Felix had already taken the medication. His eyes twinkled as he scooped her up in his arms and made his way to the bed. The night

was still a whirlwind of activity.

Carol rose early for work, leaving the house before dawn crept over the horizon. Felix headed off to his own job.

At lunchtime, he stopped by to see Listina. Her cheeks were rosy today; a subtle, persistent smile betrayed her good spirits.

"Felix, really, you shouldn't spend so much next time. I know money's tight for you."

He thought she was referring to the birthday gift and nodded, "It didn't cost much."

Liar, she thought. She had looked it up online; that skincare set was around 1.5 grand, a luxury she had never indulged in before.

"By the way, where's Nathan? I haven't seen him since my surgery. Was he busy?"

"He got sent off to Crystalbrook Valley for a while, but he's back now. Said he'd cby this afternoon."

"That's good. I've missed him. It's too bad I can't celebrate my birthday out with you guys. We could've gone to our favorite diner -

cheap prices and the owner's a gem."

Felix remained silent, pouring her a glass of water.

Nathan did show up that afternoon, his eyes full of mischief at the sight of Felix. The success of Listina's surgery was largely thanks

to the influence of the Miller family.

Carol probably still had no clue about the relationship between Felix and Listina. Nathan nudged Felix's shoulder in a conspiratorial

that all but said

out to answer his phone as

Nathan, who was curious about how Felix got on

TV , and he couldn't resist

the call, ending with a simple, "Carol,

and yet, here she was, shopping for clothes for him at a

luxuries, and just stopped at a random

cheap either - a casual piece set her back 200. Carol's rent was due next month, and the total

barely broke 1,000. After deductions for missed work, she was left with 700 - a tight situation

expensive gift for her; she felt obliged to reciprocate.

transfer - Felix had sent her 5

amidst the hustle and bustle of the streets, drowned out by honking cars, Carol

without this

with the smallest of gestures. As if afraid she'd refuse his gift, he sent

message.

yourself a couple

dressed in bargain-bin attire - something she had complained to him

it made her skin itch. He had

smile curled

[Thanks, honey.]

was about to head inside, a snide voice reached her ears. It was one of her so-called socialite “friends”, always ready with

barb.

isn't Carol. What're you doing hanging around this shop? Don't tellyou're

dad's looking for a new flame, aiming for another heir. Have you been cast aside?

leveling up a new

spot, "What's

bag, sneered at Carol's cheap attire, gloating

at the galas anymore. Look

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