Linda knocked softly on the study door.
“Come in,” Rupert’s voice answered, rough but steady.
She slipped inside and shut the door. He sat in his leather chair, lamplight throwing long shadows over the shelves.
“How are you holding up? Should I call for the doctor?” she asked.
“After the children leave,” he said.
“You can’t hide this forever. William will notice.”
“Let him notice later. The boy’s not ready. I won’t rest until he is.”
Linda’s brow furrowed. “This engagement worries me. It’s sudden. If something happened again—like with Sarah—I don’t think I could bear it.”
Rupert gave a dry laugh. “You fret too much. He isn’t his father.” His mouth tightened. “That fool wasted his life chasing a mistress and died for it. William knows better.”
“Still, I’ll have the security team look into her,” Linda said, jaw set. “No one is going to hurt my son.”
Rupert studied her with tired eyes. “You’ve carried more for this family than anyone had a right to ask. You should have been my daughter from the start.”
Her expression softened. “I was young. But I don’t regret it. I got two children—and a father.” She paused. “Will you talk to Wendy again?”
“Tch. That girl has no respect.”
“She adores you. And you shouldn’t have arranged that engagement behind her back.”
“She’s wild. She needs someone to anchor her before she burns out.”
“She’s grown now. Times have changed. She doesn’t need a husband to prove her worth. But… I admit she worries me too, with those dangerous hobbies.”
Rupert coughed, chest rattling.
Linda moved to his side at once. “Medicine. Now. The doctor said no skipping.”
He gave a faint smile. “You nag worse than my wife ever did.”
She helped him rise, steadying his arm as she guided him toward the door.
YOU ARE READING
Bound by Variables
RomanceLeonia and William? Yeah, they don't exactly get along. She thinks he's an arrogant show-off. He thinks she's allergic to fun. Basically: oil, meet water. But then life decides to throw in office drama, family meddling, and-oh yeah-marriage papers. ...
