"I…" Shelly stammered. She swallowed nervously and continued, "I-I'm doing this because I care about you."Sienna wiped away her tears, her voice trembling with emotion as she said, "There are countless people in this world. Every day, lives are lost to illness, accidents, or even violence. Who can we truly protect from such fates?"If I marry a driver, can you promise he won't be involved in a tragic accident? If I marry a small business owner, can you guarantee he won't fall victim to alcoholism?"If I marry a farmer, can you promise he won't succumb to poverty or illness? Just look at the heartbreaking stories of entire families being devastated that we see in the news."Behind these incidents are ordinary people. These unforeseeable tragedies aren't exclusive to anti-drug officers. I beg you. Please don't transfer your misfortune onto me."As Sienna finished speaking, she collapsed onto the couch and sobbed uncontrollably.Shelly felt panicked and was unsure of what to do. Sh
Sienna couldn't wait to find Daniel after getting Shelly's approval. But reflecting on her harsh words from last night, she wondered how he was coping. Was he even willing to see her?She held onto her phone, her eyes fixed on the last message she sent to Daniel. There was no response from him yet.The day before, Sienna stated that she didn't have feelings for him and that she didn't love him. Would texting him now to express her desire to be with him seem insincere?Would Daniel think she had disregarded his emotions and taken him for granted?Sienna clutched her phone, a whirlwind of thoughts tormenting her. Neither calling nor texting seemed adequate to express her true feelings.As the evening approached, Sienna rode her electric scooter toward the police station. She figured this was around the time Daniel would be finishing work.The sunset cast a warm glow around her. She savored the beauty of the scenery along the roadside. A deep sense of contentment washed over her.H
Sienna silently scolded herself for not valuing what she once had and held herself responsible. With a heavy heart, she turned her electric scooter back home.In the days that followed, Sienna couldn't muster the courage to see Daniel. Instead, she constantly checked her phone, hoping for his message.She longed for a reason and the bravery to reach out to him, but each day passed without progress.On the day Felix left the hospital, Shelly prepared various dishes at home. She had asked Sienna to invite Daniel over, but Sienna was unsure of how to broach the subject with him.In the hospital ward, Felix folded clothes and stole occasional glances at Sienna, who sat quietly on a stool. "You're here to pick me up, yet you're not lending a hand. Why are you just lost in your phone?"Putting her phone down, Sienna glared at Felix and replied, "You're perfectly capable of moving, aren't you? Why make a fuss over folding clothes?"Felix shook his head in exasperation. "You're really th
Holding her phone and bag, Sienna rose from her seat. Her voice grew softer. "Okay, I'm heading out."She lowered her head and walked past Daniel as she left.Daniel watched Sienna leave the ward, feeling increasingly downcast. He thought she didn't want anything to do with him anymore.The last time he tried to assert his authority over her, it had frightened her. That had been a big mistake. Since then, he had been overwhelmed by feelings of regret and guilt.After a while, Felix approached Daniel while carrying his luggage. "Dan, let's go."Daniel shook himself from his reverie and took Felix's bags. "I'll take those."Felix was delighted, his eyes shining with admiration. "Thanks."As Daniel started the car and drove out of the hospital, he spotted Sienna in his rearview mirror, riding her electric scooter. He slowed down, his attention momentarily fixated on her.Felix picked up on his distraction. "You don't have to wait for Sienna. She takes this route daily and knows it
Sienna made her way to Felix's room with the bags in her hands.Daniel swapped his shoes for indoor slippers before stepping inside. He took in the surroundings of her home. Despite being slightly cramped and showing signs of wear, it was impeccably clean and tidy.The kitchen opened directly onto the dining area, adjacent to the living room. The modest couch in the living room could accommodate only three people comfortably.An old-fashioned TV and a small refrigerator tucked into the corner added to the crowded feel of the layout."Daniel's here?" Shelly appeared from the kitchen with dishes in hand, her face lit up with a warm smile. She invited him inside enthusiastically, "Come, take a seat. I'll wrap up the last two dishes, and we'll be ready to eat."Her cheerful greeting left Daniel pleasantly surprised. He asked politely, "Mrs. Lawson, is there anything I can help you with?""Don't worry about it. Just grab a seat, have some coffee, and catch up with Sienna. These kitc
The square dining table was arrayed with six main dishes, soup, appetizers, and fruit. The main dishes featured shrimp, crab, fish, chicken, beef, and salad, served alongside a butternut squash soup.Daniel noticed that while the variety of food wasn't overly expensive, it still exceeded what most families would typically have for an everyday meal.Such a spread seemed reserved for special occasions like Christmas or other important holidays.Daniel glanced at Felix, who seemed downcast. It dawned on him that these delicacies weren't specifically prepared for Felix after all."Mom, the doctor said I should stick to light, non-greasy food until my wound heals completely. Heavy meals aren't good for me right now," Felix said with a forced smile.Shelly served some salad onto Felix's plate. "You can have the salad. It's light."Felix couldn't tear his eyes away from the big crab before him, and his mouth started watering. Seafood was a rare treat in their home. Yet, Shelly was servi
Daniel easily grasped what Shelly meant and could relate to her feelings.Shelly cared deeply for her children, but Sienna would eventually marry and move on with her own life, so Shelly naturally favored Felix more.In the lower social circles, many pretended to be morally superior. Thus, Daniel appreciated Shelly's straightforwardness. She never held back her thoughts and always expressed them openly.Daniel calmly remarked, "Mrs. Lawson, if Felix plans to enter civil service, he'll need to pass the civil service examination before being eligible for a job assignment."Shelly smiled awkwardly. "The civil service exam is pretty tough."Daniel reassured her, "If he's not keen on the civil service exam, he can move to Phoenicia. My family can organize a suitable position for him within the company."Shelly's face brightened with a smile as she eagerly served Daniel some food. "Thank you, Daniel. I truly appreciate it.""Thanks, Dan," Felix chimed in happily.Sienna's face grew s
Brimming with tears, Sienna got to her feet and directed a sharp reprimand at Felix. "I want you to stand on your own two feet, not constantly lean on others or try to exploit them!"Can't you be a little more responsible?"Felix was deeply wounded by her words, his expression clouded with the threat of tears.Shelly couldn't bear it any longer. She felt sympathy for Felix. Paying no mind to Daniel's presence, she launched into a tirade against Sienna, "How could you speak to Felix like that?"Is it wrong for him to want a good job? Plus, Daniel isn't just anybody. He's Felix's future brother-in-law. Why shouldn't he receive a little help from Daniel?"Daniel was stunned by Shelly's words.Sienna was immediately enraged and embarrassed. "Mom, what on earth are you saying? Our relationship isn't what you're imagining."Unable to contain herself longer, Sienna said tearfully, "I've lost my appetite."With that, she stormed away from the table, retreated to her room, and slammed t