

Zipping his bag shut, Dominic slung it over one shoulder while carefully supporting Margaret as they exited the hospital room.

The sterile hallway echoed with their footsteps as Dominic murmured, "I don't do relationships. I've got nothing to offer her."

Margaret said nothing. She knew the Fairchild family's standing in society - precisely why she'd kept her distance from Rosalind when Beatrice was present. Protecting the girl's reputation mattered more than her own comfort.

Because she genuinely cared about Rosalind.

"Right now, clearing Dad's name is all that matters. One day, everyone will know he died an undercover officer - not some common criminal."

Tears glistened in Margaret's eyes as she squeezed Dominic's arm. "This weight wasn't meant for your shoulders."

The path ahead would be brutal.

"Your father... if he were here, he'd want you to have a normal life. Fall in love. Raise a family. Find peace."

Hospital staff brushed past them as Dominic guided his mother through the crowded corridor.

"I know exactly the life I want. And it's not that one. I don't do feelings. Never have. Never will."

Meanwhile, Harrison had been pacing near the entrance, relief washing over her when she spotted Rosalind. "There you are! I was beginning to think Everett Sinclair had kidnapped you permanently."

Rosalind's cheeks flushed crimson. "Stop it! We need to get to the Whitmore residence." During the cab ride, Rosalind recounted everything to Harrison.

"Margaret's cancer has metastasized to her heart and brain. Two months, tops. Everett doesn't know. After his father died, his mother became his entire world. I can't imagine how he'll survive losing her too."

Harrison exhaled heavily. Once cancer spread this far, medical options vanished.

Though she could ensure Margaret's remaining time was pain-free.

Harrison studied Rosalind's face. "Loss is the price of love, isn't it?"

Rosalind nodded. "At least I have Everett's number now. If anything happens... I can reach him."

Harrison's eyebrows shot up. "Rosalind Fairchild, you dark horse. You actually got Everett Sinclair's digits?"

Leaning close, Rosalind whispered something that made Harrison's eyes widen. "Wait - you and Everett actually...?"