I Never Thought This Day Would Come

April brought over the medicine—two bowls in total. The first was to reduce fever and protect the lungs, and Lily Evans helped Belle drink it down.

When the second bowl was brought, April bit her lip hard, tears streaming down as she stared at the dark, bitter decoction.

Both sisters had served in the manor before—they knew the smell of this medicine all too well.

Lily Evans took the bowl and brought it to Belle's lips.

But Belle snatched the bowl away, tipped her head back, and gulped it down herself. The medicine burned all the way down, making her eyes water.

"I never thought I'd see the day I'd have to drink this stuff," Belle muttered, staring at the empty bowl, mouth full of bitterness, before collapsing into Lily Evans's arms in tears.

"There, there. It's all over now. Just get some sleep and pretend it was all a bad dream," Lily Evans murmured, gently patting Belle's back to comfort her.

After taking the medicine, Belle grew drowsy and unfocused. Worried she might try something desperate again, Lily Evans decided to stay and sleep beside her, along with April.

Lily Evans stepped out to tell Lucky not to wait up, but as soon as she opened the door, she found Eugene Jr. squatting on the ground outside, clutching his head and tugging at his messy hair.

"Eugene Jr.," Lily Evans called, approaching him and taking in his nearly distraught face.

"Miss Lily, how's Belle doing?" Eugene Jr. asked, head bowed as he wiped away his tears.

"She took her medicine and is sleeping now. I'll let Lucky know, and tonight April and I will stay with her," Lily Evans replied.

Eugene Jr. clenched his fists. "I'll stand guard at the door tonight. If anything happens, just call me."

"Alright, it's damp and chilly tonight—make sure you dress warmly. Dr. Wu left some medicine to ward off cold and protect your lungs; you should have a bowl too. That river water was freezing, and you got soaked. Better safe than sorry," Lily Evans said, sighing softly at this lovesick, suffering soul.

"I've already had some, plus a bowl of ginger soup to chase away the chill." Eugene Jr.'s eyes blazed with fierce determination, his teeth clenched. "I haven't dealt with that brute myself yet—how could I possibly collapse now!"

Lily Evans returned to the room, where Lucky was waiting for her. As soon as she came in, he walked over with a bundle of pillows and quilts.

"Darling, you're staying with Belle tonight, right?" Lucky asked, his head peeking out from the pile of bedding, eyes wet and reluctant.

"Yes, April and I will keep her company, just in case she gets any foolish ideas," Lily Evans replied, gently stroking Lucky's cheek. Seeing him lifted her spirits a little.

"Let me walk you over. I've packed up all your favorite bedding," Lucky said.

Lucky carried the bedding and escorted Lily Evans over, handing her the quilt at the door.

Inside, April helped Lily Evans make the bed. The two of them settled in on either side of Belle, with Eugene Jr. standing guard outside. This way, they didn't have to worry about Belle sneaking out in the night to do something drastic.

Lily Evans drifted in and out of sleep all night, plagued by dreams—one where she and Lucky consummated their marriage, only for Lucky to suddenly remember his past, shove her away, and leave for good.

Lily Evans jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat. She checked on Belle, who was sound asleep and fever-free. Seeing the faint light of dawn, Lily Evans finally breathed a sigh of relief—the hardest night was finally over.

Just as dawn broke and Lily Evans finished getting ready, she heard a commotion outside—drums and suona horns faintly in the air. Granny Silver bustled in, beaming. "Congratulations, Belle! Li Ergou is here to propose! Quick, get dressed and go meet him!"