Lina regained her composure and decided to express her gratitude to the hospital director, the middle-aged man in the white robe who had shielded her from the police. She nodded and followed the nurse to the director's office.Just finishing his work, Carter greeted Lina with a gentle smile and gestured for her to sit on the couch. Before he could speak, Lina thanked him timidly for his help. Carter assured her that it was just a small favor and there was no need for formalities.Noticing Lina's bangle on her wrist, Carter commented on its beauty, which Lina revealed was a gift from her husband. Carter's gaze lingered on the bangle, understanding Zuko's actions from a few days ago. He briefly conversed with Lina, getting to know her better.During their conversation, Carter noticed Lina's slight discomfort and inquired about her well-being.Lina then realized a minor injury on her arm from the altercation with Violet and tried to downplay it. However, Carter insisted on a detailed
Jessie reacted swiftly, exclaiming, "So, Ms. Grist has mental problems, huh?"Carter was taken aback. He had only expressed concern and discomfort over Violet's earlier cursing of Lina. He didn't explicitly state that Violet had a mental problem."Mr. Irwin, I understand!" Jessie exclaimed joyfully, winking at him. "Ms. Grist has mental issues, and she must have applied something on her face and falsely accused our brand!"Carter was rendered speechless. "I didn't say that...""How can we trust the words of a psychiatric patient?" Jessie continued confidently.Carter widened his eyes, witnessing a unique display of medical logic."Thank you, Mr. Irwin! I'll report this right away!" Jessie bowed sincerely, smiling."No, wait..." Carter tried to interject."Don't worry, Mr. Irwin!" Jessie assured him, displaying her shrewdness. "I'll have a meeting with the PR department and ensure you and your hospital aren't involved."Carter closed the medical record quietly, feeling helpless
Renee felt nervous, and her back was drenched in a cold sweat. Confronting Melvin's ruthless gaze, she struggled to control her rapid heartbeat and calmly explained, "Mom... We don't have enough money for her medical expenses."Melvin's tense demeanor eased slightly. He gestured for the man in black to leave and led Renee into a room, retrieving a card from the drawer. "Use this money for now."Just as Renee reached out to take it, Melvin suddenly pulled the card back. "But first, tell me what you overheard.""I..." Renee gripped her clothes tightly. She had caught snippets of Melvin's rage, but the details eluded her. She had faintly heard the name "Gia," which reminded her of the person she had paid for information at the hospital. They had mentioned that Melvin's DNA testing sample was obtained from a woman named Gia.Could it be... Gia was the real Pamela?"Renee!" Melvin's patience wore thin as he stared at her with a cold gaze.Renee's heart pounded as she silently met his
Lina's thoughts turned to her lost friendship with Gia, and a sense of sadness washed over her.Keira noticed that something was amiss. "What's wrong? Don't you like this?" she asked.Lina shook her head and forced a smile. "It's not that... It's delicious, thanks, Keira. I'm lucky to have you around when I'm feeling down.""Hehe, don't say that!" Keira scratched her head. "Lina, I've always wanted to be your friend. I'm so happy to have the chance to get closer to you today!""Weren't we always friends?" Lina asked."No..." Keira's voice softened. "I mean friends like Gia and you."Lina's eyes darkened at the mention of Gia."Lina, I used to think you were extraordinary. An exceptional girl like you should have exceptional friends. I'm just... ordinary and average. I don't match up to you at all," Keira confessed.Lina smiled humbly. Her smile was pure and innocent, radiating a gentle star-like glow.But in Keira's eyes, Lina was a star beyond reach.Lina held Keira's hands.
Lina glanced at the screen, then quickly looked away. She couldn't see what was happening behind Zuko."I called you so many times, but you didn't answer... Is your phone just for show? Or do you not want me to call anymore? Is there something or someone more interesting over there?" Her jealousy was evident and overflowing.Zuko smiled mischievously and teased her intentionally. "Mm-hmm. I was occupied with something today."Lina bit her lip and ignored him.Zuko's voice deepened. "Lina, look up. There are so many stars tonight."Lina didn't understand what he meant. She didn't notice the familiar figure standing silently behind a tree nearby, staring at her.Lina glanced at her phone again, only to find darkness behind Zuko.The time difference in Jangasas was one hour. It should be evening there."W-What about you?" Lina asked. "Are there stars over there?""Yes." Zuko chuckled. "I was just having a conversation with a star, asking it to keep you company."Lina was taken a
"Do you not want to see me?" Zuko asked.Lina felt a lump in her throat, overwhelmed with emotions. After a moment of shock, she broke into a smile, and tears started pouring down her face. She jumped and tightly embraced him.Zuko held her tightly in return.This morning, Zuko had left in a hurry and hadn't had time to shave. His stubble was tickling her neck as his chin rubbed against it.But she continued to hold him tightly.It felt like a dream, and Lina was afraid of waking up from it.Zuko felt the girl in his arms trembling, her shoulders shaking with sobs. He gently patted her back, comforting her like one would comfort a child. "Did my sudden appearance scare you?"Zuko apologized, "I'm sorry, Lina... I didn't tell you that I was coming. I was worried that you would feel lonely being here alone, so I wanted to come and be with you as soon as possible. That's all."Zuko had panicked when he heard about Violet's disfigurement from using the face cream Gia had bought. Th
Smiling, Lina held onto Zuko's arm and rested her head on his shoulder. In truth, seeing fireflies wasn't a priority for her as long as she had Zuko by her side."You've just arrived. You should rest," Lina said, looking at him. "Hmm... Let me get you a hotel room.""No need!" Zuko replied, holding her hand and gently pressing his forehead against hers. "I can't afford such an expensive hotel.""Don't tell me you came here empty-handed!" Lina exclaimed."I didn't," Zuko reassured her, showing his bag. "I brought clothes!""You..." Lina's eyes widened as realization dawned on her. "Don't tell me you want to sleep in the same room with me?""Mm-hmm!" Zuko nodded earnestly. "That's a great idea!""Zeke!" Lina exclaimed in disbelief."What? You don't want to take me in?" Zuko whispered in her ear, his voice growing deeper. "Can you bear to... leave me on the streets in this unfamiliar place?"Lina gave him a stern look."I'm here." Zuko continued, using his persuasive charm. "I s
"Hmm?"Lina nestled in Zuko's embrace, her voice filled with playfulness as she said, "Once we replace our marriage certificate with the real one, let's have our honeymoon in Southeast Aciatic. I really like this place!""Really?" Zuko asked.Lina nodded with a smile on her face. "Yes! There's something indescribably familiar about it."Zuko kissed her forehead, his eyes shining with joy.Suddenly, a memory flashed in Zuko's mind. It was of a little girl he used to hold hands with a long time ago. He had promised that doll-like girl that he would take her to Southeast Aciatic to catch fireflies when she was just learning to walk...The thought struck Zuko's heart, leaving him feeling a mix of emotions.Meanwhile, at the Thompsons' residence in Centrolis...Nicholas and Linda sat at the dining table, waiting for Renee to join them after changing and coming downstairs.Linda turned to the maid and asked, "Did you prepare both Acian food and local food? Which one does she prefer?