The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 8

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Annelise's body offered absolutely no reaction. She could even feel Clarissa's gaze—like a delicate feather—brushing over her face with meticulous scrutiny.

Harriet's voice carried a mix of exhaustion and faint wariness. "Ms. Sherwood, you're here. Annelise isn't awake yet. The doctor said we should let her sleep; it's better for her recovery."

"I know." Clarissa sighed softly. "I just couldn't sit still. When Hackett told me about the surgery last night, I was worried sick. Manuel was acting up, too, so I really couldn't get away."

She casually name-dropped Hackett and Manuel, her tone as breezy as if commenting on the weather. It was as if Hackett taking care of her child was the most natural thing in the world.

"Harriet, you've been up all night too. I can take over from here." Clarissa's tone suddenly turned accommodating. "Why don't you go downstairs, grab something to eat, and get some rest? I'll stay here with Anne and call you the second she wakes up."

Harriet hesitated.

"Go on, Harriet." Clarissa's tone left no room for argument. "If Annelise wakes up and sees you've worked yourself to the bone, it'll only upset her more. One of us needs to be well-rested to properly take care of her."

She had used Annelise as leverage. Harriet fell silent for a few seconds before finally giving in. "Alright... Ms. Sherwood, if anything happens, just ring for the nurse or give me a call."

"Don't worry."

Harriet's footsteps faded away, and the door gently clicked shut.

In the room, only Annelise and Clarissa remained. Along with the suffocating, cloying scent of gardenia.

Annelise felt the mattress dip slightly as Clarissa sat on the edge of the bed. A soft, boneless hand, its nails painted a pristine polish, gently wrapped around hers.

That was the same hand that had squeezed hers tightly, giving her strength whenever Lizzie made her life miserable.

The same hand that had gently patted her back while she sobbed in the bathroom after yet another failed pregnancy test, comforting her with, "It's okay, we'll keep trying."