NovelOnlineChapter 171
Clara was cruising down the road towards the old hospital, checking the rearview mirror every now and then.
Sure enough, a familiar car was trailing her. The license plate gave it away-it was Simon's. That guy just couldn't
take a hint.
With a sigh, Clara floored the gas pedal, pushing her car to its limits. Simon backed off a bit, keeping a cautious
distance.
When Clara finally arrived, she couldn't help but notice how run-down the hospital looked. If it were nighttime,
the place would definitely give off haunted house vibes. When she stepped out of her car, her eyes landed on an
elderly man sweeping the large courtyard. Despite the place's shabby exterior, it was spotlessly clean, as if
someone made sure to keep the dust at bay every day.
Curious, Clara hurried over to the old man. "Sir, the ground's already spotless. Why don't you take a break?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe old man paused, his snow-white hair ruffling in the breeze. A light of recognition brightened his eyes. "Clara,
is that you? What brings you here?"
Clara blinked in surprise. He knew her? "Yeah, it's me."
He set down his broom and untied his apron. "It's been a year since you last cby. How've you been?"
Smothering her surprise, Clara gave a warm smile. "I've been doing well."
The old man had a certain charm to him. The hospital grounds, despite their state of disrepair, were dotted with
flowers, and in the middle of the open lawn sat a stone table surrounded by a few stone benches.
Clara followed him and took a seat on one of the benches. "Please, sit down. I'll get stea," he said, heading
inside.
Clara jumped up. "Lethelp you.’
"It's okay. Just relax."
As she sat back down, she caught sight of Simon sneaking around, trying to be inconspicuous. Her mood soured
a bit-she hoped he wouldn't mess things up for her. To her relief, Simon just parked himself on a nearby bench,
keeping his mouth shut for now.
Clara figured it was best not to provoke him. With Simon, the more you pushed, the more he'd push back.
The old man returned with tea, unfazed by Simon's presence.
Simon politely said, "Sorry to intrude. Please, go on with your chat."
Pouring Clara a cup, the old man asked, "Here to see Hugh again? He's still the same. Without your support all
these years, he wouldn't have made it. This place is set for redevelopment with a hefty government offer, but |
promised you I'd stick by Hugh."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Clara felt a question bubbling up-who exactly was Hugh? But asking would give away that she didn't know.
She sipped her tea, contemplating, while the old man continued, "Clara, you're a good soul. It's just a pity Hugh
hasn't had better luck. If he ever wakes up, I'm sure he'd be something special."
Simon, who had been quietly simmering, was on edge. Who was this Hugh? And why were there parts of Clara's
life he was clueless about? He almost blurted out his questions but stopped cold at Clara's warning glance,
leaving him to fsilently.
Clara turned to the old man. "Thank you, Sir. Could you taketo see Hugh?"
Calix, the director, gave her a grateful nod. "Of course. Let's go. He hasn't met his guardian angel yet. Who
knows if he ever will."
Guided by Calix, Clara trailed behind him through a long, neglected but spotless corridor, stopping at the door of
a well-kept patient room. Inside, she was surprised to find top-notch medical equipment-stuff you'd expect in a
big city hospital.
Calix busied himself with checking the machines, letting out a weary sigh as he did.
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