The Pigeon Pair Saves The Marriage by Janice Gold
Chapter 36

Chapter 36

After having a late–night supper, Edith was satisfied and burped on her way home.

She thought she would fall asleep immediately after such a busy day.

But, even after counting sheep up to one thousand and one, she couldn’t fall asleep.

Lying awake, Edith stared at the ceiling, feeling gloomy.

She couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason for her restlessness.

Meanwhile, Gideon was also in the same state with her.

Although they were in different places, both of them suffered from insomnia, watching the moon until dawn.

Due to staying up all night, Edith experienced low blood sugar while searching for materials at the museum in the morning.

Deborah was responsible for the museum’s event and noticed Edith couldn’t stand steadily. She quickly helped Edith sit down and handed her a piece of chocolate, saying, “You should take a break.”

“Thank you,” Edith replied, rubbing her eyes.

Deborah crossed her arms, looking at her with amusement. “I heard you made a bet with Bald Ross. Quite bold, aren’t you? Trying to make a name in the circle?”

Bald Ross was a nickname for Bald Ross Reed given by his peers.

The bet they made had already become a hot topic in the circle.

What would happen when old and new ideas collide? Which one would become the evergreen in archaeology?

The answer would be revealed in a month.

Edith broke off a piece of chocolate and tossed it into her mouth, casually saying, “Ms. Stevens, do you think one should maintain a passion for academia in pursuing scholarly work?”

She had asked this question to many who had offered her business cards and tried to woo her away.

Deborah found it amusing and pondered seriously.

After a few seconds, she smiled and said, “Of course, if it weren’t for the love of it, I wouldn’t have joined the profession. But, personal interests have long tainted some people’s passion.”

Edith smiled, a warmth breaking through her usually calm demeanor.

“I don’t want to become a ruthless businessman just yet, so I must restore this artifact properly.”

Her tone was light, but the determination in her words was unmistakable.

This bet wasn’t about gambling… It was about integrity.

Deborah suddenly felt a surge of inspiration. She had indeed chosen the right person.

“Keep it up. I’m looking forward to seeing this clay statue you’ve restored at a future exhibition,” Deborah said, patting Edith on the shoulder in solid affirmation.

Having rested enough and obtained the needed materials, Edith didn’t linger.

A month passed swiftly.

Bald Ross tried to intimidate her twice and even attempted to sneak a peek at the progress of the artifact’s restoration, but Victor found excuses to send him away each time.

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Focused on her restoration work, Edith ran between various museums, sometimes too busy to eat, growing thinner daily.

She overestimated her physical endurance and fainted after completing the last procedure.

“Edith!” Charlie was frightened and quickly dialed for an ambulance.

Due to work, he had to leave after dropping Edith off at the hospital.

In fact, Charlie wanted to stay and take care of Edith.

However, Edith told him not to worry and said, “I’m fine. Go back and finish up your work.

“But…are you sure you’ll be okay alone in the hospital?” Charlie hesitated at the doorway.

Edith nodded. “My friend is coming over soon.”

“Alright, call me if you need anything.” Charlie left in a hurry.

The door closed, silencing all sounds.

Edith didn’t inform any friends.

She could only call Bonnie and Shane, but she didn’t want to worry them.

The doctor said insufficient rest and high–intensity work caused lack of blood supply in her heart and thus a brief shock.

It wasn’t a severe issue. A few days of rest and IV fluids would have her back to normal.

Edith closed her eyes and drifted off into a heavy sleep.

Of course, this news reached Gideon’s ears.

He received the message in the middle of a meeting and immediately terminated the session.

Ray had to jog a few steps to catch up with him, anxiously saying, “Mr. Peterson, this is a shareholders‘ meeting. Leaving might not be the best idea…”

“Rescheduled the meeting for the day after tomorrow.”

After giving this order, Gideon added, “Head to the hospital.”

It was only halfway there that Ray understood what was happening.

No wonder Gideon was in such a rush.

Ray was struck by the realization and perked up even as he drove.

It had been half a month since Gideon had seen Edith after their unpleasant conversation at the lab.

Approaching the hospital room door, he calmed himself for three seconds, then realized his reaction was far from normal.

What was he worrying about?

If Edith were in the hospital, the one who should be most concerned would be Shane.

Shane must be considerately waiting at the bedside by now!

Gideon’s felt soured uncontrollably deep down.

“There’s nothing to see here!‘ He thought, turning to leave with his face sullen.

Ray suddenly bumped into someone while looking down at his phone, texting. He felt like his life was in danger upon realizing who it was.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Peterson! Are you alright? I didn’t mean to!”

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Gideon frowned but, fortunately, didn’t lose his temper.

He walked away without a word.

Ray glanced toward the hospital room and then at his departing boss, deciding to speak up.

“Mr. Peterson, aren’t you going in? It’s not good to leave Mrs. Peterson alone in the room, Ray said, catching his breath.

Gideon was walking fast with his long legs, and Ray would have to run to catch up.

“Alone?”

Gideon pondered over this and narrowed his eyes. “No one is taking care of her?”

Ray felt his boss had been neurotic lately, always saying things that made no sense.

Ray muttered to himself, but outwardly, he could only reply, “Just Mrs. Peterson alone. Didn’t you see her just now?”

Gideon was preoccupied with thoughts of Shane and Edith’s tender moments. Of course, he didn’t notice.

He turned back to the hospital room, which was oddly quiet. The sound of them pushing the door was particularly abrupt, but fortunately, it didn’t wake the sleeping one.

Ray tactfully stayed at the door.

If he went in now, it would be really insensitive.

Gideon quietly pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed.

The person on the bed was pale, even their lips devoid of color, looking frail.

Sleeping peacefully, Edith seemed more pleasant to Gideon than usual, and he couldn’t help but smile when he thought about this.

He stayed by the bedside until Edith woke up.

The sunlight waned, and the orange glow covered the cold whiteness of the hospital room, adding a touch of warmth.

Edith felt someone watching her in her dreams, making her restless.

Exhausted, she opened her eyes, only to see a figure sitting by the bed, backlit by the light.

Before Edith could speak, she heard the other person utter an emotionless question.

“Are you awake?”

Edith snapped to alertness. “Why are you here?”

Her voice was clear and firm. It seemed there was nothing to worry about.

Gideon, who had been anxious, felt his heart settle back.

He countered. “Why can’t I be here?”

Well, it was not like that…

But when Edith opened her eyes and saw her ex and arch–enemy sitting at the bedside, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that her days were numbered.

Edith shifted her body, leaning back against the headboard, murmuring, “When I was sick and hospitalized, you hired a nurse to take care of me. Why don’t you do that now?”

She found his belated concern unnecessary.

Deep in thought, Gideon couldn’t recall this incident and pressed his lips, saying, “When have I ever brushed you off like that?”

He truly didn’t remember any such event.