Rosalind felt overwhelmed by the rapid turn of events, but she realized that she had no right to object to whatever Ulric said.
Wrapped in his coat, she caught a faint scent of tobacco, which unexpectedly brought her a sense of calm.
As her previously tense mood eased, her stomach audibly growled, causing Rosalind to feel embarrassed and unable to meet Ulric’s gaze.
“Have you eaten?” he asked, noticing her discomfort.
“I have,” she replied awkwardly, hoping to change the subject.
Ulric didn’t press further. Glancing at his watch, he said, “I’ve arranged for your mother to be in a VIP ward with a dedicated caregiver. The doctor will notify you when she wakes up. For now, come with me.”
Rosalind was taken aback. “Where are we going?”
“To grab a bite to eat.”
“I really have already eaten!”
Ulric smiled, his usually aloof and unapproachable face softening. “Just keep me company.”
Rosalind couldn’t bring herself to object any further and nodded, saying, “Okay.”
As she watched Ulric turn and walk ahead, she hesitated for a moment before following him.
Was she becoming involved with a wealthy benefactor? Is this what it felt like?
…
Once inside Ulric’s car, Rosalind kept her head down, staring at her shoes. After a while, she cautiously glanced over at him and noticed that he appeared exhausted, having drifted off to sleep against the seat.
In the intermittent light streaming through the car window, she could see his thick eyelashes casting shadows, his features delicate and profound. Even in slumber, his sharp jawline emitted an air of authority.
This wasn’t the first time Rosalind had seen him asleep.
She recalled their middle school days when she had to work part-time to make ends meet, often arriving late for class. The teacher took pity on her and allowed her to stay after the evening self-study sessions for free tutoring.
During that time, Ulric, who sat next to her, also seemed to have familial matters that kept him from leaving after the sessions.
However, he didn’t use the time for studying, instead, he would rest his head on the desk and doze off until his family’s car arrived to pick him up.
Rosalind vaguely remembered the young Ulric back then, with his basketball clothes hidden under his school uniform, short hair, and exuding youthful energy.
At that time, Ulric was not only handsome and tall, but also the top student in the entire school.
Love letters addressed to him would overflow from his desk, with some accidentally placed on her own.
Little did she expect that after all these years, she would find herself entangled with Ulric, even preparing to register for marriage tomorrow!
Of course, Rosalind knew that this marriage had nothing to do with love, he simply needed a shield or some form of protection.
Driving through the bustling streets of Northville City, the car finally came to a halt in front of an unassuming restaurant.
Ulric slowly opened his eyes, prompting Rosalind to swiftly avert her gaze.
He stepped out of the car first, and his phone immediately began to ring, undoubtedly a work-related call.
Rosalind hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to join him. When she looked up, she met the eyes of the assistant who had returned her call earlier.
“Miss Ruell, it was I who called you earlier,” the assistant said with a smile.
Rosalind felt slightly awkward. “Ah! Thank you so much…”
“It’s my duty! Mr. Walters was in a meeting at the time, but when I informed him about your call, he immediately called you back and then rushed to the hospital as you didn’t answer the phone!”
“…”
Rosalind sensed a hint of flattery in the assistant’s eyes.
He must have misunderstood her relationship with Ulric, assuming that she held great importance to him!
Uncertain how to respond, Rosalind managed an awkward smile and said, “Yes, Mr. Walters is a good man.”