Chapter 24 Is your husband treating you badly?
Wesley held Victoria up, and a look of surprise flickered across his face when he heard Nick’s comment.
Is Victoria married?Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
However, considering Nick’s demeanor, it was clear he wasn’t joking. Victoria had joined his studio right after graduating from college. Over the past three years, Wesley had never seen her with any man, so this revelation was unexpected.
Glancing at the astonishment on Wesley’s face, Nick raised an eyebrow and suggested, “Why don’t you take her inside.”
Wesley nodded and carefully guided Victoria into the hospital lobby.
Nick didn’t linger. He had already been willing to assist her because of their upcoming work collaboration, and he promptly drove back to Andrews Enterprise.
As he was on the road, he received a call from Eddison.
“Nick, have you seen Victoria? Has she become more beautiful?”
Eddison’s voice was frail, and he sounded unwell. Nick could hear him coughing and gasping after speaking a few sentences. It was evident that Eddison was not in the best health at the moment.
“Grandpa, focus on your recovery at the sanitarium and don’t worry about anything else.”
“You really don’t have to worry about me. You two should give me a grandchild soon. Tori is naturally introverted, focused on her art and painting. You are a man; can’t you be more proactive?”
Nick furrowed his brow, wondering what Victoria had done to make Grandpa so fond of her. He had intended to argue but hesitated when Eddison started coughing again.
Concerned for his grandfather’s well-being, Nick softened his tone. “I’ll try.”
Eddison’s face brightened, instantly filled with joy.
“I’ll be returning next month. I’ve been staying abroad, and I don’t see many familiar faces there. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Victoria, and I miss her a bit. While I’m away, you must take good care of her and ensure she doesn’t suffer.”
Nick’s brow furrowed deeply. When Eddison initially left the country, he had talked about spending his old age on that island. Nick hadn’t expected him to return so soon, as it had been less than a year.
He had planned to get the divorce finalized before slowly breaking the news to Eddison. However, if grandpa were to return next month and discover the divorce, will it piss him off so much that he’ll just pass out?
The possibility of Eddison’s reaction loomed in Nick’s mind, casting a shadow over his face. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his fingers tense, and an icy coolness seemed to emanate from his furrowed brow.
For the time being, this marriage could not end. They couldn’t part ways, not while Eddison was back. Instead, they had to maintain appearances and pretend to be a loving couple. It was clear that a face-to-face conversation with the woman was necessary.
At the hospital, Victoria gradually regained consciousness after receiving a fever-reducing injection and intravenous fluids.
She slowly opened her eyes, her brows furrowing as she took in the unfamiliar hospital room. Gritting her teeth, she attempted to sit up but quickly found herself too weak to maintain her posture.
Wesley, returning from the nurses’ station, reached out to gently support her, cautioning, “Don’t move, your fever was up to forty degrees.”
Victoria relaxed slightly upon hearing his familiar voice, but her heart clenched when she recalled the events leading up to her fainting.
“Where’s Mr. Andrews?” she inquired.
Wesley sighed and poured her a glass of water. “I was about to ask you how you ended up with him.”
Taking the glass from him, Victoria moistened her dry throat and explained, “I didn’t have a chance to tell you, but the order from Serene Haven Estates went through. The studio won’t need to be sold anymore.”
Wesley froze momentarily, his emotions overwhelmed. “How can I ever thank you!”
Victoria’s throat had improved a bit, and she was asked about her marriage.
“When did you get married?” Wesley inquired.
Victoria was taken aback and nearly choked on her water, hastily finishing her response, “It’s been three years since I tied the knot. I’m sorry for not sharing it with you.”
“It’s your personal matter, and it’s up to you whether you talk about it or not,” Wesley reassured her. “I’ve never seen your husband pick you up from work in the past three years. If it weren’t for Mr. Andrews mentioning it, I wouldn’t have known you were married.”
Victoria felt a bit embarrassed and could only repeat the same lie she had told Nick earlier.
“My husband is busy with work.”
Wesley, who typically treated Victoria like a sister, pressed further. “Even if he’s busy, he shouldn’t neglect you. Give me his number, and I’ll call him. The doctor said you’ll need to stay in the hospital for two days, and I can’t leave you alone here if I have to go back to the studio.”
Victoria shook her head. “There’s no need for that.”
Wesley, concerned for his friend, couldn’t help but ask the burning question on his mind, “Tori, tell me honestly… Is your husband mistreating you?”
He had noticed the bruises on Victoria while the nurse administered her injection. The sight had raised concerns in him.