Chapter 6

"Hello. Isabella, are you feeling better?" Vanessa asked, concerned, as soon as Isabella answered the phone.

Isabella nodded. "I'm much better."

"Are you still running a fever? Did you have lunch? Are you hungry? Should I order some takeout for you? Or is there anything specific you'd like to eat? I can bring it over." Faced with Vanessa's care, Isabella was puzzled, since they weren't really close. Vanessa's concern seemed sudden and excessive.

But Vanessa meant well, and Isabella couldn't refuse, so she responded to her questions one by one, "I'm not running a fever anymore. I had lunch already. I'm not hungry, but if I do get hungry, I'll order takeout. Thank you for your concern, Vanessa."

"Oh..." Vanessa hesitated slightly. "Is... Is Mr. Landon still there?"

"He's gone."

"Did he come just to see you?"

"No." Isabella didn't mention Sebastian's grandmother being in the hospital. After all, Sebastian was her boss, and if she said something out of place, it could affect her job.

Vanessa was puzzled. "Why did Mr. Landon go to the hospital then?"

"He seemed... to be visiting a friend," Isabella vaguely replied.

"Mr. Landon has a friend in the hospital?" Vanessa continued to inquire.

Isabella pursed her lips. "I don't know the specifics."

"Oh," Vanessa sounded disappointed. She continued, "I'm free tonight. What do you want to eat? I can bring it over for you."

"You don't have to do that. I won't be staying at the hospital tonight," Isabella politely declined, feeling a bit overwhelmed by Vanessa's enthusiasm.

"Alright then. Get some rest. Don't worry about work. I'll take care of it for you."

"Thank you, Vanessa."

"You're welcome. We're colleagues, after all. Get some rest, goodbye."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Vanessa leaned back in her chair, frowning in thought.

Laura slid her chair over. "Since when did you have such a good relationship with that intern? Are you planning on bringing her food?"

Vanessa waved her hand. "I feel sorry for her, that's all."

"What's there to feel sorry for?" Laura dismissed her. "I've seen plenty of newcomers like her in the workplace. She pretends to be weak and sorry for herself just because she's young, so she can gain sympathy and help with her work. You all care about her, but she's nothing in my eyes."

Vanessa smiled and didn't say anything, but she thought about whether to go to the hospital that night.

When Isabella's IV drip finished, it was past 5 p.m.

She was originally planning to go back to the school dormitory, but when she saw that Zoe was by herself and lonely, she decided to stay with her a little longer until Sebastian arrived.

Not long after, the door to the ward opened, and Nina walked in carrying a lunchbox.

"Why are you here?" Isabella got up to greet her.

Nina put the umbrella she was holding in the corner and smiled. "I brought you some dinner. Are you hungry?"

The lunchbox was filled with Isabella's favorite food.

"Don't worry. I can take care of it myself."

The hospital was far away from their home. Isabella couldn't bear to see Nina going back and forth for her, and she was worried that Charlie would pick a fight with Nina, causing conflict between them.

Nina understood her thoughts and reassured her by patting her hand. "Charlie has a social event tonight. It's raining, and I can't open the stall. I'd be bored at home alone, so I thought I'd come to the hospital and keep you company."

Isabella nodded.

She took two tissues and wiped the water off Nina's shoulders.

"How nice." Zoe raised her hand and wiped away a tear. "I have a sister, too, but she passed away when she was young. You two are just like us. If my sister were still here, she would definitely come to visit me..."

Her words made Isabella and Nina sad.

Nina said, "The people who have passed away will always love us, Ma'am. Don't be too sad. If your sister knew you were grieving for her, she would be sad too."

"Yes." Zoe smiled awkwardly. "Sorry for embarrassing you."

"No problem," Nina said. "No matter how old we are, we all have someone we care about. We need to cherish the present, even if we miss those who have passed away."

Zoe nodded repeatedly, saying, "Yes."

Nina took out the food. "Ma'am, you haven't eaten yet, have you? Would you like to try the food I made?"

Zoe was very happy. "Sure. I happen to be hungry too."

The three of them sat around the bed and started eating.

___

The Landon Group.

Vanessa finished typing the last word, saved the document, and looked up to see Sebastian walking out of the office. Sebastian checked his watch while walking and seemed to be in a hurry.

Vanessa immediately closed her computer and followed him.

As Vanessa walked out, she saw Sebastian standing at the door, waiting for a car in the pouring rain.

She approached him. "Have you just finished work too, Mr. Landon?"

Sebastian turned to look at her, his expression cold. "Yes."

Vanessa stared at the rain, looking anxious. "Oh no, I forgot to bring food for Isabella since I was working overtime."

Sebastian look at her again when he heard that. "What did you say?"

"I promised to visit Isabella tonight and bring her dinner, but I got too busy and forgot." Vanessa held her phone. "It's difficult to get a cab in this heavy rain."

Sebastian asked, "Are you going to the hospital?"

"Yes."

At that moment, the driver brought the car over and stopped in front of them.

Sebastian said, "Get in, I'm going there too."

Vanessa didn't hesitate and got into the car.

___

When they pushed open the door to the ward, a tranquil scene awaited them inside.

Zoe was leaning against the bed, and Isabella was sleeping.

The sound of the TV was very low, blending with the rain outside like a lullaby.

"As Vanessa was about to speak, she saw Sebastian raise his hand. He didn't go in but instead stepped out of the ward and gently closed the door.

Vanessa stood behind him, looking puzzled. "Mr. Landon?"

"She hasn't slept that soundly for a long time. Don't wake her up." Even though Sebastian had stepped outside the ward, his voice was still low, seemingly afraid to disturb the quiet sleep inside.

Vanessa was very surprised. It had only been a day, but Sebastian was already so attentive to Isabella. Had he discovered her secret?

Vanessa thought about it again and realized something was off.

If Sebastian knew the truth, then he would also know about the thing she had deliberately kept hidden.

Sebastian hated deception, so there was no way he would calmly take her to the hospital with him.

Vanessa couldn't understand.

Sebastian took the lunchbox from her hands. "You head back first. I'll give this to Isabella."

Vanessa nodded reluctantly. "Thank you."