As soon as they stepped out of the clinic, the girl exhaled deeply, as though shedding a heavy burden. Yet her expression remained unsettled, shifting between hesitation and determination. She turned to Karina, forcing a faint smile that looked strained and unnatural. “Karina, can you wait here for a moment? I’m going to the convenience store nearby to grab something. I’ll be right back.”Karina, though slightly puzzled, nodded. “Alright, but don’t take too long. I’ll wait for you here.”The girl nodded and jogged toward the store in the distance. Minutes ticked by, but she didn’t return. Karina stood by the roadside, craning her neck to look around, her worry growing with every passing moment. Suddenly, a figure darted out from a nearby alley and charged straight toward her. Before Karina could react, a bucket of liquid was dumped over her, drenching her completely. The acrid smell hit her immediately, and her mind buzzed with alarm. Her heart dropped as she realized what it
“Of course, it’s true!” Karina’s gaze was sincere, her voice steady despite her racing heartbeat. “I don’t want to see anyone get hurt, especially you. Let’s talk this out calmly. I’ll do whatever it takes to fix this.” The girl fixed her eyes on Karina, searching for any hint of deceit on her face. After a tense moment, she bit her lip and finally said, “Fine, then tell me. How are we going to talk? But if you try any tricks, I’ll light this fire immediately.” She waved the lighter in her hand, the small flame flickering as a silent threat. Wilfred’s anxiety grew, and he was about to step in when Karina subtly signaled him to hold back. Karina took a deep breath and cautiously stepped forward, moving slowly and gently as if approaching a frightened animal. “Let’s put the lighter down first. It’s too dangerous. If it accidentally ignites, with so many shops and homes around, the consequences would be unimaginable. Let’s go somewhere safe to talk, okay?” The g
“Wilfred, hold her tight!” Karina shouted, seizing the moment as Wilfred wrestled the girl under control. Ignoring the discomfort of her gasoline-soaked clothes clinging to her skin, Karina bolted toward the water truck parked by the roadside. The girl, realizing what was happening, thrashed desperately in Wilfred’s unrelenting grip, her voice raw and piercing as she screamed, “Don’t even think about escaping! None of you are getting out of this unscathed!”Veins bulged on Wilfred’s forehead as he tightened his hold, his voice a thunderous roar. “Calm down now!” Meanwhile, Karina had already reached the water truck by now, scrambling up into the driver’s seat with both hands and feet in her haste.The door slammed shut with a loud clang that echoed sharply through the still night.She climbed in with urgency, her hands trembling as she fumbled to start the vehicle. Her eyes scanned the unfamiliar dashboard, taking in the array of buttons and levers. Sweat mixed with the
Karina’s body was still trembling slightly, and Wilfred gently pulled her into his arms, his chin resting lightly on the top of her head. He stroked her back in soothing, rhythmic motions, his touch warm and comforting. Inside the police car, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. The flashing red and blue lights reflected off the windows, casting faint shadows over their exhausted faces. Karina buried her face in Wilfred’s chest, her ears filled with the steady, reassuring rhythm of his heartbeat. Gradually, that calm, regular sound helped steady her breathing. After a long moment, she slowly lifted her head, her eyes meeting Wilfred’s, full of worry and tenderness. Warmth spread through her chest as she whispered, her voice shaking, “We made it through… we almost didn’t… it was so close…” Her words trailed off into quiet sobs. Wilfred lifted a hand and gently wiped the lingering tears from her cheek with his thumb. His voice was hoarse but firm. “Don’t be afraid. It’s ove
Karina was stunned when she heard the news. She hesitated for a moment before looking at Wilfred. “Are you going to visit her?” After all, they did know her. Wilfred thought for a moment and said, “Yeah, I’ll go see her.” Hearing this, Karina couldn’t help feeling a bit downhearted, but she quickly shook it off. “Doesn’t this just show that Wilfred is compassionate and values relationships? Caring is a good thing!” Comforting herself with that thought, she brightened up. At that moment, Wilfred turned to her and asked, “Do you want to come with me? I think you’re free today, aren’t you?” As the hospital director, he naturally knew everyone’s schedules—especially Karina’s. It so happened that Karina was indeed free that day. Surprised by the invitation, she pointed at herself. “Me?” “Yeah. Since you’ve been accepted into graduate school, you’ll eventually study conditions affecting the brain. This could be a good learning experience.” Karina was silent for
Wilfred’s words hit right where it mattered most, resonating deeply with the nurse. She sighed heavily, while the others shook their heads and muttered their own exhausted complaints, clearly worn out. “Exactly. But what can we do? She’s a patient sent to us, so we’ve got no choice but to deal with it,” the nurse replied, her voice tinged with resignation. It was then that she noticed Karina standing beside Wilfred. The way Karina seemed naturally close to him caught her attention. Though the two didn’t speak much, their dynamic was apparent even in their body language. Karina instinctively leaned slightly toward Wilfred, her posture subtly tilted in his direction—something she herself probably hadn’t realized. The nurse’s eyes glinted with understanding, and a knowing smile spread across her face. When she spoke again, there was an unmistakable hint of teasing in her tone. “Still, Dr. Wilfred, you shouldn’t have brought someone else into this situation.” She gestured sub
