After the doctor had thoroughly assessed her condition and offered a set of cautious instructions, Georgia was granted the precious freedom to leave the confines of the hospital.
In the comfort of the car's interior, Georgia couldn't help but reflect on the events leading up to her hospitalization. Each memory felt surreal, like a distant dream. Yet, upon closer examination, this lakeside excursion had been accompanied by Jack, which had added an unexpected touch of enjoyment to the experience.
Returning to the other courtyard, she found the room deserted, indicating that Jack had not yet returned.
After a light meal, and under the watchful eye of Aunt Rong, she dutifully swallowed her prescribed medication along with a full glass of water.
"Drink more water to help with your recovery. I'll fetch you another glass," Aunt Rong insisted, taking the cup to refill it.
Georgia patted her slightly bloated stomach, playfully protesting, "Aunt Rong, that's enough! I can't possibly drink anymore."
"No, one more glass," Aunt Rong declared firmly.
As they conversed, the sound of a car approaching reached their ears from outside.
Aunt Rong placed the refilled water cup in front of Georgia. "It must be the young master returning. I'll go check. You finish your water."
Georgia couldn't help but smile wryly as she obediently complied with Aunt Rong's request, drinking the second glass of water. As she looked up, she noticed Jack entering through the door. He calmly hung up his coat and exchanged his shoes.
Georgia stood up, ready to engage in conversation, but her enthusiasm waned as she realized the exhaustion etched on his face.
Approaching him hesitantly, she asked softly, "Back already?"
Jack lifted his gaze, his eyes briefly skimming over her form. "Yes."
His demeanor toward her was markedly distant, a stark departure from his usual self.
Georgia took a step closer, her voice tinged with concern. "Is something bothering you? Are you exhausted from work?"
Rarely had she seen him so fatigued since they first met. What could have transpired to wear him down so?
Baffled and laden with questions, she trailed behind him. Unexpectedly, Jack came to an abrupt halt, and without warning, she bumped into his broad back.
With an instinctive rub to her forehead, Georgia was about to offer some words of apology when she caught his utterance.
"I need some solitude."
An unfamiliar fragrance lingered in the air. Georgia raised her eyes and was taken aback by the frigid countenance that met her gaze.
Jack's eyes brushed over her briefly before he ascended the staircase without further acknowledgment.
As she watched him disappear up the stairs, a heavy feeling settled in Georgia's chest. How had his demeanor shifted so drastically?
Just moments ago, she had detected the scent of perfume on herself. While it wasn't the fragrance she typically wore, the sweet, fruity aroma was undeniably reminiscent of women's perfume.
Could he have just returned from being with another woman?
The thought flickered briefly in her mind but was promptly dismissed. Jack was not that kind of man. Even if their emotional connection was strained, he wouldn't treat their marriage with such indifference.
Aunt Rong noticed Georgia's prolonged presence at the foot of the stairs and approached her with concern. "What's wrong, Miss Georgia?"
Georgia murmured, "Jack doesn't seem to be in a good mood."
Aunt Rong attempted to console her. "Perhaps he's just fatigued from work. Don't dwell on it too much."
Though she nodded in agreement, Georgia couldn't shake the odd feeling that had settled within her. Sensing her unease, Aunt Rong sighed softly and gently suggested, "How about I prepare a pot of white tea? You could take it up to check on the young master's well-being?"