Chapter 10 Do What Married Couples Do

After giving his parents a heads-up, Norton stepped out of the house. Less than an hour later, he stood outside Lucille's door. Serene was waiting there, her face pale and filled with concern. The moment Norton saw her, worry gripped him, and he quickly asked, “How's Lucy doing?” Hearing the affectionate way Norton addressed Lucille, Serene felt a surge of resentment. But remembering Lucille's prior instructions, she suppressed her feelings and approached him respectfully. “When Ms. Jadeling and I left the hospital today, she got a phone call. After that, her mood took a turn for the worse. No matter what I said, I couldn't calm her down. Now that you're here, please, don't let her down. You're the only one she listens to. I'm begging you.” Serene's voice wavered, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Though she was officially Lucille's subordinate, Lucille had always treated her like a younger sister. “Leave it to me,” Norton assured her. “You should rest.” After sending Serene off, Norton knocked on Lucille’s door. Treating her injuries would be a challenge. Several of the rare medicinal herbs he needed weren't yet in his possession, and the healing process would be long and arduous. He had hoped to spend more time with his parents before beginning Lucille's treatment, but seeing her condition changed his mind. Her face was pale, her complexion lifeless. “Norton, you're here. Come and sit,” Lucille greeted him. Her worry faded the moment he entered, replaced by a calm, almost commanding tone. She patted the edge of the bed, inviting him to sit beside her. Norton immediately sat down, taking her delicate hand and placing it on his knee to check her pulse. His expression darkened with a mix of concern and frustration. “Lucy, didn't I tell you to stay calm and composed? You're letting your emotions take over again. Do you know how much harm that's doing to your body? Your four meridians and eight vessels are completely unstable!” He sighed, then ordered firmly, “Lie down. I need to stabilize your condition with acupuncture. By tomorrow, I'll restore your three meridians and seven vessels.” Before she could protest, Norton gently pressed her shoulder to guide her onto the bed. But instead of lying down, Lucille moved closer and rested in his arms. “You called me 'Lucy'. I like that. Say it again,” she teased with a faint smile. “Stop it and lie down already,” Norton scolded, his voice firm but caring. Ignoring his request, Lucille sat up, letting her nightgown slip off. She pressed herself against him, her delicate, flawless figure making Norton momentarily dizzy. “Norton,” she whispered, “I have to return to the Military Department soon, but don't worry—I'll be back. We still have an hour, though. Let's not waste it.” She leaned closer, pinning him down on the bed. Her beauty left him breathless, but Norton quickly snapped out of it. “Lucy, are you crazy? You're planning to go back to the Military Department in this condition? Do you want to throw your life away? I won't let you out of my sight, let alone into danger!” He grabbed her nightgown and draped it over her. “Lie down. I'll stabilize your aura with acupuncture. Tomorrow, I'll have the medicinal herbs I need, and we'll begin your treatment properly.” Norton, though briefly tempted by the intimacy of the moment, restrained himself. With resolve, he picked up a nightgown and carefully draped it over Lucille's bare shoulders, preparing to administer her acupuncture treatment without delay. Lucille smiled sweetly but shook her head. “Thank you, Norton. But I know my body better than anyone. Do the acupuncture now—I trust you. If I go back and die on the battlefield, at least I'll die knowing you gave me a chance.” Her determination silenced him, and he got to work. Within half an hour, the acupuncture was complete. Lucille sat up and cupped his face in her hands. Her eyes softened. “Wait for me,” she said gently before standing and regaining the poise of a seven-star War Goddess. “You're really leaving?” Norton asked, his voice heavy with reluctance. She nodded. “I have orders from the Military Department's commander-in-chief. Don't worry; I'm not going into battle. I'll be back soon.” “Promise me you'll behave,” he urged. “No temper tantrums, no pushing yourself too hard. I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes.” Lucille smiled, kissed his forehead, and left. As she and Serene got into the car, Serene couldn't contain her curiosity. “General, is there a war at the northern border? Is that why General Lindsor called you back?” Lucille shook her head. “No. After the last battle, we left the northern border in ruins. It'll take them years to recover. General Lindsor summoned me to oversee my treatment, but I trust Norton more than any miracle doctor. I've volunteered to lead the Super Combat Artist Plan instead.” Serene was stunned. “The Super Combat Artist Plan? But, General, what about your health? Do you really trust Mr. Qualls that much?” “I trust him completely,” Lucille replied. “In fact, I plan to recommend him to General Lindsor. Norton isn't just a doctor—he's a genius. Once people realize his potential, his name will echo throughout the Military Department.” “Focus on driving. Norton already treated me with acupuncture—I'm not going to die!” Lucille's tone was firm as she addressed Serene from the passenger seat. Her decision to act had been made after receiving an urgent call from Soren Lindsor, the commander-in-chief of the Military Department. Determined to help Norton rise to prominence, she was willing to do whatever it took. Time was running out, and if her mother discovered Lucille's relationship with Norton, his life could be at risk. She was determined to prevent that outcome at all costs. Serene, understanding the depth of Lucille's feelings for Norton, refrained from saying anything further. She knew how important Norton had become to her general. All she could do now was silently hope Norton would not let Lucille down. Back at the house, Norton stood in the doorway, watching as Lucille's car disappeared into the traffic. A sense of worry and reluctance lingered in his heart. He considered calling his former disciple, now the commander-in-chief in the armed forces, to learn more about Lucille's role there. He also wanted clarity on what she might face after leaving him. But as the thought crossed his mind, he hesitated. “Forget it,” he muttered to himself. “With my acupuncture skills, Lucy will be fine for at least the next three months—provided she stays out of combat. She's a soldier. I need to respect her decisions.” Despite his reassurances, Norton's heart remained heavy with concern. Turning away, he stepped outside and dialed a number. The phone barely rang before it was answered, the voice on the other end brimming with deference. “Young Master, you've finally called! I've been waiting. What can I do for you?” “Gather all the medicinal herbs I need within a day,” Norton instructed. “If you complete this task, I'll consider teaching you acupuncture.” The man on the other end, an inmate from Ares Prison, once hailed as a miracle doctor, was one of the few capable of sourcing the rare medicinal herbs Norton needed.