Chapter 78

"Matthew, you're awake!"

Marguerite jumped up from her chair and reached for him.

"How are you feeling right now?"

He opened his mouth to reply, but he could only produce a raspy croak.

"Sorry, you must be parched."

She turned towards the nightstand and grabbed the knocked glass. After quickly wiping the spillage with her handkerchief, she replenished the glass with water.

"Here, have a sip."

She helped him sit and brought the water to his mouth, keeping her hand on the glass and sliding her arm behind his head. He took a big gulp and started to splutter.

"Slowly." She stroked his back until he stopped coughing, then she eased him back into the pillow.

"Are you feeling better now?"

Marguerite asked gently, looking so concerned that his heart tightened. He weakly replied,

"Yeah, thank you."

"Great. I'll get you some beef tea. I know you hate it but you need it to restore your energy."

But at the moment, there was nothing he wanted more than to have her by his side. He needed nothing