Year Five: The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 31

Silvia was torn, caught between indecision and the urge to ask for help.

Just as she was considering whether to reach out to a colleague, a familiar voice sounded nearby. “Miss Ashford?”

She looked up and saw Jacob, Kent’s assistant.

She’d run into Jacob a few times before, but their relationship had never gone beyond a polite nod or two.

“What brings you here?” she asked, surprised.

Jacob glanced at his bandaged hand. “I injured myself a few days ago. I’m just here to have my dressing changed.”

Suddenly, it clicked—she remembered that not long ago, when she’d come to the hospital for her stomach issues, she’d run into Kent. He’d mentioned then that his assistant was hurt and that he was checking in on Jacob.

This was too good an opportunity to miss.

“Jacob, would you mind helping me with something?” Silvia ventured, her tone tentative.

“Of course!” Jacob looked down at her, concern in his eyes. “Did you hurt your foot?”

“Yeah. I twisted it coming down the stairs with groceries. The doctor says I need to be admitted, but there’s no one to help me with the paperwork…”

She let her words trail off, hoping he’d understand.

Jacob caught her meaning right away. But with his hand freshly bandaged, he was in no shape to help.

“Miss Ashford, wait here for a moment.”

Before Silvia could respond, Jacob strode off toward the end of the corridor.

She called after him, puzzled, “Where are you going?”

But Jacob didn’t so much as glance back. Watching him disappear, Silvia felt her heart sink. Where on earth was he headed?

Resigned, she settled onto a bench in the ER hallway to wait, hoping Jacob would return soon.

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