Inside the hotel room, the place was a mess. Nina Walker woke up, her entire body sore and achy. She rubbed her temples, preparing to rise, and glanced at the tall figure lying next to her. His strikingly handsome face boasted sharply defined features and deep-set eyes. He remained sound asleep, showing no signs of waking.Nina sat up, the sheets slipping off, revealing faint marks on her fair, sensual shoulders. She got out of bed, bloodstains clearly visible on the sheets.Glancing at the time, realizing she was almost late for work, she grabbed her scattered professional attire from the floor and changed into it. Her stockings were already torn by him. She balled them up and tossed them into the trash, slipping on her high heels. There was a knock at the door. Nina was already neatly dressed, back in her role as an efficient secretary, holding her purse as she headed out. Entering was a pure-looking beauty. Nina had called her. The type that Nash York liked. Nina said, "You ju
Upon hearing the voice, Nina's face jolted with surprise, nearly stumbling.With her balance faltering, her body leaned towards him. Nash felt her body tilting and reached out to steady her by the waist. The scorching warmth instantly reminded her of the scene from last night when he ravaged her recklessly.Nina composed herself, lifting her head to meet his deep gaze. His eyes were too serious, containing both questioning and doubt, as if trying to see through her with just one look. Nina's heart raced rapidly. She dared not hold his gaze for another second, instinctively lowering her head.When he assumed it was the woman from earlier, he flew into a rage. If he were to discover it was her, her fate wouldn't be any better. Yet, she couldn't accept it. If Nash knew it was her, could their marriage last a little longer? She dared not meet his eyes. "Why would you ask such a thing?" Only she knew she was hoping for it.However, Nash chuckled lightly. "You don't have the courage."
Wilfred’s words hit right where it mattered most, resonating deeply with the nurse. She sighed heavily, while the others shook their heads and muttered their own exhausted complaints, clearly worn out. “Exactly. But what can we do? She’s a patient sent to us, so we’ve got no choice but to deal with it,” the nurse replied, her voice tinged with resignation. It was then that she noticed Karina standing beside Wilfred. The way Karina seemed naturally close to him caught her attention. Though the two didn’t speak much, their dynamic was apparent even in their body language. Karina instinctively leaned slightly toward Wilfred, her posture subtly tilted in his direction—something she herself probably hadn’t realized. The nurse’s eyes glinted with understanding, and a knowing smile spread across her face. When she spoke again, there was an unmistakable hint of teasing in her tone. “Still, Dr. Wilfred, you shouldn’t have brought someone else into this situation.” She gestured sub
Karina was stunned when she heard the news. She hesitated for a moment before looking at Wilfred. “Are you going to visit her?” After all, they did know her. Wilfred thought for a moment and said, “Yeah, I’ll go see her.” Hearing this, Karina couldn’t help feeling a bit downhearted, but she quickly shook it off. “Doesn’t this just show that Wilfred is compassionate and values relationships? Caring is a good thing!” Comforting herself with that thought, she brightened up. At that moment, Wilfred turned to her and asked, “Do you want to come with me? I think you’re free today, aren’t you?” As the hospital director, he naturally knew everyone’s schedules—especially Karina’s. It so happened that Karina was indeed free that day. Surprised by the invitation, she pointed at herself. “Me?” “Yeah. Since you’ve been accepted into graduate school, you’ll eventually study conditions affecting the brain. This could be a good learning experience.” Karina was silent for
Karina’s body was still trembling slightly, and Wilfred gently pulled her into his arms, his chin resting lightly on the top of her head. He stroked her back in soothing, rhythmic motions, his touch warm and comforting. Inside the police car, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. The flashing red and blue lights reflected off the windows, casting faint shadows over their exhausted faces. Karina buried her face in Wilfred’s chest, her ears filled with the steady, reassuring rhythm of his heartbeat. Gradually, that calm, regular sound helped steady her breathing. After a long moment, she slowly lifted her head, her eyes meeting Wilfred’s, full of worry and tenderness. Warmth spread through her chest as she whispered, her voice shaking, “We made it through… we almost didn’t… it was so close…” Her words trailed off into quiet sobs. Wilfred lifted a hand and gently wiped the lingering tears from her cheek with his thumb. His voice was hoarse but firm. “Don’t be afraid. It’s ove
