Chapter 66
He was five years older than Julian, and they’d grown up as neighbors, practically brothers. Now, as Anya’s husband and Julian’s brother-in-law, Kaleb knew him intimately, just as Anya did. Kaleb thought to himself, "If Julian didn’t care about Rosalie, why on earth would he be so worked up seeing her like this?"
By the time the assistant finished cleaning the glass shards from Rosalie’s foot, Julian had been holding her close for a while, his nerves frayed. Each whimper was like a knife to his gut, his heart leaping into his throat.
“Didn’t I tell you to be gentle?” Julian’s face was stone cold as he glared at the young medical assistant, now drenched in sweat under his intense gaze.
“Enough, Julian. Are you serious? This mess is all because of you, so why take it out on her?” Anya interjected, defending the girl. “With the stupid way you’re acting, someone might think Rosalie’s foot got chopped off, not just scratched.”
Julian rolled his eyes inwardly, thinking, "What do you mean, this mess is all because of me? What exactly did I do?"
At that moment, Rosalie, who had been quietly whining, lifted her head. Her dazed eyes, tinged with irritation, locked onto Julian. “Julian’s here? Then where’s that jerk?” she muttered.
Julian was speechless. His mind raced, but he couldn’t find the words.
Rosalie squirmed, trying to sit up. Rolling up her sleeves, she grumbled, “Tell him to come here. I’m going to smash that jerk’s head in.”
Julian remained silent. Anya and Kaleb exchanged an awkward glance, sensing the tension. Even the doctor and assistant were speechless.
Seeing Rosalie struggle, Julian tightened his grip, his voice low and commanding. “Sit still. Don’t move.”
To his surprise, Rosalie immediately stilled, relaxing in his arms.
After finishing the bandaging, the doctor handed Julian some ointment and instructed, “This medication will help Ms. Talley’s foot heal. Since the wounds are on the bottom of her foot, she should keep it dry, avoid walking on it, and stay away from seafood to prevent infection.”
Julian didn’t respond, but silently absorbed every word, committing the details to memory.