Chapter 54
Jessica stood outside the ICU, arms crossed. “Something about this girl… It’s interesting.”
Denton gave her a puzzled look.
Jessica squinted a little. ‘She’s super popular and knows how to read people like a pro. She’s got this knack for keeping everyone in her orbit.
“That’s obvious, Adrian replied. “The girl practically radiates charisma.”
Denton nodded. “Of course. She’s attractive, talented, humble, and socially adept. Who wouldn’t like her?”
Jessica tapped her chin, thinking. “Okay, but if she’s that popular, she’s bound to start dating eventually, right? And if it’s not Preston she ends up with, she’ll be all about some other guy.
“Then Preston misses out on staying tight with her, ‘cause, you know, boundaries and all.”
They’re only eighteen now–friendships are still genuine. Once marriage and children come into play, true friendships become rare.” Jessica frowned.
Then she said to herself, voice barely upon a whisper, “So with someone like Regina, who’s got so much going for her, what’s the best play–keeping it casual, being super close, or going for more?”
The other parents fell silent, exchanging awkward glances before turning calculating looks toward their sons.
The young men shifted uncomfortably.
When Regina approached the ICU carrying an armful of gifts, the parents suddenly swarmed her.
They frantically grabbed the presents from her arms.
“You shouldn’t carry so much while injured!” they exclaimed.
Adrian thrust the flowers into Roy’s arms.
Roy stood bewildered.
Jessica grabbed the cake and handed it to Preston. “Here, I got your this most fragile thing. Keep it safe!”
Xavier’s mother, despite her petite frame, managed to snatch some cookies for her son. “I got these for you!”
Xavier stared at the pink cookie package in his hands, looking half–amused, half–confused. “Mom, you’re barely five feet–how’d you even survive that chaos with all these tall people?”
His mom grinned like a champ. “Piece of cake! I’ll grab you some more!”
She then plunged back into the crowd.
Regina Mitchell watched helplessly as her gifts were divided up.
She seriously had no idea about what was going on.
These people always pulled stuff that left her dumbfounded. They could never just stick to normal.
Regina looked at Jessica in shock. “Mrs. Yates, what are you all doing?”
Jessica’s eyes glinted with a sly vibe, but she flashed a big, warm smile. “Oh, nothing big, sweetie. Just lending a hand. You’re a patient now-your health’s what matters. You shouldn’t be stressing over anything.”
Hugh Mitchell and his two sons returned to the ICU entrance, their faces darkening when they saw the scene.
Denton nodded emphatically. “Exactly! You’ve been through a ton, and even with your classmates cheering you up, you still need looking after. Let my son take care of you–Preston’s really thoughtful”
Preston choked, glaring at his father in annoyance. “Dad, what are you talking about?”
Denton just grinned wider, slinging an arm around Preston’s shoulders.
“I know my boy,” he started, “he’s good–looking, smooth, and when he’s into someone, he’s all in! Let him stick around and keep an eye on you
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Chapter 54
tonight.
Preston was stunned.
Regina didn’t know what to say.
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Adrian interjected, “Why him? My Roy is the strongest among these kids, and he has the most stable temperament. Roy should be the one to stay and keep watch.”
Roy stiffened, glancing tentatively at Regina, as if gauging her reaction.
Regina remained silent.
Finally, Clive stepped forward. “Stop arguing. I’ll stay with her.”
Everyone turned to him in surprise.
“I’m her brother,” Clive said gravely. “I owe her this much.”
