Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Their friendship hit a wall the moment Sabrina confessed.

Before, a simple hug between them was no big deal. But now that everything was out in the open, James felt really uncomfortable even thinking about touching Sabrina. He stepped back, trying to hide how nervous he was.

"Why are you acting all scared? I'm just joking." Sabrina laughed, finding his reaction funny.

James cleared his throat and forced a smile. "Don't joke like that. It freaks me out."

"Alright, alright. It's late, you should head home," Sabrina said with her usual playful wink. "Otherwise, your future wife might start worrying."

Thinking of Esther made James smile. "Okay, take care. We'll visit you again soon."

Sabrina nodded and waved him off with a hint of annoyance. "Just go. Don't disturb my rest."

She turned and lay down. As James was about to close the door, he heard her low voice.

"Would you have liked me if Esther wasn't in the picture?"

"No, I wouldn't."

going to

blanket, tears slipping

day, Pearl went to

was already waiting for her at the hospital entrance, greeting her with a smile. "You seem just as curious about the investigation results as I am,

gave him a sarcastic look. When he grinned confidently, she couldn't help teasing him,

Mister Claude?"

remembering the argument he had with Sabrina that Pearl had witnessed. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the

Claude gritted his teeth and glared

the duty doctor greeted Pearl warmly. She

for another investigation, Miss

reason, Pearl felt a sudden tickle in her nose at his words and touched it,

a

business. "Doctor, could you

winked at