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Novel Catalog
Chapter 73
John’s sharp gaze softened just a fraction as he watched Cordy agree, the momentary tension in the room easing. He knew the weight of what she was offering—care for him until his discharge. It wasn’t just about the physical care, though. It was an unspoken gesture, one that seemed to imply something deeper. Something more personal.
Cordy, however, wasn’t allowing herself to dwell on that. She’d made her choice, and she was sticking to it. There were far too many layers of complication in her life already for her to entertain anything more with John, even though the allure of his charm was undeniable. Besides, there was a purpose to everything, a reason she was here beyond just his injury. She needed to focus on the bigger picture—Starstream Group and her family’s legacy.
“You don’t have to worry,” Cordy said, her tone firm but gentle as she stood and adjusted the sheets around his legs. “I’ll be here for you. But once you’re better, we both need to focus on what happens next.”
John nodded, his usual playfulness subdued for the moment. “You’re always so serious,” he remarked, watching her move around the room. “But that’s what I like about you, Cordy. You don’t let anything distract you.”
Her fingers stilled on the edge of the bed, a brief flicker of something passing through her eyes. She knew that he saw her—really saw her. It wasn’t just her determination or her focus on her goals. John had a way of perceiving the nuances in people, of catching what others might overlook. But that also made him dangerous in his own right. He understood people too well. And it was this understanding that made him someone she couldn’t afford to trust too easily.
“Thanks,” she replied softly, avoiding his gaze. “But for now, I just need you to get better, John.”
There was a long, quiet pause as John studied her face, and for a moment, she felt as if he was seeing straight through her. But then he let out a low sigh and leaned back against the pillows, clearly too tired to probe further.
“Alright, I’ll leave the care to you,” he said, his voice laced with amusement. “But I’m warning you, I’m a terrible patient.”
Cordy chuckled lightly, glad for the break in tension. “I’m sure you’ll manage.”
As she began to check his vital signs and adjust his blankets, Cordy’s mind raced through everything that still needed to be done—Simon’s settlement, the upcoming restructuring at Starstream Group, and of course, the still-volatile dynamics with her family. There was no time to think too much about her feelings, especially with someone like John in the picture. She couldn’t afford distractions.
But as she glanced back at him, noticing the slight smile that played at his lips, she couldn’t entirely ignore the pull he had on her. He had a way of making everything feel a little more bearable, even if it was just for a moment.
“Just get some rest,” Cordy added, her tone softening despite her efforts to remain distant. “We’ll take it one day at a time.”
John’s eyes closed as he settled into the bed, his breathing evening out as he drifted into sleep.
Cordy stood for a moment longer, looking at him, before she turned and walked out of the room. The sound of his steady breathing echoed in her ears as she stepped into the hallway, the weight of her responsibilities settling back into place.
As she made her way toward her next task, Cordy couldn’t shake the feeling that her life had just taken another turn. And with it, she had no choice but to keep moving forward—one step at a time.