The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 30

The gloomy sky finally broke, releasing a slow, freezing drizzle.

By the time Annelise walked out of the hospital, her face had returned to its usual composure, though her sheer pallor looked even more alarming against the backdrop of the rain.

She and Harriet arrived at the gates of the Lehman Estate. Just as they were about to step out of the car, a familiar black Bentley rolled up from the opposite direction, pulling up perfectly alongside them.

The window rolled down, revealing Hackett's handsome but frigidly detached face.

He seemed to have gotten off work early today.

Seeing Annelise, a look of perfectly manufactured surprise crossed his face, instantly melting into a tender smile.

"Annelise, where did you go? Look at you, caught in the rain."

His eyes landed on her damp bangs, his brows furrowing slightly, his tone practically dripping with heartache and gentle scolding.

Annelise sneered internally.

He didn't bother asking why she had gone out; he only "cared" that she got wet.

What an incredibly attentive husband.

"I went to the chapel to pay my respects," Annelise lowered her eyelashes, her voice as soft as a feather. "Thanking them for my smooth recovery."

It was a flawless excuse.

The smile on Hackett's face deepened.

He stepped out of his car, walked around to Annelise's side, opened her door, and handed her a paper bag.

"I passed by the Sweetheart Pâtisserie. Saw they had fresh mango crepe cake. I know it's your favorite, so I picked one up."

His voice was warm, his actions effortless, as though they were truly a deeply in love, perfectly happy married couple.

Harriet silently took the elegant cake box and stepped back.

Annelise looked up at him, forcing a weak, grateful smile.

"Thank you, Hackett."

The two of them walked side by side through the wrought-iron gates of the estate.

The rain fell diagonally. Hackett held a black umbrella, naturally tilting the majority of it over Annelise. Half of his own shoulder quickly soaked through.

From behind, it was a picture-perfect, deeply romantic scene, enough to move anyone completely oblivious to the truth.

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