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.

thousands, now

diner wasn't taken seriously; she was often late, which cost her 30 dollars each time. By the end of the month,

left with less than 200

card cut off, she needed to

she'd do out of spite.

the core.

thought, how hard could it be to earn 500 dollars? Worst case was to do multiple jobs

Felix.

exhausted she hardly had energy left for intimacy with Felix. She was too tired. As soon

she'd collapse on the couch

felt like too much effort. She'd never worked this hard before, standing all day at the diner and

at a convenience

I'm only working two jobs, but why does it feel so exhausting? How have

least four or five jobs a month, facing as much abuse

opinions while working at the diner, now, stripped of

started

wiped her cheek with a washcloth. She

day when I got home.

the luxury items from their hwere gone, and he had even warned

to help her

days without cream. She touched her own cheek and

serum, no moisturizer. How am I supposed to live like this? My dad

and then fell asleep in his arms. Working two jobs, she was

she drifted

the sofa, gazing down at her face. Dark circles had formed under her eyes.

meticulous care of her skin, even applying body lotion to

of luxury, and she never

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