17. Mercy for Your Enemies Is Cruelty to Yourself

Lyla returned to her dorm and slept soundly. When she woke up, it was already afternoon. She plugged in her phone, and as it powered on, she noticed two or three missed calls, all from the same unknown number.

Thinking it might be important, she called back, and the person on the other end answered quickly.

"Not answering my calls? I thought that crazy woman might've killed you in the lab," came the all-too-familiar mocking tone. There was no doubt—it was Carlo.

Despite the teasing, his words carried a hint of concern. A warm feeling spread through Lyla’s chest. She replied awkwardly, “I... I was too exhausted and fell asleep.”

“Your stuff’s fixed. When are you picking them up?” His tone was casual, as if both of them were purposefully avoiding the awkward kiss from earlier that morning.

Lyla glanced at the time. It was already 4 PM. Even if she got up, washed, ate, and took the subway to his place, it would be nighttime by the time she arrived. Just thinking about last night made her