In the luminous calmness of the room, the sight of Jack seated beside the bed struck Georgia like an electric jolt, causing her entire being to surge up from the bed in an instant. A sense of vitality surged through her as if activated by a current.
"Why, it's you," she uttered, her voice a blend of surprise and an underlying emotion that she couldn't quite put into words.
With an almost instinctive panic, she clutched the sheet, hastily pulling it to shield her form. The fog of sleep that had previously enveloped her now dissipated entirely under the influence of this unexpected encounter.
Observing the flurry of reactions in the woman before him, Jack's brow furrowed slightly. Oddly, his initial embarrassment seemed to morph into a sense of dissatisfaction. He idly lifted the edge of his eyebrow and retorted, "And why can't it be me?"
After all, he was her husband – shouldn't he be the one to assist her with applying the medicinal ointment?
Caught in the whirlwind of Jack's disapproval, Georgia blinked rapidly, flustered by the unintended implications. "I-I didn't mean that. I thought it was Aunt Rong…" she stammered, her rapid breaths gradually steadying as she collected herself.
Inclining his head slightly, Jack's scrutiny remained unyielding. "Come closer and lie down," he commanded in a tone that brooked no dissent.
Taken aback by the abrupt directive, Georgia could only muster an uncertain "Ah?"
Jack's voice held a trace of disapproval as he reiterated, "The medicine hasn't been applied yet. Where did you think you were heading?"
"Oh…" Georgia's hesitance was palpable as she gingerly eased herself back onto the bed, her entire body tense with a curious mix of emotions.
It was no wonder, she realized, that the hand applying the ointment earlier had felt rough. It had indeed been his hand all along.
Jack reached out, his fingers descending to press against her shoulder, urging her to relax. With a newfound composure, he resumed the task of applying the ointment.
As the silence of the moment hung between them, the events of the afternoon resurfaced in Jack's mind, prompting him to inquire, "Weren't you supposed to be recuperating in the hospital? Who granted you permission to leave?"
In an attempt to offer an explanation, Georgia began, "I-I was quite busy this afternoon…"
"And you conveniently didn't answer your phone?" he interjected, his dissatisfaction with her actions evident.
Crafting a half-truth, she lied, "I-I didn't hear it ringing."
A shrewd smile curved Jack's lips as he leaned in close, his words a whisper against her ear. "You're absolutely certain you didn't intentionally hang up?"
In that nearness, Georgia could almost discern the faint scent of green wood that clung to him. A sudden warmth crept over her, leaving her utterly flustered. "I…"
Studying the delicate features that framed her visage, Jack extended his hand to pinch her cheek with a calculated precision. His gesture held a dual purpose, teetering on the edge between a warning and a directive. "Next time, don't hang up."
Her affirmation came quick and breathless, "Alright, alright."
Convinced by her compliance, Jack released her and proceeded with the application of the ointment, his tone noticeably lighter as he posed another query, "Do you require assistance with the front as well?"
Drawing her attention to the red marks on her chest that mirrored those on her back, he offered his help.
Initially slow to grasp his implication, Georgia's comprehension dawned upon her. A surge of heat bloomed on her cheeks as the realization hit.
Fearing any potential misconceptions, she hastily clarified, "No, no need. I can manage."
Amused by her visible embarrassment, Jack's eyebrows lifted as he probed further, "Are you absolutely certain?"
Her flustered affirmation carried an undertone of desperation, "Yes, really!"
Amusement danced in his eyes as he beheld her discomfiture. A notion to tease her further arose, prompting him to question repeatedly, "Truly, not at all?"
Caught in the grip of unease, Georgia confirmed with an almost desperate fervor, "No, I promise, no!"
Blinded to the shifting currents within Jack's demeanor, she pressed on, urging him to stay, "Wait a moment!"
Startled by the urgency in her tone, Jack turned back to her, his gaze steady and unyielding.
Her words tumbled forth, a delicate thread of curiosity woven through them. "About Cheng Lu…I heard she was reprimanded and sent to the hospital. Was that your doing?"
A note of seriousness crept into Jack's countenance. His lips parted to utter a single, solemn word. "Yes."
The admission hung heavily in the air between them, casting a shadow over the room. Georgia's bewilderment was evident as she voiced her lingering uncertainty, "But, I never provoked her."
Their connection had been one of mere acquaintanceship, and though she was aware of Cheng Lu's antipathy, she couldn't fathom the depths to which that enmity had sunk.
Gazing at her contemplative expression, Jack's tone was measured as he declared, "The world is seldom as straightforward as we hope. Remember, harm can come from even the most unexpected quarters. Vigilance is essential."
A mixture of emotions surged within Georgia as she chewed on his words, her lips pressed in a pensive line.
Jack's gaze softened as he regarded her, his guilt surfacing in that moment. A feeling of remorse clawed at him from within.
Meeting her gaze, he found himself unable to bear the silence any longer. He spoke, his voice laced with an odd blend of restraint and care, "Alright, rest well."
It was then, in a seemingly impulsive motion, that Georgia reached out, her hand closing around his.
Caught off guard by her touch, Jack's surprise was evident in the flicker within his dark eyes. This act – her reaching out – was an unprecedented step for her.
In that fleeting connection, Georgia inhaled deeply, her words imbued with sincerity. "Thank you. Thank you for watching over me."
Her gratitude was genuine, but more than that, it was a tacit acknowledgment that she now had someone else beside her, a protector in the truest sense.
As the seconds ticked away, a complex mix of emotions churned within Jack. He felt a pang of guilt deep within him. She was beginning to place her trust in him, a trust he couldn't wholeheartedly embrace. His motives were tangled, his intentions far from pure.
In that moment, a sense of guilt suffused him entirely.
Lost in her clear gaze, Jack found himself unable to maintain the silence any longer. Swiftly, he disengaged his hand from hers, his words clipped and cold. "Rest well."
Before she could respond, he was already retreating from the room.
Unaware of the emotional turmoil he had been grappling with, Georgia remained blissfully unaware. A small spark of happiness flared within her, a sense of contentment warming her heart.
As the night unfurled its tender embrace, Georgia sank into a restful slumber. The rash that had marred her skin had receded by more than half, and as she surveyed herself in the mirror the following morning, her spirits were lifted.
At the company, a sudden departmental meeting was convened. After Director Lan Jie had addressed the significant developments of recent times, her gaze lingered upon Georgia, her next words directed solely at her. "Georgia, kindly update us on the progress of your ongoing task."
With a serene smile, Georgia nodded in acquiescence. "Of course."
In her report, she meticulously outlined the latest advancements in the gift box project, delineating each aspect with precision. Director Lan Jie's gaze remained fixed on her throughout the explanation, a growing sense of approval etching itself onto her features.
"Very well," she murmured, her satisfaction apparent. "In accordance with the contract, the gift boxes should reach the company's warehouse prior to the upcoming holidays."
"Yes, and I've also coordinated with Tianle's assistant. They've agreed to assist with the delivery to the warehouse, thus sparing us additional transportation costs," Georgia added, her voice poised and confident.