In the depths of a sprawling, opulent mansion, the day had been an exhaustive affair for Georgia. Every ounce of energy had been drained from her, leaving her with a single, fervent desire: to retreat to her sanctuary, her room, and surrender herself to the sweet solace of restorative slumber. The world outside seemed to blur as fatigue gnawed at her bones, and her mind yearned for the tender embrace of sleep.
Georgia's weariness, however, was interrupted by a well-intentioned voice, the voice of Aunt Rong, a loyal and devoted servant of the house. Her manner gentle, Aunt Rong offered to relay a message to the young master, Jack, who was engrossed in his study.
With a flicker of hesitation, Georgia paused, her gaze fixed on Aunt Rong. A tinge of apprehension colored her words as she implored, "Aunt Rong, there's no need. Please, don't trouble yourself."
Unspoken doubts haunted her thoughts. Did Jack truly care for her? The memory of him leaving her alone at the star altar lingered, casting a shadow of uncertainty over her heart.
Aunt Rong pivoted to face Georgia, her brows knitting in concern. Something about the young woman's demeanor struck her as unusual. "Is something amiss, young granny?" she inquired, sensing a palpable unease.
Georgia dismissed the unease with a quick shake of her head, and with that, she ascended the staircase to her room in silence. The door swung shut behind her, sealing her in the solitude of her thoughts.
Outside the closed door, in the dimly lit corridor, a tall silhouette loomed. Jack's eyes bore a shadow of intensity as he absorbed the fragments of conversation he'd overheard between Georgia and Aunt Rong. His concern for her ignited a silent turmoil within him.
Aunt Rong, upon spotting Jack, approached with a cautious inquiry. "Young master, is something troubling you?"
Jack's countenance remained inscrutable, his lips barely parting as he uttered a terse reply, "Nothing."
With those cryptic words, he retreated into the sanctum of his study, leaving Aunt Rong bewildered in the corridor.
A confluence of emotions swirled within her, and she pondered the enigmatic exchange she had witnessed. Had there been a dispute between the two? The perplexing atmosphere lingered as she slowly descended the staircase.
Beyond the mansion's walls, the incessant rain intensified, casting an oppressive pall over the evening. Yet, in a separate courtyard, lights danced brightly. Aunt Rong, having prepared dinner, wiped her hands clean before ascending the stairs once more. Her mission was to summon both Georgia and Jack to partake in the evening meal.
Outside Georgia's bedroom door, Aunt Rong rapped gently. "Dinner time, little grandma," she called.
Silence met her entreaties. Unnerved, Aunt Rong cautiously pushed the door ajar, revealing a room shrouded in darkness.
In the dim light of the bedside table, she made out Georgia's form, huddled beneath the covers. Her complexion appeared pallid, and the faint tremor of her body betrayed a deep chill.
Aunt Rong's heart pounded with alarm. With the back of her hand, she brushed against Georgia's forehead, immediately discerning the troubling warmth radiating from her skin.
"Little Granny!" Aunt Rong exclaimed, instinctively recognizing the signs of fever. She couldn't afford to waste a moment. Rushing to the intelligent thermometer, she confirmed her fears—38.8 degrees Celsius!
Fear gripped her heart, and she hastened to the study. Breathless and distraught, she burst through the study door. "Young master! It's urgent! Little granny has a high fever!"
Jack, engrossed in his documents, was jolted by Aunt Rong's frantic voice. "What?" he exclaimed, rising swiftly from his chair.
Aunt Rong stood at the study entrance, panting for breath. "Little granny has a fever! It's 38.8 degrees!"
Furrowing his brows, Jack wasted no time. Without a second thought, he hurried to Georgia's room, his concern etched across his face.
Pushing open the bedroom door, Jack's eyes fell upon the quivering figure beneath the covers. Anxiety coursed through him as he ordered with urgency, "Aunt Rong, call for Dr. Luo!"
Aunt Rong complied, and as she did, Jack reached out, his fingers grazing Georgia's fevered brow. Guilt welled within him as he gazed upon her vulnerable form. If only he hadn't left her alone, exposed to the elements, perhaps she wouldn't be suffering now.