When the Flame of Love Fades (Sierra) novel Chapter 104

Chapter 104 Selective Concern

+8 Pearls

The so–called “bullies” in that place were nothing more than pawns–just puppets controlled by Shane.

Inside the hospital room, the silence was heavy. Dickson sat there, his mouth slightly open, staring at Sierra. He didn’t dare ask what she had been through back then, nor did he have the courage to ask if Daphne had suffered the same way.

Outside the room, Jonathan stood still, his hand resting on the doorknob, but he didn’t push it open.

He had heard every word.

A flicker of something dark flashed through his eyes, something even he hadn’t noticed before–cold, restrained fury.

After a while, the conversation inside the hospital room shifted to something else. Only then did Jonathan finally knock on the door and step inside.

“Is Dickson’s awake! Perfect timing–1 brought food Jonathan walked over and set down the takeout containers one by one. “The doctor said his wounds are inflamed, so he should stick to light meals.” He handed Sierra a set of utensils. “You should eat something too.”

Thank you, Mr.Jonathan, Sierra said politely, taking the utensils herself.

Jonathan glanced at her briefly, his lips pressing together in a faint line.

After they ate, Jonathan had other matters to attend to, so he left first.

As soon as he was gone, Dickson hesitated before asking. “Sierra… did you and Mr. Jonathan have a fight?”

Something about them seemed different. The way they spoke to each other felt distant–nothing like before.

“Of course not” Sierra said with a forced smile. “Mr. Jonathan is such a kind person. Why would I ever fight with him?”

Even as she said it, her mind drifted back to Jonathan’s words earlier.

She had caught him off guard when she asked that question. He had paused for a moment before adjusting his glasses and saying, “Obviously, as your teacher. Have you forgotten? You’re my student.”

At that moment, Sierra didn’t know whether to feel relieved or disappointed.

Jonathan had done so much for her–far more than a teacher normally would. It was clear that he treated her differently, and no matter how much she told herself not to overthink it, she couldn’t help but wonder.

Bui from now on, she wouldn’t think about it anymore.

To Jonathan, she was just a student. Nothing more.

Maybe he simply had more patience with her because she was gifted academically

All she had to do was make sure she didn’t disappoint him–to repay the kindness he had shown her as a mentor.

Dickson didn’t want to stay in the hospital. The moment he was awake, he insisted on going home.

But the doctor refused to discharge him. The more they tried to stop him, the more agitated he became, growing restless and

anxious

After taiking it over with the doctor, Sierra finally convinced him to discharge Dickson. He prescribed a long list of oral and topical medications for his recovery.

Before they left, the doctor pulled Sierra aside.

“It would be best if you took him to see a therapist,” he advised. “He’s showing clear signs of psychological trauma.”

She had noticed the changes in Dickson. He had become extremely sensitive–flinching at the smallest noises, constantly on edge. Whenever he saw a stranger, his eyes filled with unease as if he was bracing himself for the worst.

But for now, taking him home was the priority.

As Sierra was handling the discharge paperwork, she unexpectedly saw Bradley striding through the hospital corridor.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I’m perfectly fine, but thank you for your concern, Mr. Xander, Sierra said, her tone polite yet distant. But as she met his eyes, something clicked. “Ms. Denise is sick again, isn’t she?”

Every time Sierra achieved something, Denise conveniently fell ill–whether it was placing first in her exams or giving gifts to the Xander family. It was as if she was always sick or on the verge of it.