“Wilfred, hold her tight!” Karina shouted, seizing the moment as Wilfred wrestled the girl under control. Ignoring the discomfort of her gasoline-soaked clothes clinging to her skin, Karina bolted toward the water truck parked by the roadside. The girl, realizing what was happening, thrashed desperately in Wilfred’s unrelenting grip, her voice raw and piercing as she screamed, “Don’t even think about escaping! None of you are getting out of this unscathed!”Veins bulged on Wilfred’s forehead as he tightened his hold, his voice a thunderous roar. “Calm down now!” Meanwhile, Karina had already reached the water truck by now, scrambling up into the driver’s seat with both hands and feet in her haste.The door slammed shut with a loud clang that echoed sharply through the still night.She climbed in with urgency, her hands trembling as she fumbled to start the vehicle. Her eyes scanned the unfamiliar dashboard, taking in the array of buttons and levers. Sweat mixed with the
“Of course, it’s true!” Karina’s gaze was sincere, her voice steady despite her racing heartbeat. “I don’t want to see anyone get hurt, especially you. Let’s talk this out calmly. I’ll do whatever it takes to fix this.” The girl fixed her eyes on Karina, searching for any hint of deceit on her face. After a tense moment, she bit her lip and finally said, “Fine, then tell me. How are we going to talk? But if you try any tricks, I’ll light this fire immediately.” She waved the lighter in her hand, the small flame flickering as a silent threat. Wilfred’s anxiety grew, and he was about to step in when Karina subtly signaled him to hold back. Karina took a deep breath and cautiously stepped forward, moving slowly and gently as if approaching a frightened animal. “Let’s put the lighter down first. It’s too dangerous. If it accidentally ignites, with so many shops and homes around, the consequences would be unimaginable. Let’s go somewhere safe to talk, okay?” The g
As soon as they stepped out of the clinic, the girl exhaled deeply, as though shedding a heavy burden. Yet her expression remained unsettled, shifting between hesitation and determination. She turned to Karina, forcing a faint smile that looked strained and unnatural. “Karina, can you wait here for a moment? I’m going to the convenience store nearby to grab something. I’ll be right back.”Karina, though slightly puzzled, nodded. “Alright, but don’t take too long. I’ll wait for you here.”The girl nodded and jogged toward the store in the distance. Minutes ticked by, but she didn’t return. Karina stood by the roadside, craning her neck to look around, her worry growing with every passing moment. Suddenly, a figure darted out from a nearby alley and charged straight toward her. Before Karina could react, a bucket of liquid was dumped over her, drenching her completely. The acrid smell hit her immediately, and her mind buzzed with alarm. Her heart dropped as she realized what it
Seeing this, Karina grew anxious and immediately said, “Alright, don’t worry. I’ll help you get there.” Without hesitation, she carefully supported the girl and quickly headed toward the park entrance. Wilfred, who had been keeping an eye on them from a distance, noticed their hurried departure and quickly walked over to ask, “What’s going on? What happened?”The girl looked up briefly, her annoyance flashing across her face. Clenching her teeth, she said, “Dr. Wilfred, I’m not feeling well, and I only want Karina with me. Don’t follow us. Just stay back. I don’t want to see you. Seeing you makes me even more upset.”Wilfred frowned, worry written all over his face, but he held back his frustration and reluctantly agreed. “Alright, but be careful. If anything happens, call me immediately.”He stopped in his tracks, his concerned gaze fixed on their retreating figures as he maintained a discreet distance, silently following them from afar.Karina supported the girl with steady b
Seeing this, Karina finally let out a breath of relief. She walked over carefully, crouched beside the girl, and softly asked, “Are you okay?”The girl’s body tensed at the sound of Karina’s voice. Slowly, she lifted her tear-streaked face, her red, swollen eyes resembling overripe peaches. Upon realizing it was Karina and Wilfred, she froze momentarily before turning her head away. Her voice was thick with sobs as she muttered, “Why are you here? Are you here to laugh at me?”Karina quickly stepped closer, intending to comfort her, but before she could, the girl fixed her gaze on Wilfred. Her emotions boiled over as she shouted hysterically, “Dr. Wilfred, can you just stay away from me? Seeing you makes me sick! I only want to talk to Karina alone. Leave! The farther, the better—don’t hover in front of me!”Wilfred frowned slightly, his expression tinged with helplessness. Yet, seeing how distraught the girl was, he didn’t want to escalate the situation further. He glanced at K
Her eyes turned redder, tears stubbornly welling up as if refusing to fall. Karina, watching the girl’s pained struggle, felt a pang of sympathy. She was about to say something to console her when Wilfred gently pulled her behind him, shielding her once more.His gaze remained cold, but his tone carried an unmistakable impatience. “That’s enough. This ends here. Don’t come bothering us again.”The girl froze as if struck by his blunt and merciless words. Her body trembled, and at last, the tears spilled over, rolling down her cheeks and hitting the ground in heavy drops. She opened her mouth, managing to squeeze out a broken, choked whisper: “I… I just…” But the rest of her words were swallowed by the overwhelming tide of her emotions, dissolving into silence.Wilfred frowned slightly but didn’t respond further. He simply took Karina’s hand and turned to leave. Just as they were about to walk away, the girl suddenly shouted hysterically, “Wilfred, I’ve liked you for so long! E