Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 510

**Keepsake 510**
**Chapter 510: The Late-Night Visit**

Tess sat across from Abel, her gaze locked onto him, and felt the familiar throb of a headache creeping in, a dull drumbeat that mirrored her growing frustration.

Before she could muster a response, Abel crossed his arms defiantly, a smirk playing on his lips. “Absolutely not. I’m the one in the hospital bed here. Sure, I might be a bit bruised, but let’s be honest, I still look pretty good. I can’t let you near me.” His tone was half-joking, half-serious, but there was an edge of sincerity that made Tess frown.

With a sudden burst of energy, he began furiously pressing the nurse call button, as if it were a life-or-death situation.

When the nurse arrived, he waved his hand theatrically, as if summoning a servant. “You see? She’s definitely up to no good. Don’t let her stick around to take care of me. I demand a private suite—just for myself!” His dramatic flair was almost comical, yet Tess found herself at a loss for words.

The nurse’s lips twitched in amusement, caught between professionalism and the absurdity of the situation.

Abel was undeniably handsome, with an intensity that could easily charm anyone, but it was evident he had a few loose screws rattling around in that head of his.

Nevertheless, the nurse had to adhere to the wishes of her patient, and she cast Tess an apologetic glance, silently acknowledging the chaos of the moment.

“If you need anything at all, just give me a shout,” Tess said, her voice laced with helplessness as she raised her phone in a half-hearted gesture of reassurance.

Abel blinked, his expression shifting as he considered her words. “You should really head home. It’s late, and it’s not proper for a man and woman to be alone at this hour.” His tone was teasing, but there was a hint of genuine concern there.

Tess rolled her eyes, feeling a mix of irritation and amusement. “I’m leaving,” she replied flatly, turning on her heel and striding away without a backward glance.

As soon as her slender figure vanished around the corner, Abel felt a pang of regret. His lashes fluttered, and he whispered to himself, “I wish you’d stayed.”

Outside the hospital, Tess finally managed to hail a cab, the clock already well past midnight.

Sinking into the back seat, she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, feeling her tense muscles begin to relax.

But as the city lights blurred past, her mind began to wander once more.

Her fingers tightened around her purse, a small anchor in the storm of her thoughts.

Deep down, she understood that Abel had been putting on that ridiculous act to shield her from potential gossip.

Only recently divorced from Finn, she was still the subject of whispers and speculation. Even though the faces she’d seen outside the operating room were familiar, the fear of rumors spreading like wildfire loomed over her.

With a quiet sigh, Tess walked through the gates of Evermount Heights, the pale moonlight casting long shadows on the ground.

The following morning, before she had even fully opened her eyes, her phone rang insistently, pulling her from the depths of sleep.

“Tess, I just heard the Shaw boy is in the hospital,” Violet’s warm voice greeted her, cutting through the fog of her drowsiness.

Tess assumed Violet was reaching out to check on Abel. “He’s fine—” she started, but was quickly interrupted.

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