d at the screen in disbelief, his eyes opening wide as

tually dared to

pressed the redial button with a forceful jab,

he opened their conversation and sent sever

essage failed

fist so fiercely that the veins

d cautiously around him. Blocking him was unthinkable. Even a slight rise i

ld had gotten i

ad she said she already had a mat

on and uneasiness suddenly twi

ts back, and made for the door. Instinctively, he wanted to rush s

rick

le, damp hand seized

him prepare to leave. Panic and jealousy flickered briefl

m. Her voice shook so badly that it sounded close to breaking when she finally spoke. "De

own at her weakened figure, he drew

ide the anxiety beneath his low voice. "I'm afraid something may h

ade up his mind to go, her eyes filled

is is entirely my fault. If I hadn't been so ill, I wouldn't have spoiled your bonding ceremony all over again.

e covers and struggled to stand, her

, however, she gasped sharply, her body buckle

nd concern filled his voice as he reprimanded her. "What on earth are you doing? The doctor said you're in an extremely weakened conditio

thy." Caroline cried into Derrick's chest. "This time, she deliberately made that comment. If everyone hears about it, what w

ess immediately extinguished the very last trace

health for the sake of his reputation. Then he remembered Catherine's e

she could to safeguard his dignity.

closed doors. But to attack Caroline publicly and

d for you to make excuses for

Caroline beneath the blankets agai

ast three years, he'd given Catherine far too much le

His voice took on a tone of unquestionable arrogance. "She's entirely to blame for everything that's happened, and I refuse to

ut Cath

e a dismiss

r for the next several days until

lfless as Catherine could never mana

im in tears, just as she had done so many tim

tely no doubt

that the girl who had once made him the center of her en