In the evening, Milo first visited Cristopher's room to see him in a coma. After exchanging a few words with Teagan, he took Averi out for dinner.
This was their first meeting since parting ways at the Bulgari Hotel.
Before he arrived, Averi worried that he might bring up the lady for whom she'd made the beef stew, but Milo didn't mention a word about it—an indication that things hadn't been handled very well.
That was good for her.
As Averi was pondering how to start, Milo cleared the way for her, "I heard that Eli has also been targeted because he got too close to Bella."
If the matter could reach Cristopher, the Hebert family would have heard about it earlier, so they chose to remain on the sidelines.
There's nothing to complain about; refraining from kicking someone when they're down is considered righteous.
Averikept her composure as she asked, "Do we still have any options left?"
Milo picked up the cast iron kettle and leaned forward to pour her a cup of hot water, filling it just right—about three-quarters full, not too much and not too little.
He said, "It's more complicated."
The warm aroma filled the air as Averi took a small sip of the hot water, patiently waiting.
Milo stared at her and began, "Averi, you should understand that the old man doesn't like me getting involved in these matters. To be exact, I have nothing to do with Eli. You understand the situation right now—there's no reason for me to get myself mixed up in someone else's mess."
Averi felt a jolt in her heart.
After the harsh words, Milo sighed softly, "Don't look at me like that, Averi. I have my own difficulties."
Averi lowered her eyes, "I know. You've helped me a lot. You didn't have to take care of Eli before, nor did you have to handle my car accident."
By saying this, she somewhat eased Milo's anger. He indeed volunteered to help; she had never forced him. However, he hoped she could be grateful, as no one likes to be taken advantage of.
Once the food was served, he calmly picked up a piece of roasted sweet potato and placed it on her plate. "You probably haven't been eating properly these past few days," he said. "Sweet potatoes are good for your stomach. Have a piece to settle it."
Averi didn't like the roasted sweet potato, but she still picked a piece and put it into her mouth.
Milo ate a piece himself and then said, "Don't worry, I'll handle it."
Averi was about to thank him when she heard him continue, "Next year is a good year, what do you think? We've been engaged for so long, there's no point in delaying any further. It will also stop the old man from bringing up the fact that we're not a family."
Averi did not answer immediately, but since she was chewing, the silence seemed reasonable.
Milo put down his chopsticks and looked at her.
Swallowing her food, Averi met his gaze and smiled, "The timing is a bit rushed; we would probably only be able to book a venue for the latter half of the year. Do you have any preferences? A hotel? Or a lawn?"
Milo studied her, leaned back in his chair, and smiled, "You decide. Just go with what you like; a beautiful bride is more important than anything."
After dinner, Averi returned to the hospital room to stay with Cristopher.
Dr. Smith brought five professional caregiver resumes, and Averi looked through them, selecting two.
Teagan's age was evident; she couldn't endure as long. She went to the next room to rest, leaving Averi and Odin in the hospital room.
Averi said, "Odin, go get some rest. Don't let it interfere with your classes."
Averi shook her head. Odin shook his head, "I've already taken leave from school. I've requested a week off."
It was snowing outside, though it was unclear when it had started. Averi watched quietly for a moment, then stood up and said, "Come have a cup of coffee with me."
Outside the hospital room, Averi sat on a bench, watching the steam rise from her drink, and suddenly said, "Odin, you've always seemed more like my real brother than Eli, ever since we were kids."
Odin lowered his head to blow on his coffee, his expression unclear, but his voice steady: "Averi, why bring this up all of a sudden? I've always thought of you as my sister too."
Averi didn't say anything further, and the conversation ended there. She assumed she was overthinking.
The trash bin was at the other end of the hallway. After finishing her coffee, Averi stood up to throw away the cup. Odin reached out to take her cup, "Let me do it." His fingers almost touched hers, but she quickly pulled away.
"Thank you," Averi said, handing the cup over voluntarily.
She could dismiss her thoughts as overthinking, but she couldn't treat Odin the same way she used to. Now that they were grown, boundaries between brother and sister were necessary.
On the third day, Cristopher finally regained full consciousness, along with his rationality. His attitude toward Averi was somewhat cold until he heard her mention that the Hebert family was willing to help, which softened his demeanor somewhat.
Fortunately, his attitude toward Teagan remained the same as it had been during his brief moment of clarity that day.
Averi arranged for Eli to stay outside the hospital room. Cristopher couldn't see him, but the doctors and nurses frequently conveyed Eli's 'devotion' to Cristopher, which was more effective than Eli saying it himself.
There was another stroke of luck for her—Mareli hadn't returned yet. This meant that none of the servants at the old residence were loyal to her.
Averi suddenly understood why Cristopher, with all his lovers, had chosen to marry her. It was because she had the mind but not the means—she was 'simple' enough. Cristopher saw through it all: the inheritance was enough to keep her caring for him until his death, without the risk of her rising after he was gone.
It seemed like the person he married had changed, but in reality, it was the criteria that had shifted. The act of weighing choices itself had never changed.
Since Cristopher was now awake, Averi no longer needed to stay by his bedside 24/7.
The moment she stepped out of the hospital, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion rushed over her, nearly crushing her.
She didn't go home but instead went to the entrance of Dallas's apartment.
As soon as he opened the door, Averi embraced him, burying her head in his chest, stealing his warmth.
Dallas was stunned for half a second, then hugged her back, one arm around her shoulders. After a long while, he asked, "Do you want to come inside first?"
They were still standing at the door.
Averi nodded, just about to let go, but Dallas pulled her inside directly. She kicked off her high heels carelessly, inhaling the scent of soap from him, and whispered, "You called me." "Hello, Averi? Why are you calling me at this time?"
Dallas hummed in response, not planning to ask why she hadn't answered or called back.
Her exhaustion was so evident that there was no need to ask.
He had made two calls in total, one before hearing from Jordan about Cristopher's incident, and one after. The second one shouldn't have been made, but he couldn't help himself.
Dallas lifted her up and carried her to the couch.
Averi lay down accordingly, closing her eyes and resting her head on his thigh. Just as she felt the emptiness in her hand, a warm palm covered hers, wrapping her fingers securely.
She let out a comfortable sigh, suddenly feeling extremely lazy, unwilling to think about anything.
She said, "I'll sleep for a while first." By the time she said the last few words, her consciousness was already fading.
Dallas gently rubbed the back of her hand and whispered, "Get some sleep."
