Bartlett turned to look at Ellinor, who was leaning against the headboard with a somewhat dazed expression. âI think, rather than resting, what Ellinor needs right now is someone to chat with.â
Balfour frowned. âShe probably doesnât want to talk to you right now.â
Bartlett shrugged. âWell, we donât know for sure. If you donât believe me, why donât you step out and let me have a oneâonâone chat with her? I bet I can cheer her up.â Balfour impatiently grabbed hold of him. âEnough of your nonsense! Come with me!â
With that, he pulled Bartlett away.
Bartlett had no choice but to grin and bear it. He called out to Ellinor before getting kicked out. âEllinor, Iâll come see you again tomorrow, okay?â
Ellinor just gave him a glance, her expression unchanging, before she turned her head and stared blankly out the window.
After Balfour had dragged him out of the room, Bartlett straightened out his crumpled clothes and complained to his friend.
âBalfour! That was really low of you! I finally had a chance to talk to Ellinor alone and seize an opportunity for myself.â
Balfour shot him a stern look. âI suggest you lay low. Donât upset her now when sheâs already so distressed.â
Bartlett scoffed. âOh, so youâre aware that sheâs upset? We both know who caused her to be in this state. Balfour, you should know that being with Theo wonât bring her any joy or happiness! Look at her now. Doesnât this prove everything?â
Balfour furrowed his brows. Yes, he agreed that being with Theo, that jerk, would only cause her pain.
Butâ¦
âJust because being with Theo doesnât make her happy doesnât mean being with you would. Iâm telling you nicely to stay away from my sister. Both of you! Youâre not any better!â, Bartlett spread his hands innocently. âI swear on my honor! When have 1 ever been the bad guy?!
Balfour sneered. âYour love history isnât exactly clean either. Stop putting on an act in front of me, or Iâll reveal it all and slap you in the face with the truth.â
Bartlett smirked. âWell, weâre men. Who doesnât have a past?â
After he said that, he suddenly realized who he was talking to.
Bartlett chuckled a bit guiltily. âI almost forgot. Balfour, youâre the legendary pure man. Still a virgin to this day. I concede defeat.â
Balfourâs face darkened. âLeave now, or Iâll slap you right here in this hospital.â
Bartlett patted his friendâs shoulder. âLook at you, getting all worked up. Canât you take a joke? Besides, Iâm just complimenting you.â
Balfour slapped his hand away. âGet lost!â
Bartlett shrugged, and then his expression became a bit more serious. âBalfour, no more jokes. Iâm serious. I think I can provide a relaxed and happy life for your sister; I can make her happy. I wonât let her down like Theo did when she needed him most. Consider me as your brotherâinâlaw, okay? Weâve been good friends for years; donât you want to add the bond of family?â
Balfour looked him straight in the eye with a look of disdain. âYouâre not good enough for my sister.
Donât even think about it.â
Bartlett spread his hands. âWell, plastic brotherhood it is.â