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Chapter 13 Protect The Heart
There was no one in the living room, but Callum noticed a multitude of bailoons on the coffee table and a large bouquet of red roses piled on the couch.
He took two steps forward, noticing two bottles of red wine and a pair of glasses arranged on the dining table.
The atmosphere didn’t sit right with Callum. Did Mr. Mayer bring someone back? Isn’t Ms. Brock in the hospital? Also, he doesn’t seem to harbor feelings for her, only regarding her as his lifesaver.
Callum sprinted up the stairs with large strides.
“Mr. Mayer?” He peeked down the hallway.
With a resounding thud, something heavy had fallen. Startled, Callum dashed toward the source of the noise.
Donovan was in Shelby’s bedroom, where a ladder was placed in the middle. Standing atop it, a pen tucked behind his ear, le looked in surprise at Callum, who rushed in flustered.
Callum lowered his gaze, seeing a roller brush lying quietly on the ground.
Donovan held the balloon in his hand. “Perfect timing. Hand me the brush.”
A befuddled Callum walked over. “Mr. Mayer, what are you up to?”
“It’s Shelby’s birthday today.” Donovan began, smiling, “When we first started dating, she told me that she wished to a starry sky every day.”
With a single sentence, Callum, who was handing the hammer to Donovan, suddenly froze mid–action
He finally figured out what was off.
Shelby was dead. What was the point of celebrating a birthday for someone who was no longer alive?
“What are you gawking at?” Donovan was dissatisfied with Callum’s slow movements, so he bent down and took the item from his hand.
He painted the ceiling a deep shade of navy blue.
“Send Olivia home. I want to cook tonight.” Donovan climbed down the ladder, shified his position, and then climbed back
- up.
Callum opened his mouth. “All right.” Did he forget he had already sent Olivia home a few days ago?
Callum was a bit dazed. Quickly, he settled the documents and his coat elsewhere before rushing into the bedroom. “Let me handle this, Mr. Mayer.
Donovan chuckled. “Do you know how to draw stars?”
Callum shook his head.
“I won’t be at the office next week. You’ll handle my affairs.” Donovan continued his work without pause. “I’m taking Shelby to Mount Killburn.”
“Do you need me to prepare a bag for you?” Callum looked up.
Donovan was slightly taken aback. “What bag?”
Callum drew in a sharp breath. “For the urn…”
Donovan said, “The government doesn’t allow anyone to hike on Mount Killburn. There’s no need to prepare a bag. What are you talking about? What urn?”
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Callum fell silent. Something is very off
“Didn’t you mention that Mrs. Mayer is unwell?” Callum tentatively asked.
Donovan laughed. “It’s going to be cold, so just prepare a few warm clothes. However, don’t worry, I can handle this. You don’t need to do anything
A chill ran down Callum’s spine, causing the hairs on his arm to stand on end. “Then…. Where has Mrs. Mayer gone to now?
Donovan was taken aback once more, a rare occurrence. He pondered for a long while before shaking his head. “She didn’t tell me.
He then chuckled, “However, she’ll be back by evening.” She’s timid, never staying out too late.
After leaving the Mayer residence, Callum planned to contact a friend who was a psychologist, but then he considered Donovan’s status. He agonized over it for quite some time before finally reaching out to Donovan’s father.
He told Donovan’s father that Donovan believed that Shelby was still alive, exhibiting symptoms of delusion, and sugested that he might be having some mental issues.
After finishing the paint job, Donovan removed his gloves as he walked away. There was a contract on the table while glanced at. Was Callum here to deliver the contract? How could he be so careless as to forget to mention it to me? He now j behind.
Donovan shook his head, carefully relocating the flower before sitting down to review the contract.
The cell phone resting in the bedroom on the second floor was ringing, but Donovan didn’t hear it.
Lila had woken up the day before. Initially, she believed would soon see Donovan, so she didn’t reach out. However, the hadn’t seen him, and no one answered when she called him.
The doctor said a hospital stay was necessary for her to monitor if her heart showed any signs of rejection.
Lila kept calling Donovan, but it was futile.
Then, she remembered Callum, who she believed must surely know where Donovan was.
Callum had just finished his conversation with Donovan’s father when Lila’s call came through.
“Where is Donovan?” she asked.
Callum said, “Mr. Mayer is at home.” Preparing a surprise birthday celebration for Shelby
“Why isn’t he answering my calls?” Lila complained.
“I wouldn’t know,” Callum said. After all, he was Donovan’s people, and his boss‘ situation would only be shared with those closest to him, not just anyone.
Callum’s vague statement left Lila feeling a bit flustered. Did Donovan and Shelby reconcile during my time in the hospital? What about me? What should I do?
Donovan waited until nightfall, but Shelby still hadn’t returned and wasn’t answering her phone.
He opened WhatsApp and sent multiple messages to Shelby: Where did you go? When will you be back! I’ve prepared your favorite ribs for you. They’ll get cold if you don’t come back soon. Shelby, today is your birthday. Happy Birthday to you.
The rustling sounds from outside seeped in as purple lightning streaked across the sky. A sense of urgency washed over Donovan as he swiftly grabbed his car keys and headed toward the entrance. Shelby is terrified of thunderstorms. I need to pick her
- up.
After Donovan changed his shoes, he stared at the door, lost in thought. Where should I go to pick her up?
While he was lost in thought, there was a knock at the door.
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Donovan’s lips curled up as he opened the door. “Why are you only just getting back, aren’t you– Why is it you?”
Lila stood at the doorway, clad in a patient’s uniform with a coat draped over it. Her complexion didn’t look too good. “Donovan, why haven’t you come to see me?”
She had taken a taxi but still ended up getting drenched in the rain on the short walk to the Mayer residence..
She had sneaked out when the nurse wasn’t looking but was starting to falter. Her wound was particularly painful, and her body was feeling unwell.
Lila glanced around the room twice but didn’t spot Shelby. However, she did catch the scent of roses and noticed numerous red balloons hanging from the ceiling.
Lila quickly realized it was Shelby’s birthday. They really did reconcile!
Lila felt aggrieved, biting down hard on her lower lip.
A sharp pang of pain pierced her heart, causing her pupils to dilate. The words she wanted to say remained unspoken as she jfell to her knees.
Donovan’s expression changed, and he swiftly scooped her up and sprinted toward the car.
Lila thought he still cared for her before her consciousness slipped away.
In her daze, Donovan’s words wormed their way into her ears. “I must save her… The heart mustn’t… Protect the h
She couldn’t fully make out the words being spoken outside. All she could hear was the pounding of her heart. Ho conscious mind still recognized it was Donovan’s voice and thought he was saying that because of her.
Outside the ward, Donovan told the attending physician, “She must be saved. You can’t let her die. Her heart must unscathed. You must protect her heart.”
