Chapter 59
Hudson, who was the subject of his best friend’s conversation, was unaware of what was happening as he sat beside Cheris’s still
unconscious form.
„Just like Keith had predicted, he kept wetting and wringing dry the washcloth even though it was still cool enough to help in bringing Cherise’s fever down.
He was afraid the cool washcloth was not enough since it was his first time taking care of someone sick.
Cheriee, who felt uncomfortable because of her fever, moaned in restlessness and Hudson quickly rubbed circles on Cherise’s back
of her hand
His other hand went to cup her cheek, his thumb caressing it gently while still balancing the basin of water on his lap
Don’t be afraid. Cherise. You’ll be fine soon, he whispered softly Tm here with you”
Cherise seemed to sense a soothing presence and her moan of pain quietened down. She even nuzzles her cheek against Hudson’s palm, and something stirred within Hudson’s heart.
It was an unfamiliar feeling. Not like a punch in the gut, a dull ac, or something stabbing his heart. But a warm feeling that confusing for him, but he still welcomed it as it felt… good. Nothing like he had ever felt before.
was
Why hadn’t he felt this way before? A self–deprecating smile graced his lips. He knew the answer to his question. Of course, he knew
it
It wasn’t the first time Chenise had nuzzles against him. When they were married and he woke up in the middle of sleep to find Cherise’s warm b*dy draped against him and her nuzzling his neck, he would always push her away because he was disgusted by
A gold digger didn’t deserve to nuzzle against him, that was he thought. What a fool he was. And a selfish bastard since he loved to
spoon her and inhale her scent because just like Keith had said before, she seemed to calm him down.
He could do it to her, but he wouldn’t let her do it to him. His mind wandered to the day when he asked Cherise to apologize to Emely
or divorce him.
If he hadn’t been too rash or irrational if he had investigated properly just like everyone asked him would everything be different now?
Sure some things would be different. He would still be married to her, but the rest would still be the same.
He would still think she was a lowly gold digger like his mother. He would still hate her. He would let his mom and Polly bully her. He would just be with her for her b*dy. He would still take care of Emely and be gentler with her, which would hurt Cherise even more and he might even derive pleasure from seeing her hurt.
He felt sick. Hudson Amery who was always confident and never let anyone affect his emotions, much less his self–worth, now felt disgusted by himself. He was a monster.
But regret always came too late, didn’t it? Cherise didn’t love him anymore. Now the table had turned. When he was starting to be intrigued by her and see the good in her, she was disgusted by him, and she should.
Julian, who left to pack some clothes for Cherise as he wanted her to stay longer in the hospital until she became all healthy again. to ensure she would have enough rest and no work at all, had arrived back at Cherise’s ward and frowned when he saw Hudson being all gentle with his sister.
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He couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing. Why would Hudson be this gentle toward Cherise?
“Amery” he greeted Hudson in a terse voice as he strode into the ward and placed a small suitcase in the living room. Since it was a VVIP ward, there was a living room, kitchen, and even an extra bed.
“What are you doing here?” Julian eyed Hudson, not missing the way he was holding Cherise’s hand, the basin of water on his lap. and the washcloth on Cherise’s forehead.
Had Hudson been taking care of his sister while he was away?
“Paula told me what she said to you after Cherise fainted,” Julian spoke again since Hudson wasn’t responding to his question. “And I have the same thoughts as her”
This time, Hudson finally gave a reaction Julain saw his hand stop moving and his b*dy tensed up. Then he turned to look at Julian.
“She was alone,” Hudson spoke, but with none of the hostility he usually directed toward Juliari.
“And you thought you had the right to be here with her?” Julian asked with a raised brow.
Hudson could only purse his lips. He knew he had no rights, but he couldn’t stay away, especially when he saw Cherise lying there
sick and alone.
“Hudson, why are you doing this now?” Julian asked. “Just because you finally know how capable she is? That she is Miss X and is great at business? Because now you know she is not a gold digger?”
Hudson had no idea how to respond to Julian’s inquiries. If he said yes, then it showed how shallow and wrong he was. If he said no.
then it would be a lie
*Just like Paula said, no one is interested in whatever games you are playing now,” Julian looked him straight into his eyes, showing the seriousness of his words. “And I’m sure Cherise wouldn’t care about it either. She might even- No, no might. She would hate you for it.”
“I have warned you to stay away from her time and time again, and I wasn’t the only one,” Julian continued. “Cherise now has many people who love her, unlike the time she was married to you when all she received was hate, disgust, distrust, disrespect, and bullying.”
Hudson’s jaw ticked, and he nearly clenched his fist until he remembered that he was holding Cherise’s hand.
“If, by chance, you now care about her, then let her go and let her be happy,” Julian said. “If you are even attempt to continue because we will protect her to make sure she won’t make the same mis
playing with her… Do not
twice.”
“Because it’s too late, Hudson. You’ve hurt her. Too much. She loved you with all her heart, but you hurt her. You didn’t deserve her and still don’t deserve her now.”
