chapter106

Last time she'd gone to the hospital, Lydia had overheard Grandpa Samuel and Chris talking. Apparently, Connor still had some old injuries.

Connor straightened up and gave her a little shrug. "I'm good now. Thanks to you."

If he hadn't bumped into Lydia at Highridge that day, he honestly had no idea where he'd be right now. Maybe it was just fate.

Since Connor didn't bring up his injuries, Lydia decided not to ask. She figured he'd let her know when he really needed her help.

"Let's head back up. We shouldn't keep everyone waiting."

"Hold on a second."

Lydia arched an eyebrow. "What's up?"

"Can I have your phone? Let me save my number," Connor said, holding out his hand.

She hesitated, then pulled out her phone, unlocked it, and passed it to him.

Connor dialed his own number from her phone, then quickly saved his contact as: fianc .

Lydia stared at the screen, exasperated.

Connor just smiled, his eyes twinkling as he handed her phone back. "All set. I'll message you tonight."

Lydia grabbed her phone and walked off without a word. Connor grinned and followed, keeping pace beside her.

As they walked out of the little park together, Sandy-who'd been hidden in a shadowy corner, mid-kiss-suddenly froze, her breath catching as she watched them.

Soren nipped her lower lip, a little annoyed, Babe, are you really zoning out right now?"

Earlier that evening, Sandy and Soren had come with Jenson and Milana to visit Luke. Dean had shown up to talk through the surgery plan, and suggested the two of them go get some fresh air. Soren had felt stiffed upstairs anyway so they'd supped down to the hospitals park Tucked away in a quiet corner, it actually felt pretty romantic.

Soren, I..... I think I just saw my sister, Sandy said, her voice a mix of surprise and irritation.

She'd caught a glimpse of Lydia with

a different man this time. He was

even taller and more striking than the guy she'd seen at the hospital before she couldn't quite make out his face, but the way he carried himself-so cool and

dignified-made it obvious he wasn't just anyone.

The second Soren heard Lydia's name, his brows knitted together. "Sandy, can we

not talk about her right now? It's such a nice night."

Soren was conflicted about Lydia. After the last time he saw her, he'd even dreamed about her that night He had to admit, she was getting prettien every time he saw

her honestly, she could outshine most celebrities. But she was just so uptight, nothing like the sweet and gentle Sandy.

Seeing the frustration on Soren's face, Sandy frowned. "Sorry, Soren. I was just surprised to see her with another guy."

Soren let out a short laugh. "She sure gets around. Using her looks like that, no shame at all. Sandy, just keep your distance from her, okay?"

Sandy nodded. "I will, Soren."

Soren's hand slid under her shirt again, his voice low and rough. Sandy, let's just get engaged soon."

Sandy blushed. Soren, my parents said we can after my brother's surgery."

He hugged her tighter and sighed. Then we'll just have to wait a little longer."

Meanwhile, Lydia and Connor walked back into the hospital room one after the other. Everyone inside stared at them, eyes wide.

Lucinda's glare was especially sharp.

Chris, never one to miss a chance for gossip, piped up, "Connor, weren't you just having Lydia check you out? Where'd you two run off to?"