Chapter 553
"Will Jefferson's game still go on? Is he going to be safe?" I couldn't help but worry about Jefferson.
"He'll be fine," Ernest said with conviction.
I gazed into the pitch-black night outside the window, "Do I really have to go back home?"
Ernest paused before replying, "Wait for my message, and... you can get rid of that person who messaged you on WhatsApp."
After saying that, he paused for a few seconds. I thought he had more to say, but then he hung up.
Sleep was already elusive in a foreign land, and now with this development, it was completely out of the question.
Following Ernest's advice, I deleted WhatsApp, then opened Jefferson's chat. I really wanted to send him a message, asking if he was okay. But knowing he was in the middle of intense training for the game, I didn't want to distract him, so I exited the chat.
I lay in bed, wide awake, but forced myself to close my eyes. So, when Susie woke up, I was aware and even overheard her softly talking on the phone.
Her voice was naturally soft and tender, and even more so when talking to her beloved. Even as an eavesdropper, I could feel the happiness emanating from her.
But remembering her heart belonged to Mack made me slightly uneasy.
However, Ernest must have looked into him. Since he had essentially given Susie his blessing to be with Mack, I figured I shouldn't worry.
I fell asleep to the sound of Susie's call with Mack, probably comforted by the aura of happiness. Surprisingly, I slept in until eleven in the morning.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
When I woke up, Susie was reading a book. The positive energy Mack brought her was undeniable.
"Have you eaten yet?" My immediate concern was for Susie's meals.
She nodded, "I ordered some food."
This girl was quick to learn. Last night, I had ordered food over the phone, and today, she managed to do it herself.
"That's good," I yawned, then remembering what Ernest had told me, I casually asked Susie, "Did you get in touch with Mack?"
Susie bashfully nodded, her face
glowing with happiness. Seeing her
like this, I suddenly felt that her being with Mack might not be such
a bad idea.
"Would you like some alone time with him?" My question made Susie's eyes widen in shock.
I sat up, adjusting my pajamas, "If you do, go ahead. I won't tell your brother."
Susie shook her head, "No, my brother would be furious. Mad at me, and mad at you."
Her innocence was truly endearing.
"If I don't say, and you don't say, how would he know?" I encouraged her.
"But..." Susie clearly wanted to, yet hesitated.
"Let's settle it then. But for your safety, I need to meet Mack," I stated my condition.
Susie thought for a moment, then nodded, "Well, you two know each other."
I met Mack two hours later at the hotel café, without Susie.
Mack was visibly uncomfortable when he saw me but greeted me with a, "Hey."
He sat down without speaking, so I broke the silence, "Moved on from the past?"
Mack avoided my gaze, perhaps not
wanting to be reminded of Judie Sears through me. His eyes were fixed on his coffee, "I don't feel that way about Susie."
This was within my expectations. If Mack was someone who easily shifted his affections, he wouldn't have stayed by comatose Judie's side for two years.
"But she's developed feelings for you," I observed him. He still looked lean, but there was a newfound brightness in his eyes.
"I know," Mack replied, then fell silent for a moment before adding, "It's my fault. I shouldn't have..."
He stopped himself, holding back his next words.
I gently stirred my coffee, "You shouldn't have what?"