Chapter 28: Hurt Ankle
Justin gently placed Natalie on the sofa and knelt before her on one knee, reaching out to check her ankles. However, she quickly retracted her foot.
"I can do it," she said, her tone firm.
Respecting her wishes, Justin pulled his hands back and stood up, giving her some space. He looked at Noah, who left the suite, leaving the pair of step-siblings alone.
From a short distance away, Justin observed her, noticing how differently she was dressed today. Unlike her usual professional and plain attire, she wore a white, long-sleeved lace top paired with an olive green knee-length skirt. Her hair was left loose, and she wore heels, giving her a more lively and vibrant appearance than usual.
He guessed it might have been an attempt to present herself as a happily married woman in front of her grandfather.
As she sat with her head slightly lowered, she gently brushed away loose strands of hair from her forehead, revealing a smooth, glowing complexion that radiated both strength and beauty. Even in her simple clothes, she exuded an elegance that momentarily left Justin speechless.
When she removed her sandals, Justin noticed the reddish swelling around her left ankle. He watched as she ran her finger around it, wincing in pain which she tried to suppress.
It was clear she didn’t like to show vulnerability, just as her grandfather had described.
Justin left the room briefly and returned with a first aid kit, only to find her putting her sandals back on and attempting to stand. She was clearly intent on leaving. She carefully tested her injured leg, if she could walk, only to make it worse.