Chasing the Unexpected

Chapter 826

Valarie froze, nervously fiddling with her hair. She lowered her gaze and replied, “I don’t want to see him just yet. Please tell him to go home.”

“Alright,” Nyla answered.

When she stepped outside, Brandon immediately walked over. “Aunt Nyla, how is Valarie?”

Seeing the concern on his face, Nyla replied calmly, “She’s doing better now, but she’s still not ready to see anyone. Head home for now and come back tomorrow.”

Brandon let out a breath of relief and nodded. “Alright. But it’s late now, so I’ll stay here tonight. I’ll be right outside her room.” Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

“Fine. I’ll head back then. If anything happens, call me,” Nyla reminded him.

Before leaving, she returned to the room and told Valarie that Brandon insisted on staying nearby.

Valarie bit her lip before exclaiming with a frown, “Is he crazy? It’s freezing out there. He’s going to catch a cold sleeping in the hallway all night!”

Suppressing a laugh, Nyla replied, “If you’re that worried, why not invite him in? There’s a couch where he can at least get some rest.”

She noticed the worry in Valarie’s expression–proof of her true feelings for Brandon.

Valarie remained stubborn, countering, “I’m not worried about him! I just don’t want anyone catching a cold because of me…”

Nyla took her hand and looked her in the eye. “Valarie, I was stubborn for too long and ended up missing out on five years with Damon. I don’t want you to lose someone you care about for the same reason. The age difference doesn’t matter. What matters is how you feel about him.”

Valarie hesitated, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately looked down. “I understand. Thank you, Nyla.”

“Damon and I will be going home now. Let me know if you need anything, and I’ll bring it tomorrow when I come again,” Nyla offered.

Valarie shook her head: “There’s no need. You’re busy with work. I’ll be out in a few days

anyway.”

“Alright. If you need anything, call me,” Nyla said.

“Got it,” Valarie answered.

After saying goodbye to Brandon, Nyla and Damon left the hospital.

The hallway grew quiet as Brandon settled into a chair by the wall, leaning back to rest his

eyes.

Inside the room, Valarie stared blankly at her blanket, deep in thought.

What Nyla had said really struck a chord. She knew she had feelings for Brandon. She had tried to hold back, unsure if there was any future between them. Now, even without a guarantee, she was willing to give it a chance.

Valarie was a woman of action. Once she made up her mind, she stood up and walked to the door.

Peering through the window, she saw Brandon seated across the room, seemingly asleep with his head resting against the wall. She felt a rush of nervousness and took a few deep breaths before opening the door.

The moment she did, Brandon’s eyes opened, bright and alert, as if he hadn’t been asleep at all.

Caught off guard by his gaze, Valarie felt her throat go dry. She cleared it softly and managed, “It’s cold out here. Come in.”

Brandon looked at her and didn’t move, emotions swirling in his eyes before they quickly settled.

He nodded. “Alright.”

He stood up and walked toward her.

As he drew closer, Valarie’s heart beat faster. The instant he reached her, she turned around and walked back into the room, avoiding his gaze.