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."

Felix promised, never taking his eyes

raged on outside, rain

still didn't thought of

and the

paid another 20,000 dollars in the hospital. This the

of the year.

up. If her brain tumor worsened, Listina would

had to

eyebrows slightly. It seemed that he had

she go back

back to his place, cooked up

the night, alone and fearful, scared the stalking

might appear.

she relied on multiple cups of hot water to get through

her sense of injustice

Felix several times

important

for him, but couldn't stop the tears that stung her

and was startled by

in a blanket, she peered out

a sunny vibe, and carried a

"Carol, have you eaten?"

gentle tone,

changed his shoes, and touched her flushed

She looked away.

the food aside, lifted her chin, and

pushed him away,

want to

it be," he murmured,

she almost forgave him

Felix opened the

"I made you breakfast."

circles under his eyes.

sorry. I missed your

"Is everything okay now?"

it was

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

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