Ronan trembled violently, struggling to remain conscious despite the overwhelming pain.
He endured every agonizing minute in that cell, dreading the even harsher conditions he might face in a high-security prison under Nathanâs control.
Meanwhile, Lucinda made a detour to Peace Mountain before returning home.
Although the gunshot wound hadnât struck Grahamâs vital organs, she felt a strong sense of responsibility and knew she needed to visit him before he recovered.
Arriving at the villa, she found Violeta removing the bandage from Grahamâs wound.
Lucinda entered quietly and sat on a small sofa near the bed, silently observing as Graham had his dressing changed.
Her lips were pursed, and neither she nor Graham spoke, though he glanced her way occasionally.
Violeta concentrated on her task, creating a calm yet subtly harmonious atmosphere in the room.
The silence persisted until Violeta finished unwrapping the bandages.
âHoney, whatâs going on with this injury? Is there something wrong with the medicine? How has it not improved after so many days?â she asked, concerned.
Frowning, Lucinda approached to examine Grahamâs wound.
As she drew closer, Graham tried to shift away but reassured her in a hoarse voice It doesnât matter.
Itâs just a small wound.
Itâs not a big deal.
Lucinda gently pressed his shoulder, urging, âDonât move.
â
It had been over a week, yet the wound remained fresh, red, and slightly inflamed.
It showed no signs of healing.
On the contrary, it appeared more serious than before.
Lucindaâs frown deepened.
âHow could this be? Have you been applying the medicine properly?â
Avoiding Lucindaâs gaze, Graham bowed his head in silence.
Violeta recounted, âInitially, I tended to his wounds.
However, he soon insisted on self-care, not wanting to trouble me.
Today, I insisted on helping, unaware that his condition had worsened.
â
Lucinda immediately detected a hint of peculiarity in Violetaâs words.
Narrowing her eyes, she fixed her gaze on Graham, suspicion lingering in her expression.
Graham, feeling a pang of guilt, kept his eyes averted, an unusual demeanor for him.
Lucinda questioned, âGraham, did you do this intentionally? You havenât tended to your wound these past few days, correct?â
âNo, Iâve been applying medication to my back.
Itâs just that the injury may be more severe than I initially thought.
Perhaps my application of the medicine wasnât sufficient,â Graham explained.
Lucinda remained unconvinced, countering, âYouâre avoiding Violetaâs assistance, yet you canât tend to the wound yourself.
Why would you choose this course of action? How could you treat your wound like this?â
Graham, contrite, nodded.
âIt was thoughtless of me to act this way.
I apologize for causing your concern.
â
Lucinda was surprised, catching the first part of his statement.
âWow, thatâs a prompt admission of your error.
It even surprised me.
â
She paused, then recollected the latter part of his statement.
Straightening with displeasure, she cast a disapproving glance downward at Graham.
âIâm not concerned about you.
Just ensure Violeta isnât troubled by your actions.
â
Upon hearing Lucindaâs words, Violeta smiled, and Grahamâs satisfaction was evident as he mirrored her expression.