Chapter 47
Stuart’s injury was on his back, so he lay on his side facing away from Morwenna.
In fact, even before Morwenna entered the room, Stuart was just lying there with his eyes closed, not really asleep.
It was only when Morwenna showed up that his breathing finally evened out.
Under the cloak of night, the antique wall clock in the room ticked away, each second echoing as if it would last forever.
After a while, weighed down by fatigue, Morwenna started to drift off to sleep, but just as she was about to close her eyes, Stuart moved slightly, as if trying to turn over.
Morwenna was instantly awake, aware that turning could hurt his wound.
Barefoot, she hurried off the couch and rushed over, gently holding Stuart’s shoulder to stop him.
She held her breath, careful not to wake him, knowing well that Stuart was always on high alert and easily roused.
As she pressed against him, her face was a portrait of tension.
Stuart didn’t manage to turn over and didn’t try further, continuing to sleep on his side.
Morwenna let out a sigh of relief.
She didn’t realize that Stuart’s vigilance was more severe than she thought. Normally, any slight noise or presence could wake him. But here he was still sleeping even with someone moving around him and touching him. It was something unbelievable if told.
Seeing Stuart settle, Morwenna withdrew her hand.
Worried that Stuart might move and aggravate his wound, Morwenna decided not to sleep and instead sat by the bed to watch over him. She didn’t bother putting on shoes. Being barefoot meant she could move silently on the carpet.
Sitting quietly by the bed, Morwenna watched Stuart, her gaze growing tender.
Love was a rare commodity for Morwenna who treasured every bit she received.
Years ago, Melvin had rescued her, urging her to study hard and escape the confines of her rural life.
So she had thrown herself into her studies, earning a place at the prestigious Rosefrost University, determined not to let Melvin down.
Later, when Norbert who had supported children from the mountains for decades asked her to marry a man she had never met, Stuart, she agreed, wanting to make Norbert happy.
Now, Stuart had shown her kindness, even risking his life to save hers.
At that moment, Morwenna wanted to give him everything good she could offer.
Morwenna was naive. The tricks that Fletcher and Stuart played on her easily stirred her heart.
She stayed by the bed all night, ensuring Stuart didn’t touch his wound and that he slept peacefully.
Just before the crack of dawn, Morwenna tiptoed downstairs to make some oatmeal and a few basic dishes. This way, breakfast would be ready and waiting when Stuart rolled out of bed.
But as soon as Morwenna left, Stuart woke up. It had been ages since he had slept so soundly. Noticing the creases in the bed where someone had sat, his eyes flickered briefly.
A night watch? Quite the act.
Stuart slowly returned to indifference. After all, it didn’t really matter.
Everyone was pretending. He just needed to keep people close, unconcerned with what Morwenna might be thinking.
Downstairs, Fletcher arrived to change Stuart’s dressing.
As he entered, he greeted cheerfully, “Hey there, Mrs. Hetfield! Look at your dark circles. Didn’t you get much sleep last night?”
“I did sleep…” Morwenna replied, though she hadn’t slept well.
Fletcher noticed the redness in her eyes but didn’t comment.
“Go on up, Dr. Vaughn,” Morwenna hurriedly said. “I’ve left the stove on with food cooking. I’ll be right up.”
Nodding, Fletcher headed upstairs.
Morwenna quickly finished preparing breakfast and turned off the stove.
As she entered the bedroom, she saw Fletcher removing the bandage from Stuart’s back. The bandage was bloodstained. Seeing the crisscrossed wounds on Stuart’s back, Morwenna pressed her lips tightly together.