His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 242

He didn't say a word. The warm light from the wall sconces illuminated his tense, exhausted profile, masking whatever emotions churned beneath the surface.

However, his dark eyes were terrifyingly heavy, radiating a suffocating, unapproachable dominance.

Just as Liam’s unease began to mount, contemplating whether he should break the suffocating silence, Archer simply turned and strode down the stairs.

Moments later, the roar of an engine echoed through the courtyard as the Maybach vanished into the night.

First General Hospital.

Only a dim floor lamp illuminated the room. Archer pushed the door open silently, softening his footsteps as he approached the bed.

Virginia Caldwell lay on her side, her breathing shallow and steady.

Knowing she was a notoriously light sleeper, he didn't dare get too close. Instead, he pulled up a chair and sat quietly by her bedside.

In the faint light, he stared at her with a serene expression.

Her cheeks had regained a little color, and the bandages on her head had been thinned out. Yet, these visual reminders still tore at his nerves, constantly echoing the terrifying reality that he had nearly lost her forever.

Driven by an overwhelming instinct, he slowly reached out, his long fingers trembling as he wanted to caress her smooth cheek. But his hand froze in midair, and eventually, he pulled it back.

"Virginia," Archer mouthed silently, not making a sound as he wished her a good night.

The tall, imposing man lay down on the small guest sofa next to the hospital bed, remaining fully clothed for the rest of the night.

Early the next morning, just as Virginia finished washing up with Archer's assistance, a bright, childish voice rang out from the doorway.

"Mommy!"

Cindy sprinted into the room in a beautiful princess dress and threw herself against the edge of the bed. Her big, watery eyes blinked adorably. "Mommy, you're finally awake! I missed you so much!"

Virginia’s heart melted completely. She reached out and ruffled the little girl’s soft hair. "Mommy missed you too."

Helena Vanderbilt followed closely behind, carrying an insulated food container with a warm smile on her face. "Virginia, how are you feeling? Does your head still hurt?"

"..."

Watching from the sidelines, Helena's lips curved into a satisfied smile as she gently pulled Cindy a few steps back.

The atmosphere instantly grew thick with tension. Virginia finally accepted the fact that she was never going to win a battle of stubbornness against him. She opened her mouth and obediently swallowed the soup.

He kept his eyes lowered, feeding her the entire bowl with a slow, unwavering focus.

Virginia’s emotions were in an absolute tangle, but she kept quiet and cooperatively finished every last drop.

...

A week later, Archer finalized Virginia's discharge paperwork. As soon as he walked into the room, he saw Helena happily packing up her belongings.

Cindy stood faithfully by Virginia’s side like a little adult, asking if she needed water one minute and offering her fruit the next.