Hudson closed his eyes a and felt his b*dy shudder as the ache in his heart returned. He was a mistake. Cherise thought he was a mistake. And Julian was right. He didn’t deserve her after all the things he had done to her.
Finally, he let go of Cherise’s hand and placed the basin on the nearest table.
Julian watched him closely as Hudson turned to leave the ward.
Before he stepped out, he stopped in his tracks, and with his back facing Julian, he asked, “Do you love her?”
“I do,” Julian said with no hesitation. “I’ve l
loved her since the first moment I laid my eyes on her.”
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Technically he wasn’t lying. When he saw his baby sister being brought home, he loved her as a brother loved a sister. He vowed to protect her at all times, and had failed twice so far once when she was kidnapped, another when she decided to marry Hudson.
This time, he wouldn’t let Hudson or his family, or anyone else hurt her anymore.
Hudson’s heart squeezed and he felt he couldn’t breathe. He thought might pass out there and then from hearing Julian’s
confession.
He always thought, maybe even hoped that Julian was only playing with her, or that Cherise was only but hearing the seriousness in Julian’s voice, there was no doubt in how much he loved Cherise
“Did you guys…” Hudson swallowed. “Were you… Were you together with her before our divorce?”
“Do you think she’s that type of woman, Hudson?” Julian’s tone turned sharp. “If you think she’s that type of woman, then you really are blind and Cherise was really stupid to have given her all to you”
Hudson should feel relieved that Cherise didn’t cheat on him, but all he felt was heaviness. “Take care of her,” he said stiffly.
“You don’t have to tell me that,” Julian replied. “As I’ve said, I love her and will give her anything in this world to see her smile.”
Hudson shuddered again because that was how he should have treated Cherise, but he had lost his chance now.
He nodded and forced his feet to move, to step far away from Cherise and Julian who obviously truly loved her.
Julian sighed and sat on the chair that was occupied by Hudson before. He was surprised by the change in Hudson.
Not only did he become gentle toward Cherise, but he didn’t even sneer, mock, or fight against any of Julian’s words.
Had he finally felt remorseful? But was there a use for that? Yes, Julian once thought as long as Cherise was happy and wanted to go back with Hudson, and Hudson could prove himself, then he would allow it.
But he didn’t cancel his engagement with his mistress, did he? And however much he changed, it couldn’t erase the fact that he cheated behind Cherise’s back and impregnated his mistress, which in Julian’s eyes was the most disgusting thing someone could do to their spouses.
He hated cheating. That was one thing he couldn’t forgive from a partner. If he ever had a partner and she cheated on him, he would make sure she suffered. Oh yes, he was as ruthless as Hudson in certain situations.
As he was pondering about Hudson, Cherise stirred and her eyes fluttered open.
She looked around slowly to take in her surroundings and realized she was in the hospital.
Did I faint?” she asked weakly when her eyes landed on Julian and tried to sit up.
Here, let me help you.” Julian took the washcloth away from her forehead and pressed a button so her bed slowly inclined upward.
Thank you for staying with me,” Cherise smiled weakly.
“You could feel me?” Julian asked as he offered Cherise a glass of water with a straw, not knowing whether to tell the truth or not.
“Yes.” Cherise nodded and took a sip through the straw. “I can feel the warmth of your hands. Who else can be gentle with me other
an my brother?”
ulian felt conflicted but in the end, chose not to tell her it was Hudson who provided her that warmth and gentleness.
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He actually didn’t believe Cherise had totally moved on from Hudson. She loved him deeply for three years, and that strong feelings couldn’t just disappear like that even if she hated him now
If Hudson showed tenderness, she might fall back in love with him and it would hurt her again since Hudson was going to marry.
another woman.
“You know no one loves you more than your own brother, Julian winked, trying to act as naturally as possible.
Cherise laughed and teased, T’ll tell Grandpa you think he loves me less than you.”
Julian smiled. “Good to see you feeling better.”
“Being in the hospital and having you take care of me will of course make me feel better, Cherise grinned. “I bet I can be discharged
by tomorrow.”
“No.” Julian shook his head.
Cherise frowned. “What do you mean by no? I’m sure my fever has gone down by now”
“It means..” Julian touched her forehead and was relieved to find her temperature had nearly gone back to normal. “You will stay
here for a few days to rest.”
“I can rest at home,” Cherise said defendedly.
I want you to rest, which means not doing any work at all,” Julian explained.
“But I’ll be bored,” Cherise pouted.
Paula and Logan can accompany you,” Julian said.
Cherise could only roll her eyes and shut her mouth. There was no fighting Julian when it concerned her health. He was stubborn in hat aspect.
Oh!” Cherise suddenly exclaimed, startling Julian and making him think she felt sick again.
ut before he could ask what was wrong, Cherise grabbed Julian’s hand and asked him excitedly, “Did you meet Xav? You must have net him, right?”
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