Colin fell silent for a very long time when I told him that I wanted to visit Felix. I thought he'd dissuade me. In the end, he just patted my head and told me to wait till my wounds were healed and Felix's condition stabilized.If I insisted on going now, I would only be allowed to see Felix from the door. What was the point of visiting him if we couldn't meet in person?In the evening, Mom wanted to feed me chicken noodle soup. I tried to turn her down because I could feed myself since my right arm was not wounded. However, Mom began crying. Honestly, ever since I was hospitalized, Mom had mastered the art of summoning tears whenever.Not wanting to make my mom cry over dinner, I let her do what she wanted to do.As I chomped on the spoonful of chicken soup, I lifted my eyes and saw Matthew standing by the entrance.Looking dashing and well-groomed, he was carrying a large bouquet of baby's breath in one hand and a huge fruit basket in another. Then, he smiled at me and greeted
I sighed internally and made sure that I did not show it on my face, pretending as if I saw nothing.Since I couldn't reciprocate Matthew's feelings, I shouldn't give him hope. I should always make this clear between us.Mom was confused but shrewd enough to notice the change in the general mood. She chose silence. She took my bowl to the pantry, out of this tense atmosphere, to wash it.As soon as Mom left, Helen came in with plenty of bags.I supposed she didn't expect Matthew to be there. When she saw him, she became anxious, nervous, and surprised. She lingered by the entrance, unsure if she should enter or give us privacy.I beckoned to her with my hand and invited her in.Then, I asked Colin, who was sitting opposite me, to sit with Matthew on the side. Helen would take his seat.Helen was an outgoing woman. Although she viewed me as a love rival, we were still very close. She freaked out when she heard that I was involved in a car accident and rushed over to visit me.Sh
"Of course. I'm good at pairing up my close friends." I smiled smugly.Colin held me gently in his arms. He touched my forehead with his face and placed my right hand above his heart. Then, he croaked, "You silly girl, you almost scared me there. Don't act on your own again. No matter what, just let me handle everything for you."You just have to stay by my side like a princess."I found it hard to accept Colin's sudden change of mood.I mewled affirmatively and snuggled in his arms. Listening to his steady heartbeat and taking in the pine-scented cologne on him, I felt calm and safe—like a rescued kitten.Colin planted many kisses on my hair as I held his cheek. We felt the warmth from each other.It was a peaceful moment.Outside, Dad asked Mom why she didn't go inside.Mom stopped Dad and let him sit outside for a while. She said that we were having a special moment inside, so she didn't want to interrupt us.I was so embarrassed I wished I could sink into the mattress. Col
Once again, tears came gushing out uncontrollably.Colin walked toward me and grabbed my hand. We followed behind the nurse and headed to the normal ward.When Colin and Austin carried Felix to his bed, I noticed wounds of various sizes on his body.I cried even harder. Behind me, Mom's eyes turned red too.Aunt Mel comforted Mom by saying that it was Felix's choice and that she blamed no one. She told us not to overthink it. As he was now out of critical condition, she prayed that he would wake up soon.Her words only made Mom feel even more guilty. She watched sorrowfully at the sleeping Felix. He and I grew up together, so Mom truly cared about him.As our parents were there, Colin chose to remain silent. He only consoled me and told me that everything would get better.He also helped me apply for medical leave at the university.I had a lot of homework to do, and the artwork I had to submit for the competition wasn't done yet either. I also had not gone through the material
Colin had been looking after Felix tirelessly lately. And he had to make time to take care of me too. He must have been very busy, and that must have taken a toll on his physical health.Unfortunately, I was injured. Handling my daily routine was the best I could do. I couldn't do much to help him.I felt so bad seeing Colin getting skinnier and skinnier.Colin suddenly tightened his grip. I was caged in his embrace.I didn't know if I was overthinking it, but somehow, I was under the impression that Colin felt rather insecure."Babe, promise me that no matter what happens in the future, you'll stay by my side, okay?" asked Colin huskily. The incertitude in his tone was unfamiliar to me.When did the almighty Colin become this insecure?I stretched my arms to hug his lean frame, burying myself inside his hoodie and nibbling the skin above his chest. Then, I mumbled, "Why are you saying this, Mr. Colin White? Are you trying to dump me? Just so you know, if you ever dump me, I'll
For the next few days, Aunt Mel would invite me to have meals with Felix after I had my IV drip treatment. In her words, we both grew up under her watch, so I was like a daughter to her. Putting us in one ward made it easier to take care of us.I didn't want to visit them regularly or spend time with them for too long. It felt awkward to spend my entire day with them. I tried to turn Melinda down many times, but it never worked because she told me that Felix couldn't move and was very lonely. She wanted me to keep him company.Now that was an excuse I couldn't reject.Felix saved me. By right, I should keep him company.Nevertheless, Colin was there too. My days in the hospital were quite dull. And my wounds hurt from time to time. Seeing Colin made me feel better.Felix was over the moon these days. He could finish two bowls of chicken noodle soup every meal. While he still couldn't move, he was always smiling. Even the doctor said he was making good progress.He didn't speak a
What Helen said warmed my heart. It made me realize that in life, love and family weren't the only things that could warm one's soul. Friendships could too.…Ten days after the accident, which was also the second day after I was discharged, Professor King called me in the morning. He told me that I needed to see him in the office for something important.My left arm was injured, not my leg, so I happily complied.Besides, I could hear the faint excitement in his voice. There had to be good news, so I should be there.Carrying my out-of-cast yet bandaged left arm with my right arm, I rushed to Professor King's office under everyone's curious eyes.Professor King said he had two pieces of good news.One, the result of my previous competition was announced. I did well and obtained second place, which meant I'd receive a reward of 150,000 dollars after tax. My current submission had to be better or I risked ruining my own reputation.Two, my art had attracted the attention of a co
I wasn't a gold digger, of course. I wouldn't be a sellout for money. If not, I wouldn't have rejected Matthew, who came from a rich family.I just believed that spending the money I earned was the most rewarding feeling ever.When I arrived at my apartment building, I ran into the delivery rider who was delivering my food. I took my meal from him and climbed upstairs.With only one arm available for my use, it took me a long while to open my apartment door without toppling my food.As soon as I put down everything, Colin wanted to video call me before I even had a chance to wash my hands.My heart leaped when I saw Colin's handsome face appearing on my screen. I used to think that he was decent-looking. But now that he was my probational boyfriend, he looked sexier than before. So much so that I wanted to keep looking at him. Other hot guys, including Felix, looked less appealing now.I blamed Colin for setting the bar too high."Hi there, handsome. What brought you here?" I wa