*

After he sent the message, a bitter ache settled in his chest. For the first time in his life, he loved someone with such sincerity and persistence—yet her heart remained out of reach.

The next few days slipped by in their usual rhythm. Sylvia, working late as always, would stop by her favorite restaurant after work, but she never ran into Eugene again.

Her days were as busy and quietly uneventful as ever.

Sometimes she had work dinners; sometimes she met up with Milanda and the others for drinks and conversation. There was no real joy, but nothing to truly trouble her either.

That evening, Sylvia didn't get home until ten. She was tired, and when she opened the fridge looking for something quick to eat, her eyes fell on the jar of bird's nest Eugene had given her.

It was a round glass jar-cute, with a cheerful smiley face sticker he'd put on it. The sight made her lips twitch in a reluctant smile.

She picked up one jar. The sticky note featured a goofy Snoopy doodle, head tilted, tail wagging, with a message beside it: "Go to bed early when you're tired— don't stay up late! Then you'll be as cute as I am!"

Sylvia couldn't help but laugh. She put the jar back and pulled out a packet of pasta instead.

The water had just started to boil and she hadn't even tossed in the noodles when her phone rang. She grabbed it and answered.

Milanda's voice was urgent. "Boss, it's Lydia-there's trouble again!"

Sylvia's brow furrowed. "What happened?"

went out to meet with TENDA's boss. Someone slipped her something. Mr. Winters happened to be there he tried to protect her, but got into a fight with the

and headed

Oasis. I just got here myself. They're

"I'm on my way!"

up, threw on her coat, and

it to

police had

being taken to the hospital, while TENDA's boss and the others from the

there, too, directing staff to clean up the lounge. Crowds

scanned the crowd, searching

down the hall. "Mr. Winters is in this

on the sofa. A paramedic was

with blood and liquor. His collar was torn, tie discarded the whole picture

saw Sylvia, surprise flickered across his face and he

crossed his features and he fell back

with

"Mr. Winters,

darkening. "You're hurt

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