Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Aaron didn't give Nate an answer, but silence itself was an answer.

Lena's test results came back negative: no traces of snake venom were found in her system. The wound had been treated, and in the end, it turned out to be a false alarm. "Sorry, Uncle," Lena said apologetically. "I ruined your camping trip."

When she had been bitten by the snake, her screams were so terrifying that they startled everyone else. The others quickly packed up and left, bringing the camping trip to an abrupt, messy end. "It's fine. You can make it up to everyone another time," Aaron replied in a way that defied all expectations.

Shouldn't he be comforting her?

He didn't play by the rules, and Lena decided she wouldn't either. "I'm not making it up to anyone. If anything, you owe me, Uncle."

"How would you like me to compensate you?" This time, he sounded more reasonable.

Lena blinked mischievously. "I haven't decided yet. I'll let you know when I figure it out."

After saying that, she sighed. "Uncle, I don't think I'll ever go camping again in my life."

Aaron's expression remained calm, but there was a subtle undercurrent in his eyes. "What's this? Bitten by a snake once and afraid of ropes for ten years?"

"That depends on the situation," Lena replied. She wasn't the kind of person to give up after one setback, but when it came to snakes, she admitted she was terrified.

of relationship he had with the hospital director,

busy in my department, and we have a pregnant patient scheduled for surgery soon. I'm the

"Fine, but make sure you rest. If you're not feeling well, take time off. I'll...

"Understood," Lena replied playfully.

you up and take you

Lena of the lengthy comments on his social media. Thinking of her mother's tone in those comments, she felt a headache coming on. "Uncle, why do you think that snake wasn't venomous?" Lena asked,

you saying your mom's

me tag along with you anymore, and I won't be able to stay at your place,"

narrowed slightly. After a moment, he murmured, "I thought you didn't

stay, but compared to going back home, it was a compromise she could live

if she were thoughtless, Lena wasn't foolish enough to say that

-

the chaotic

nearly eleven o'clock. It turned out that Aaron had turned off her alarm and had indeed spoken

Lane, is

back at work already? That was

colleague who crossed paths with her stopped to ask about her condition. After working at