Chapter 241 Market
Chapter 241 Market
Matilda let out a sharp laugh of disbelief.
"Thomas, has your fever fried your brain?" She looked down at him lying in the hospital bed. "When did I ever say I'd stay with you? Stop flattering yourself."
Thomas leaned against the headboard, an IV needle still taped to the back of his hand.
His thin lips pressed into a tight line, his jawline rigid as his gaze stubbornly fixed on her face.
In the past, whenever he wore that expression, Matilda would have softened at least a little.
But now? She just found it absurd.
Gavin, sitting nearby, coughed to break the tense standoff.
"Actually, it's fine," Gavin said casually. "The market's pretty big. The more the merrier, right? Mr. Stuart, if you want to come, we can all go together tomorrow."
"He's not going." Matilda didn't leave him any wiggle room, shutting it down on the spot.
She pointed to the IV bag still dripping fluid. "Doctor said he needs to stay for observation. We'll go without him."
Thomas's brow furrowed instantly.
"I'm checking out tomorrow." His voice came out hoarse from the fever.
"That's your business." Matilda completely ignored him.
She turned to Gavin. "You done eating? If so, let's head back."
Gavin glanced between Thomas and Matilda, then stood up tactfully.
"Sure, let's go. Mr. Stuart, get some rest."
Matilda grabbed her coat without sparing Thomas a single glance and headed straight for the door.
"Matilda."
Thomas suddenly called her name.
Matilda didn't even break stride.
She reached the door, pushed it open, and tossed back over her shoulder without looking: "Rest up and get yourself back to Harmony City. Stop following me around."
The door swung shut behind her.
The hospital room fell completely silent.
Thomas stared at the closed door, his hand on the blanket slowly clenching into a fist, veins bulging on the back of his hand.
He closed his eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing as he forced down the emotions churning inside him.
---
The next morning, Meadowbrook City woke up shrouded in fog, the air heavy with dampness.
Matilda pushed open the door of her guesthouse room.
She pulled her coat tighter and started down the stairs.
Just as she rounded the corner on the first floor, her steps came to an abrupt halt.
Because standing under the tree in the center of the courtyard was a man.
Thomas wore a long black trench coat over a crisp white dress shirt.
One hand tucked into his pocket, he was turned slightly, gazing toward the courtyard gate.
At the sound of footsteps, he turned his head.
Matilda froze in place, her brow immediately furrowing.
Wasn't he supposed to be lying in a hospital bed?
She hurried down the last few steps and strode up to him.
"What are you doing here?" Her tone was sharp as she looked him up and down.
Thomas's complexion still looked terrible—lips pale, dark circles heavy under his eyes.
His hand hung at his side, a bandage covering where the IV had been.
"I'm going to the market with you," Thomas said, looking at her.
Matilda nearly laughed in disbelief.
"Thomas, are you insane?" She lowered her voice, barely containing her anger. "The doctor told you to stay for observation. What the hell are you doing here? You think this is touching or something?"
"I'm fine." His voice was flat. "The fever's gone. I'm going with you."
"I said you're not allowed."
"I'm going anyway."
They stood locked in a standoff in the courtyard, neither willing to budge.
Just then, a door opened on the second floor.
Gavin came down the stairs in a windbreaker.
"Morning, Matilda. You're up early."
Halfway through his greeting, Gavin spotted Thomas standing under the tree.
His expression flickered subtly before he plastered on his usual easygoing smile.
"Well, well, Mr. Stuart? You're up early too. Feeling better?"
Thomas gave him a cold look without responding.
Gavin didn't seem bothered. He walked over to Matilda and asked casually, "What's he doing here? Coming with us?"
"He's not—"
"Yes." Thomas cut Matilda off directly.
He took a step forward, subtly positioning himself between Matilda and Gavin, his gaze boring into Gavin. "I'm going with you. Got a problem with that?"
Gavin raised an eyebrow, his smile unwavering. "Of course not. The more the merrier, right? But can you handle it physically? Markets get crowded—lots of pushing and shoving. If you pass out again, Matilda will have to take care of you."
Thomas's jaw tightened. "Mind your own business," he said coldly.
Matilda stood to the side, feeling a headache coming on.
She took a deep breath, forcing down her irritation.
She knew Thomas's temperament. Once he dug his heels in, no one could talk him out of it.
Even if she kicked him out now, he'd probably just drive himself there and follow them around.
Rather than waste time arguing in the courtyard, she might as well let him tag along. If he felt terrible, that was his problem.
"Whatever."
Matilda's expression went cold as she walked past Thomas toward the gate.
"Follow if you want. If you pass out, I'm not taking care of you."
Thomas watched her retreating figure, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
He strode after her without hesitation.
Gavin hung back, watching the two walk ahead one after the other, a knowing smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
He jingled his car keys and strolled after them at a leisurely pace.
---
The Meadowbrook City market was set up in a large open area on the city's outskirts.
Today was a local traditional festival, drawing villagers from miles around.
Vendor stalls lined both sides of the road—some selling local specialties, others handmade crafts, and still others cooking food fresh to order. Steam rose into the air as voices filled the space in a chaotic din.
Matilda walked at the front.
Gavin stayed to her left, occasionally pointing out local features.
Thomas walked half a step behind and to Matilda's right.
Normally, Thomas despised noisy, crowded environments like this. He had a touch of germaphobia and hated being packed in with people.
But now he walked through the crowd without a word of complaint.
A group of tourists came barreling through, about to collide with Matilda.
Thomas moved with lightning speed. His long arm shot out, wrapping around Matilda's shoulder and pulling her toward him.
Matilda, caught completely off guard, stumbled backward into his solid chest.
Her nose was instantly surrounded by the faint woody scent that clung to him.
"Watch out." Thomas spoke quietly, his voice right by her ear.
Matilda's body went rigid. She shoved his hand away and stepped back two paces.
"Don't touch me."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it dripped with rejection—as if being touched by him was something revolting.
Thomas's hand froze mid-air.
He slowly curled his fingers and slid his hand back into his pocket, a flash of hurt crossing his eyes.
Gavin immediately stepped over.
"You okay?" He looked down at Matilda with concern.
"I'm fine." Matilda straightened her clothes and pointed to a stall up ahead. "Let's check that one out."