Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 19

Giselle instinctively stepped back, putting a little more distance between herself and Father Benedict. With her hands folded respectfully in front of her, she spoke softly, "Cynthia, please don't misunderstand. Mr. Shepard—"

Cynthia didn't even glance at her. Her eyes were fixed on Benedict.

Benedict, seeing Cynthia sitting in a wheelchair, snapped out of his initial shock and quickly walked over. "Did you get hurt?" he asked, concern filling his face as he took in her hospital gown and damp hair.

Cynthia saw the worry etched on his features. Even though she knew what he'd say would be a lie, she couldn't help herself. "What are you doing here?"

"I was feeling a little lightheaded at work earlier, so I came in for a checkup. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry," he replied without missing a beat, sounding far too calm for her liking.

His lie made Cynthia's heart clench. She gave a small, self-mocking smile and said nothing more.

Just then, the doctor inside called Cynthia's name.

Benedict naturally took hold of the wheelchair and guided her into the examination room.

Before the door closed, Cynthia caught sight of Dominic returning from his phone call. He stood in the middle of the hallway, watching her with a distant, indifferent gaze.

Cynthia quickly looked away and lowered her head. She hated the thought of anyone who knew her family background seeing her like this. No matter what reasons they had for helping her, it all made her feel exposed and ashamed.

He didn't believe Dominic for a second. When Shaw tried to press for more, Dominic shot him a cool, level look. "You seem to have a lot of time on your hands. There's a new project starting up in Africa—want me to send you there?"

Shaw's face went stiff. He immediately pasted on a winning smile. "No need, cousin. Really."

Giselle, clutching her prenatal checkup form, stood nearby, pale-faced. She'd overheard everything between Shaw and Dominic. It was obvious Cynthia had known them for some time. Anyone who could move in Dominic's circles couldn't possibly be as ordinary as people said.

Meanwhile, Benedict was busy conferring with the doctor about Cynthia's injuries. When he learned she had a fractured bone and needed to be admitted, he ran around taking care of all the arrangements himself, earning more than a few envious glances from the nurses.

Once everything was settled, Benedict finally sat down beside Cynthia's hospital bed. He hesitated before speaking, his tone careful and full of concern. "Cynthia, our wedding is just around the corner, but now that you're hurt and need to stay in the hospital, maybe we should postpone the ceremony for a while. What do you think?"