If only he had realized his love for her sooner.


    Now, having lost her, his heart was filled with anguish.


    He bore the intense heat coursing through his body.


    For a split second, he felt as though he might die.


    Just as he teetered on the brink of despair, the door to the private room swung open.


    Jennifer returned, apanied by the manager, to arrange for Hilliard’s transport to the hospital.


    Gazing at her, Hilliard sensed a newfound tenderness in his heart.


    He was overwhelmed by a deeper sense of appreciation than he had ever known.


    At the N&L Fairy Land, during lunchtime, Zenia found herself puzzled as she observed Nathan gingerly descending the stairs, relying on the handrail for support.


    It was clear that his legs were giving him some trouble.


    “Mr.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Payne, is there something wrong with your legs? Do you have rheumatoid arthritis?” Zenda inquired with concern.


    Nathan’s frustration from the previous night’s punishment fueled a spark in him.


    He hobbled over and replied, his voice tinged with irritation, “Yes, my knees hurt.


    ”


    “But it didn’t rainst night.


    Why would arthritis re up?”


    Nathan didn’t know how to respond to that.


    He cleared his throat and exined with a serious expression, “Lucinda tends to hog the nket.


    I might have caught a cold.


    ”


    “Oh, I understand.


    ”


    Zenia acquiesced.


    She was not entirely convinced that a cold could trigger arthritis but she didn’t dwell on the matter.


    Instead, she expressed concern.


    “Mr.


    Payne, remember to take two pills.


    Until you’re better, avoid being near the babies or ki*sing them to prevent passing on any illness.


    ”


    “Of course,” Nathan readily agreed.


    He was relieved at the prospect of keeping his distance from the babies.


    He wanted to avoid another confrontation with Lucinda concerning anything baby-rted.


    While they conversed, footsteps resonated from the staircase on the third floor.


    Nathan promptly instructed Zenia, “If you’vee downstairs to fetch milk for the babies, focus on your task and avoid unnecessary questions.


    ”


    “I apologize.


    ”


    Zenia nodded, then turned and headed to the kitchen.


    Lucinda descended the stairs rapidly.


    As she caught sight of him leaning on the railing, she reached out and grasped his arm.


    “Is the pain still bothering you? Didn’t I apply medicine to youst night?”


    After he heard this, Nathan’s face scrunched up, and he grumbled softly, “I endured kneeling on that washboard for over two hours.


    One application of ointment won’t make the swelling disappear.


    ”


    He wrapped his arms around her waist and removed his leather gloves to reveal his red, swollen palms.