The man's lips curled into a smirk. "That was the only time. I thought I would never have the chance to be close to you again."
He glanced down at his heavily bandaged leg. "Looking at it now, shredding this leg was entirely worth it."
Loyce didn't stay in Lucian's tent for much longer. Outside, Robert let out a loud, exaggerated cough. "General, Hank Lonsdale is heading this way!"
The thick, romantic tension in the tent instantly vanished.
Despite his severe leg injury, Lucian's incredible upper body strength allowed him to gently and securely lift Loyce back into her wheelchair. By the time Hank burst through the flap, they both looked perfectly composed, their clothes pristine.
Hank narrowed his eyes, his suspicious gaze bouncing between the two of them. He then looked at Loyce. "Grandpa says we're heading back soon. I came to get you."
Loyce looked at Lucian. "What about you?"
"A bit later," Lucian replied. "You go ahead."
Hank pushed Loyce out of the camp. On the way back, he suddenly spoke up, "Do you like him?"
Loyce paused. "Do you not like him, Hank?"
"If I say I don't like him, and Grandpa doesn't like him, would you still see him?"
Loyce remained silent.
A second later, a large hand rested gently on the top of her head. Hank's voice followed, sounding surprisingly genuine. "I actually have a lot of respect for Lucian. He was willing to trade his life for yours. With that kind of devotion, he's earned the right to pursue my incredible sister."
Loyce looked up at him, the corners of her lips turning up slightly.
Due to their injuries requiring strict bed rest, the Lonsdale family's welcome-home gala and official family introduction had been indefinitely postponed. The news of Loyce, Forrest, and Lucian's injuries was strictly embargoed by a mutual agreement between the Lonsdales and Shapiros. High society was left completely in the dark, leading to a flurry of wild rumors.
Gordon Lonsdale doted on his granddaughter fiercely, refusing to let her leave the estate for a long time. Insanely expensive health supplements were sent to her room by the truckload.
Loyce knew it was just her brothers and grandfather showing their love, so she obediently stayed within the manor to heal. That was, until she received a phone call from Giselle Turner.
Giselle had taken Loyce's advice and used Bloomberry's budget to travel. She had gone to see the changing seasons she had dreamed of, and the trip had flooded her with inspiration.
Giselle was now back at the Bloomberry design department and had completed a full draft for a spring-themed collection. She emailed it to Loyce, hoping for her feedback.
Since Loyce had plenty of free time, she opened the email and reviewed the attachments.
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