He'd been in the hospital room for half an hour. When he stepped out, he spotted Carol perched on a bench in the corridor, nodding

off with exhaustion.

At the sound of the door, she jerked awake and scurried over to him. As they entered the elevator together, she watched his face

carefully, making sure he wasn't still mad at her. Only then did she slip her arm through his.

"Is Listina awake now? Does that mean you don't have to worry anymore? Can you chevery day now?"

"Carol."

He called her nand clasped her hand, "I don't want to break up with you."

Her eyes sparkled at his words, and she nearly leaped onto his back with joy.

neither, I don't want to break up. Don't mind my dad. He just wantsto be with someone 'matched for marriage’. He even

threatened to cut off my credit card and took back the villa and my car. But I won't give in."

Her eyes shone brightly, and a smile curled on her lips, "Felix, as long as you don't let go of my hand, I'll be by your side forever."

Much later, Carol would recall these words and realize how right Zion was; she had been too young to understand how difficult the

journey of “forever” could be.

She was the only one holding on, while the other seemed to treat it all like a passing joke, a spectator watching her determination.

True to Abner’s word, that very night Carol's bank card was frozen. During her twith Felix, she had barely spent a dime.

of thousands,

she was often late, which cost her 30 dollars each time. By

with less than

cut off, she needed to find a

her father forbade, she'd do out of spite. Whatever Felix discouraged, she'd

the core.

could it be to earn 500 dollars? Worst case was to do multiple jobs

Felix.

energy left for intimacy with Felix. She was too tired. As soon

on the couch and fall asleep

eating felt like too much effort. She'd never worked this hard before, standing all

at a convenience

does

a month, facing as much abuse as she did, if not more. How

and indifferent to others' opinions while working at the diner, now, stripped of her luxury

and clothes, she started

and wiped her cheek with a washcloth. She hissed softly and settled into

every day when I got home. Now my dad's taken even that away.

luxury items from

friends not to help

once pampered, was now dry from days without cream. She

no serum, no moisturizer. How am I supposed to

fell asleep in his arms. Working two jobs, she was severely sleep-deprived, and

dinner, she drifted

her head in his palm as he sat on the sofa, gazing down at her face. Dark circles had

her skin, even applying body lotion

one of luxury, and she

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