When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 167

Marilyn paused for a moment, then quickly explained, "Doctors are swamped these days, especially the surgeons. Your accent doesn't sound local. Are you here on vacation or for work?"

I was caught off guard by her initiating the conversation, but I decided to be upfront with her.

Lies have a way of unraveling; honesty is the best policy.

"Talbot is my uncle, and we're here for a collaboration between the Patterson Group and the Crawford family. My husband was probably injured on the construction site."

She nodded thoughtfully, "I see, so you're a Johnson as well."

"Do you happen to know..."

"Ouch!"

A familiar voice rang out as the janitor's cart overturned again.

This time, several bottles shattered, drenching Marilyn in their contents.

Her face immediately turned cold, tinged with a hint of disgust.

"Such carelessness could have hurt a patient!"

"We've told the hospital time and again not to rely on those who are past their prime. Honestly."

She kept wiping her clothes with a tissue, clearly a bit of a germaphobe - not uncommon among doctors.

Marilyn probably lost interest in probing further, muttering about her bad luck as she returned to her office.

I stayed behind to help the old janitor clean up.

I was about to pick up the shards when the old man stopped me. "Be careful with your hands."

He swept the floor meticulously, checking my shoes and pants for any glass pieces before he continued on his way.

His actions choked me up. Only those who truly care would go to such lengths.

Galen was always meticulous, my dad used to say. Without his attention to detail, he wouldn't have made such a skilled accountant, let alone manage a big company.

The last time, he was just as cautious removing plastic wrap from me...

As the janitor pushed his cart away, I called out softly, "Galen."

He paused for a moment but didn't stop, limping away.

"Just now."

I didn't dwell on it, instead turning to Lisa and Talbot.

"Talbot, Lisa, you guys can head back. I'll stay."

"That's not right. Clyde got hurt saving Tina; she should be the one to take care of him."

Talbot nudged Lisa, who clearly looked annoyed, her expression full of disdain.

But in a split second, her demeanor changed, "Right, Clyde saved me, I should definitely stay."

"Melanie, you go back to work. I'll stay with Clyde."

I had no patience for her theatrics, so I just sat on one side of the bed while she took the other.

As soon as Talbot left the room, Lisa stood up with a look of disgust, as if the hospital bed was contaminated.

Seeing Clyde's mood sour, I blurted out before they could start another argument.

"I think I saw Galen Brown!"