The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 502

"Why do you want to go to The Ridge of Lost Hounds?" Jocelyn asked softly.

"Because Sweetie is there."

Sweetie? Who was that? Was it a sibling?

"She was a dog I had," Nina explained. "A little girl, so I called her Sweetie. But she died. A neighbor beat her to death because he said she scared his son. So I want to go to The Ridge of Lost Hounds after I die. Sweetie will be waiting for me there, and she'll walk through it with me."

Jocelyn felt a lump in her throat. "Sweetie was your only friend, wasn't she?"

"Yeah. We were best friends."

How utterly lonely did this child have to be to view a dog as her sole companion in the world?

Jocelyn forced a comforting smile. "Sweetie has already been reincarnated. She's been adopted by a wonderful family and is living a very happy life now."

"Really?"

"Really."

Nina stared at her for a long time. "Sister, am I still alive?"

Jocelyn nodded. "You're alive."

"Then who are you?"

"Me?" Jocelyn rested her elbows on the edge of the bed, leaning closer to the girl's pale face. "I'm your older sister."

"My sister?"

"Mhm."

"But besides my dad, I don't have any family left."

"Of course you do. You have me."

"How come I've never met you before?"

"Because I was living very far away. I just came back."

Nina fell silent. Jocelyn thought she was exhausted and went to organize the supplies she had bought.

The heavy weight on Jocelyn's chest finally lifted. She had been debating whether to swallow her pride and call Julian for help. This was perfect. The hospital had handled it on their own.

...

Meanwhile, Ethan ended his phone call and turned to give his report. "Sir, everything is arranged."

Julian stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, holding a glass of wine. His gaze was dark and unfathomable, his tailored suit accentuating his tall, commanding frame.

Ethan stepped up behind him. "Dr. Monroe is flying into the city tomorrow morning. I've already sent a car to pick him up."

Julian's voice was as cool as ever. "Good."

"Sir, I don't get it."

"Hm?"

"If you're going to pull strings to help Jocelyn, why do it in secret? What's wrong with letting her know?"

Julian gently swirled the wine in his glass and took a sip. It was a sweet vintage, but to him, it tasted bitter. "If she doesn't know... she'll be more at ease."