A Quiet Blooming of Feelings in a Silent Man

Annette had always been a carefree soul. She never suppressed her emotions, always following her instincts and embracing whatever made her happy. She didn't care what others thought—as long as she was true to herself, that was enough.

The breakfast was warm and relaxed, with pleasant conversation flowing between them. After finishing her meal, Annette collected the dishes and stood to wash them. Stuart rose as well, following her at a measured pace. His recovery had been unexpectedly swift.

Annette couldn't help but admire his resilience. There were no pain pumps or advanced anti-inflammatory medications—yet he moved as if he'd only suffered a mild injury.

She glanced sideways at him. "You're healing well, but don't get cocky. Be careful not to strain your stitches."

Stuart gave a nonchalant hum. "I'm just going for a walk—towards the morgue."

Annette's curiosity sparked immediately. "Are you hoping to find clues? Can I come with you?"

Catching the gleam of excitement in her eyes, Stuart realized she was imagining something far more dramatic than it really was. He nodded, humoring her, "Sure. Just taking a look."

Annette rushed off to rinse the pressure cooker, filled it with water to soak, and practically skipped her way back to catch up with him.

The morgue sat tucked in the northwestern corner of the hospital, flanked by thick pines and dark green cypress. Even under the morning sun, the air there felt damp and cold, laced with a chill that crept into your bones.

As Stuart strolled calmly, Annette tiptoed beside him, whispering, "Do you think the person who met with Dr. Leclerc might work here?"

Stuart, seeing her wide, cautious eyes darting around like a spy on a secret mission, couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. He nodded solemnly. "That's a possibility. Let's be careful."

Encouraged by his response, Annette became even more alert, glancing around as though an assassin might leap out at any moment.

But after a full circle around the building, they saw no one. The morgue's doors were locked, undisturbed.

As they walked back, Annette frowned. "That's it? Did you find anything at all?"

Stuart shook his head. "Nothing. Except the hospital's west wall needs repair. Come autumn, kids will be climbing it again to steal jujubes."

Annette stopped in her tracks, scandalized. "Wait—are you teasing me? Do you still not believe what I told you?"

Frustration glinted in her eyes, making them gleam like polished gemstones.

Stuart answered seriously, "No. I believe you. But I also think the man who met with Dr. Leclerc wasn't hospital staff. They wanted us to think he was. It was either a diversion or a deliberate warning—someone wants me to know I'm being targeted."

Annette's brows furrowed. "But why?"

"I'm not sure yet. I asked Sean to look into it. We'll know more soon."

She looked up at him, noticing for the first time how tall he truly was. Her 5'5" frame only reached his shoulder. She squinted playfully. "Maybe it's revenge from someone you took down in the past? An old enemy out for blood?"

Stuart chuckled softly. "No. We operated under strict orders. No personal vendettas. And no loose ends."

Annette nodded thoughtfully. So maybe she was just overthinking things.

Stuart glanced at her again, his gaze drawn to the shifting emotions on her face. She was endlessly expressive—every thought danced across her features with dazzling clarity. He swallowed hard and looked away. "I'm being discharged tomorrow. We'll stop by the housing quarters first, then head to Riverton. Is that alright?"

"No objections here," Annette replied. "Though I hope the doctor approves. You really shouldn't push yourself so soon."

She was genuinely concerned—most people rested at home after surgery. Stuart, however, had plans that required travel.

As they emerged from the side path, Stuart suddenly picked up his pace, creating a two-meter distance between them. When Annette noticed, she nearly laughed aloud.

He's really keeping a respectable 'man-and-wife distance' in public, isn't he?

In this conservative little town, even married couples rarely walked side by side.

Back at the hospital, Annette went to wash the dishes and told Stuart to head back to the room.

When he returned, Sean was already there, flipping through the book Stuart had read the night before. "Your English is improving," Sean noted, pointing to the neatly written notes. "These translations are dead-on. No wonder our professor used to praise you so much."

Stuart pulled him up by the arm. "Off the bed. Sit on the chair."

Sean clicked his tongue. "Jeez, relax. It's not like I'm covered in germs."

Still, he obeyed, settling onto the chair as Stuart sat on the empty bed across. A beat later, realization dawned on Sean—he'd been lounging on Annette's makeshift bed. His lips curled in amusement.

Stuart ignored the smirk. "Any news?"

Sean tapped a folder on the table. "Something odd. Not sure how it connects to you. Leclerc has an older sister, married and living in Paris. She and her husband are currently visiting. Been here for a few weeks."

"Her husband's name is Antoine Dupont—works at the Bureau of Natural Resources. Mid-40s. You've never crossed paths."

"I've never heard of him," Stuart confirmed, frowning. "Nothing else?"

"Nothing concrete. Dr. Leclerc's got a solid reputation. Brilliant, if a bit rigid. Apparently refused to play politics and was sidelined for it. He doesn't seem the type to fake a diagnosis."

"Still, I'd like you to dig into Dupont's background," Stuart said quietly.

Sean nodded. "That's easy enough. I'll ask my brother to help. Sometimes the least likely suspects are the key. Just be careful."

"I will," Stuart replied. "I'm out of here tomorrow. Heading back to Riverton the day after."

Sean hesitated, then gave in to the urge to speak. "So you're finally going back, huh? Took you long enough. Honestly, if you'd treated her better back then, maybe you and Clarisse would've worked out. That girl waited for you for years."

Just then, Annette walked in with a meal tray.

Stuart instantly went quiet, lips pressed tight, his entire demeanor shifting.

Sean stood up quickly, flashing a bright smile. "Hey there, Annette."

Inside, he was quietly praying she hadn't overheard. It wouldn't look good discussing an old flame when the wife was in the room—even if the marriage had started off... unconventionally.