After stepping out of the cab, she transferred a hundred bucks to the driver via her phone.

The driver, sensing her sour mood, plastered a grin on his face. "Miss, if you're feeling down, maybe I can help lighten the mood?"

Carol stiffened, the creepiness of his offer washing over her. She backed away hastily, not even bothering to pop open her

umbrella. She was already drenched to the bone—what was a little more rain?

The sound of the downpour mingled with the driver's chuckling as it hammered against her ears.

She quickened her pace and entered her apartment building, which was cheap and consequently lacked proper security. The driver

followed her, probably assuming she had no one to turn to since her phone call earlier seemed merely to embolden herself.

The dangers a woman faced alone were often beyond imagination.

Carol made a beeline for a nearby 24-hour convenience store, where a dozen others had taken refuge from the storm. The cabbie,

seeing the crowd, finally cursed under his breath and left.

Standing in the store, Carol was soaked despite the umbrella in her hand.

The other customers stared at her, wondering why she hadn't used it.

Too scared to head back alone, she settled into the most secluded corner she could find.

She sneezed again, the chill seeping into her bones.

Meanwhile, Felix had arrived at the hospital, oblivious to the rain, his mind consumed with thoughts of Listina waking up.

Entering her room, he saw her eyes were indeed open, though she couldn't speak yet.

"Listina," he rasped, grabbing her hand urgently.

The doctor, checking her vitals, spoke evenly, "She'll be up in a few days, but this isn't a good sign. She's hanging on by meds;

surgery's needed. Mr. Brown, you need to decide soon."

Felix pressed her hand to his cheek.

Knowing the couple's closeness, the doctor sighed, "Ms. Geo called for you when she awoke. Visit more often, Mr. Brown; it could

help."

taking his eyes off Listina, as if he'd

storm raged on outside, rain

didn't thought

all night, and the next morning

leaving, he paid another 20,000 dollars in the hospital. This the really

of the year.

to speed up. If her brain tumor worsened, Listina

had to convince

raised his eyebrows slightly. It seemed that he had left the hotel with Carol last night, but what about

go

his place, cooked up two dishes, and took them

scared the stalking driver was still outside or that

might appear.

she relied on multiple cups of hot water

sense of

messaged Felix several

so important

but couldn't stop the tears that stung

weak and was startled by a knock at

a blanket, she peered out to

exuding a sunny vibe, and carried a container

"Carol, have you eaten?"

heart warmed at his gentle tone, but

his shoes, and touched her flushed cheek, asking, "Got

She looked away.

the food aside, lifted her chin, and kissed

pushed him away,

want

be," he

melted; she almost

ten-minute kiss, Felix opened the

"I made you breakfast."

circles under his eyes. "Where were you last

emergency, sorry. I missed your calls; I was there

"Is everything okay now?"

gripes vanished, knowing it

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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