Chapter 302
The hospital corridor stretched empty before Amelia as she stepped out of the ward. Her eyes darted from side to side, searching for any sign of Nathaniel.
Only minutes had passed since he'd left, yet he'd vanished completely. "Where did he go?" she murmured to herself.
The stairwell door at the end of the hall swung open abruptly. Samuel entered with a grim expression that made Amelia's pulse quicken.
She rushed forward to intercept him. "Samuel!"
He gave her a curt nod. "Amelia."
"Is Nathaniel in there?" She gestured toward the stairwell.
Samuel didn't bother lying. "Yes."
Without waiting for further permission, Amelia pushed past him and through the heavy door. Samuel didn't stop her, though his gaze lingered on her retreating form with uncharacteristic hesitation. Shaking his head, he turned to complete the tasks Nathaniel had assigned.
The acrid scent of tobacco hit Amelia immediately. Through the haze, she spotted Nathaniel by the window, cigarette in hand.
"Cough! Nathaniel—" The smoke burned her throat.
Nathaniel exhaled slowly, the smoke curling around his sharp features. His piercing gaze locked onto hers as she approached.
Amelia's pale cheeks flushed pink. She reached out, fingers brushing the sleeve of his jacket. "Will you walk me out? I'd like you to see me off."
Silence stretched between them before Nathaniel crushed his cigarette against the windowsill. "Let's go."
A shy smile played on Amelia's lips as she followed him out. Spotting Samuel waiting by the door, she chirped, "We're going home now, Samuel!"
Samuel's eyes narrowed. "I told you to leave hours ago, but it takes him saying it for you to listen?" His tone held barely concealed irritation.
Amelia's blush deepened. She cast a furtive glance at Nathaniel before stamping her foot. "Samuel!"
"Fine." Samuel ruffled her hair with forced cheer before leveling a cold stare at Nathaniel. "Thanks for convincing her to leave. I know that couldn't have been easy for you."
Nathaniel's expression remained impassive. "No trouble."