The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 222

She reached out a hand but hesitated, unsure of what to say. Perhaps leaving her alone was the best comfort she could offer right now.

Ramona was frantic with worry.

Her departure had been a mad rush; from the moment she heard the news, it had taken her just over an hour to get on a plane. She hadn’t packed any clothes and hadn’t slept a wink on the private jet. Her assistant had found her a blanket; otherwise, with the sudden drop in temperature, she might have fallen ill.

She cried the entire way. She wanted to be calm when she saw Ethan, but she couldn’t. The thought that she had almost lost him forever sent a wave of terror through her, a fear she couldn’t suppress.

It was the same terror she’d felt as a child, when her mother abandoned her at the orphanage.

All she needed was a flicker of light to keep going. Otherwise, it was better to be left in total darkness, where she could at least grow accustomed to it. But fate always seemed to enjoy offering a glimpse of warmth and light before shoving her back into the abyss.

...

The hospital where Ethan was staying was near the border of Fresnia Country. Ash and Shelby came out personally to meet Ramona.

As soon as she saw them, Ramona composed herself and forced back her tears.

But when Shelby took her hand, a shock went through her. Ramona’s hand was as cold as ice, and her face was visibly gaunt and exhausted.

Inside the room, the dated medical monitors displayed steady readings, their rhythmic beeps unsettling the quiet air.

Ethan was on a ventilator, an IV drip in his arm, his face pale as he lay perfectly still on the bed.

As she approached the room, Ramona’s steps quickened, but the moment she saw him, her heart nearly stopped.

The tears she had fought so hard to contain broke free, streaming down her face in large, silent drops. She pressed a hand to her lips, biting down hard to keep from breaking down completely.

It had only been a week, but Ethan looked as if he’d lost a significant amount of weight. His once towering frame seemed swallowed by the narrow hospital bed, making him look heartbreakingly fragile.

The medical facilities here on the border were rudimentary, but Ethan’s injuries—multiple internal bleeds—had required immediate attention. This was the best hospital and equipment available… and they had barely managed to save him.

In the moments after the accident, Ethan must have realized he might not make it, which was why he’d instructed Ash not to tell Ramona.

Ash bowed his head, apologizing. “Please don’t be angry with Mr. Jordon. He just didn’t want you to worry…”

“Ramona, I know this boy,” Shelby began, her voice cracking with emotion. “He never likes people to see him when he’s not at his best. He was afraid… afraid that if the worst happened…” She couldn’t finish, her heart aching at the sight of him.

Though Ethan was born into the Jordon family, he’d known little luxury and had endured hardship from a young age. But he was incredibly resilient and had never shown a hint of weakness, always bearing his illnesses alone. Neither she nor Florence had ever seen him in such a state.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify