The Bride Widow
Chapter 134: Ch 134: Starting to make moves - Part 1

Chapter 134: Ch 134: Starting to make moves - Part 1

Anabella stirred awake, her body feeling more rested than it had in days. She blinked against the light filtering through the hospital room and stretched slightly, feeling the stiffness in her muscles ease. She sighed softly, a sense of relief washing over her. Maybe now she could finally go home and put this ordeal behind her.

Clair, seated nearby, noticed the movement and was immediately by her side. "You’re awake," she said with a warm smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of worry. "How are you feeling?"

"I’m fine," Anabella replied, her voice firm despite the slight rasp from hours of disuse. "Better, actually. I think I can head home now."

Before she could even swing her legs over the side of the bed, Clair gently placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "You need to rest more," Clair insisted. "The doctor hasn’t cleared you to leave yet."

Anabella frowned, her determination faltering under Clair’s concerned gaze. "I don’t want to stay here any longer than I have to," she said softly, her tone almost pleading. "I’m fine, really."

"Anabella," Clair said firmly, "you’ve been pushing yourself too hard. One extra day here won’t hurt. Please, just listen to the doctor."

As if on cue, the doctor entered the room. Clair immediately turned to him. "She’s feeling better, but I think it would be best if she stayed under observation for a little while longer."

The doctor nodded in agreement. "Ms. Anabella, while I understand your eagerness to return home, it’s important to ensure that your body has fully recovered. Chronic stress has taken a toll on you, and rushing back to your routine might set you back."

Caught between their concerned faces, Anabella sighed and reluctantly relented. "Alright," she said quietly. "I’ll stay a little longer."

Clair gave her a reassuring smile. "Good. Just rest. Noah will keep you company while I have a quick word with the doctor."

As Clair and the doctor stepped out, Anabella was left alone with Noah, who immediately leaned back in his chair and stretched dramatically. "Well, looks like it’s just you and me," he said with a playful grin.

Anabella couldn’t help but smile at his antics. "Lucky me," she replied dryly.

"You know, I don’t mind being your personal entertainment," Noah said, leaning forward slightly with an exaggerated air of importance. "I’m very good at telling terrible jokes. Want to hear one?"

Anabella chuckled despite herself. "Do I have a choice?"

"Nope." Noah smirked. "Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field."

Anabella groaned, but there was a genuine lightness in her laughter. "That’s terrible."

"Terribly amazing, you mean," Noah quipped, leaning back with a triumphant grin.

Meanwhile, in the hallway, Clair and the doctor were engaged in a much more serious conversation. Clair had folded her arms across her chest, her professional demeanor firmly in place. "I’m in the medical field as well," she began. "I need to know exactly what’s going on with her."

The doctor hesitated, glancing toward the room where Anabella and Noah were. He knew the alpha standing before him wasn’t someone to be trifled with, but he also didn’t want to alarm her unnecessarily. "Ms. Anabella’s body is under significant stress," he admitted after a pause. "Her pheromone levels are irregular, which could lead to long-term complications if not addressed."

Clair’s expression tightened, though she managed to keep her voice level. "What kind of complications?"

"Physical and emotional fatigue, weakened immune response, and potential hormonal imbalances," the doctor explained. "It’s not something that will resolve itself overnight. She needs rest, proper nutrition, and—most importantly—a reduction in stress."

Clair absorbed the information, her mind racing with possibilities. "Is she in immediate danger?"

"No," the doctor assured her. "But this is a warning sign. If the stress continues unchecked, it could lead to more serious issues."

Clair nodded slowly, her jaw set with determination. "Thank you for being honest with me. I’ll make sure she gets what she needs."

The doctor visibly relaxed, clearly relieved that Clair wasn’t going to cause a scene. "If there’s anything I can do to assist, please let me know."

"Will do," Clair replied. She glanced toward the door, her expression softening slightly. "For now, I’ll focus on keeping her as stress-free as possible."

As Clair re-entered the room, she was greeted by the sound of Anabella’s quiet laughter, something she hadn’t heard in a long time. Noah was in the middle of another ridiculous joke, his animated delivery earning a reluctant but genuine smile from Anabella.

Clair couldn’t help but smile herself. Maybe, just maybe, things would start looking up.

______

Clair returned to the hospital room with a composed expression, her gaze briefly meeting Noah’s as she stepped inside. Noah, perched on the edge of a chair beside Anabella, raised an eyebrow at Clair in silent inquiry. Without a word, she subtly gestured with her hand—a small but deliberate motion that signaled she’d explain later.

Noah nodded, understanding her unspoken message, but Anabella wasn’t oblivious to the exchange. She watched them closely, her mind whirring with curiosity.

Still, she chose not to comment. This wasn’t her business, and she didn’t feel it was her place to interfere. After all, Clair and Noah were only trying to help, even if their methods occasionally left her uneasy. She folded her hands in her lap, keeping her thoughts to herself as the moment passed.

Clair took a seat beside the bed and gave Anabella a warm smile. "How are you feeling now?" she asked, her tone gentle.

"I’m okay," Anabella replied quietly. "Just... tired."

"That’s normal," Clair reassured her. "But remember, you don’t have to push yourself so hard. It’s okay to lean on others once in a while."

Anabella nodded but didn’t respond. Instead, she glanced toward the window, her expression distant. Clair and Noah exchanged a brief glance, their mutual concern evident. They stayed with her for a while longer, chatting lightly to keep the atmosphere calm, before eventually deciding it was time to leave.