The reason the Updikes had called the police was that Valarie had seriously injured Zayn, and he was now in the emergency room, fighting for his life.Hearing this, Nyla felt a surge of anger. Someone like Zayn deserved it. She glanced at Brandon, who was lost in thought, and said softly, "Got it.""Thank you, Aunt Nyla," Brandon replied.Nyla walked to the hospital room door and knocked gently. "Valarie, it's me. May I come in?"There was no response. Just as she was about to ask again, a faint voice replied, "Come in."With a sigh of relief, Nyla pushed open the door.Inside the room, all the lights were on.Valarie sat huddled on the hospital bed. Her small, frail figure was bathed in the harsh light, making her look even more lonely and lifeless.Nyla's heart clenched as she slowly approached the bed and took a seat.Valarie was hugging her knees, staring blankly into a corner of the room, lost in thought.Gently, Nyla reached out and patted her on the back. "Valarie, it'
Valarie froze, nervously fiddling with her hair. She lowered her gaze and replied, "I don't want to see him just yet. Please tell him to go home.""Alright," Nyla answered.When she stepped outside, Brandon immediately walked over. "Aunt Nyla, how is Valarie?"Seeing the concern on his face, Nyla replied calmly, "She's doing better now, but she's still not ready to see anyone. Head home for now and come back tomorrow."Brandon let out a breath of relief and nodded. "Alright. But it's late now, so I'll stay here tonight. I'll be right outside her room.""Fine. I'll head back then. If anything happens, call me," Nyla reminded him.Before leaving, she returned to the room and told Valarie that Brandon insisted on staying nearby.Valarie bit her lip before exclaiming with a frown, "Is he crazy? It's freezing out there. He's going to catch a cold sleeping in the hallway all night!"Suppressing a laugh, Nyla replied, "If you're that worried, why not invite him in? There's a couch whe
Brandon's gaze deepened as he stepped into the hospital room, shutting the door behind him and settling onto the couch.Valarie adjusted her blanket, then looked up, only to catch him staring intently at her. The gaze made her bite her lip unconsciously."There's no extra blanket," she murmured. "If you're really tired, maybe you should just go home. I'm fine on my own now."After Nyla's visit, she did feel much calmer."It's alright. You go to sleep. I'll stay here," Brandon replied.Valarie glanced at him for a moment before quickly looking away. "Alright. I'll try to sleep then...""Okay," Brandon answered.Valarie pulled the blanket up, hiding beneath it, yet sleep wouldn't come.The room was quiet, but she couldn't stop thinking about Brandon sitting just across from her on the couch. Her heart pounded, and her hands clenched the blanket, as a faint sheen of sweat dampened her palms."Can't sleep?" Brandon's gentle voice broke the silence from the couch.Valarie hesitate
Brandon's eyes widened, filled with disbelief and shock.Valarie had her eyes shut, her eyelashes trembling.Brandon's gaze darkened as he wrapped his arms around her, taking the lead.By the time the kiss ended, Valarie was breathless, resting against Brandon, too exhausted to move. If she had known it would take this much out of her, she wouldn't have been so impulsive.Brandon held her waist, his expression darkening. "Valarie, you started this. I won't give you the chance to back out."He laced his fingers with hers, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. It was gentle like a breeze brushing past.Valarie looked down, feeling a bittersweet pang in her heart. She had convinced herself that love was out of reach, but Brandon made her feel cherished. Wrapping her arms around him, she leaned into his chest without saying a word.Even if this didn't work out, she knew she wouldn't regret it.Suddenly, the door burst open!Valarie's parents rushed into the room, only to stop, s
Valarie took a lighthearted approach, saying, "Dad, it's not your fault. Besides, Mr. Sumner is already helping our company. I believe we'll get through this."Brandon handed Jonathan a glass of water and added, "She's right, Mr. Weir. Here, drink some water."It was only then that Jonathan remembered Brandon was in the room. He glanced at Brandon and took the glass with a poker face.After seeing Brandon holding Valarie just moments earlier, he found him less likable now, despite having praised him as a young, promising businessman to Phoebe.Brandon then handed Phoebe a glass of water, which she accepted with a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Brandon.""Please, Mrs. Weir, just call me Brandon," he said.Phoebe, surprised by his casual tone, nodded. "Brandon, you and Valarie…""I'm Valarie's boyfriend now," Brandon replied straightforwardly.Jonathan choked on his water and coughed heavily.Brandon quickly took the glass from him, patting him on the back. "Mr. Weir, are you alright?"
Valarie and Brandon had just started dating. Marriage was a long way off, so Phoebe reminded him, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."Jonathan nodded. "You're right.""But…" Phoebe hesitated, remembering how Valarie would unconsciously smile whenever she received a text from Brandon during meals. She had a feeling they might actually get married."But what?" Jonathan asked, his heart lurching at the word.Phoebe couldn't help but smile at his worried expression. "Nothing. We're on our floor. Let's go."Who could say what the future held?…Just as Brandon returned to the hospital room, a pillow flew toward him. He caught it easily and looked at Valarie, who was glaring at him from the bed.His gaze softened as he asked, "What's bothering my little princess?"Valarie shot him a pointed look. "Why did you say you were the one to confess first? It was me who asked if you'd like to give things a try. Now my parents might think poorly of you."Brandon walked over and placed the pi
"Alright, thank you for your help," Valarie said."No problem," the officer replied.After the police left, Valarie turned to Brandon. "You should go to work. There's really nothing else I need here—I'll just finish packing and get ready for discharge later.""I'm not busy. I'll help you with the discharge papers," Brandon offered.Just as he finished speaking, his phone began to ring.Valarie gave him a knowing smile and teased, "Is this your version of 'not busy'? Your phone has rung at least a dozen times this morning. Just go. My parents are coming soon, so no need to worry about me.""I'll leave when they get here," he replied, determined to stay.Seeing how insistent he was, Valarie had no choice but to let it go.After waiting another half hour, her parents still hadn't arrived, but Nyla showed up.With someone else there to keep Valarie company, Brandon finally relented. He gathered his files and left for work.After arranging the flowers she had brought, Nyla turned
Nyla was taken aback. She hadn't expected Jane's son to be shunned by his classmates, but she didn't feel the slightest sympathy."Ms. Wilkie, before the facts were even clear, you threatened to call the police. And after discovering that it was your son lying to get mine in trouble, you didn't even make him apologize. I'm not sure where you get the audacity to come and question me now," Nyla retorted."I'm not like you. I don't have that kind of sway over the school's vice principal. As for your son being left out, I don't know how it happened, but kids naturally prefer to play with those who are kind and honest. They don't appreciate a liar. Instead of blaming me, maybe you should reflect on your own parenting," Nyla said.Jane's face contorted in fury as she replied, "Nyla, just because Damon's backing you, don't think you can do whatever you—"Nyla didn't let her finish and hung up, unwilling to waste any more time on someone who wouldn't listen.…Jane was so angry she nearl