Chapter 24
Serena finally picked it up when the phone rang for the third time. Her patience was already running thin
“Ms. Murry, this is Darren Nash. Darren spoke up in the phone.
His tone was polite, but there was a hint of concern. “When I dropped off your tuition last time. I left my contact information with your counselor. She called me today asking why you didn’t show up for class.”
Even though it was Darren calling personally, Serena couldn’t help but feel irritated. She spoke a little more subtly than
usual
“I have already submitted my leave of absence application. It’s probably just a mix–up on her part,” she said. “Attending classes is my business. If the school calls again, just ignore it.”
She ended the call quickly. Her gaze drified out the window at the falling snow, and she lost herself in thought. Once Jonathan wakes up, everything will go back to normal–she’ll be able to continue her studies. That day will come.
The car pulled up to the entrance of the gallery. Serena glanced at the time on her phone–it was already half past ten
“Mr. White is waiting for you inside. The assistant said.
Serena stepped out of the car, glancing at the modern ar Ocean,” so most of the works featured sea creatures, w
in front of her. Today’s exhibit was themed around The lerwater landscapes.
In the center of the room stood a massive aquarium filled with vibrant coral and colorful fish. Soft lights from above created a dreamlike glow, making the whole place feel like an underwater world.
“Serena” Andrew’s voice cut through the air, calm and warm.
Following the voice, Serena looked over to see Andrew standing near the glass aquarium, dressed in a cream sweater that contrasted perfectly with the cool, watery backdrop.
He looked so composed, like a gentle breeze, with a smile that almost seemed to belong to the sea itself.
Serena walked toward him, and Andrew immediately reached out, brushing snowflakes from her hair.
“Hey Andrew, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.” Serena spoke up.
“No. I just got here.” Andrew grinned back and answered, “I remembered how much you love art exhibits, so when I got the invitations, I thought I’d bring you along”
Serena smiled, feeling a rare sense of relief.
It had been a long time since she had felt this at ease–her days had been filled with stress, worrying about Jonathan’s condition, managing work, and simply trying to make ends meet. She was grateful for this brief escape,
Seeing how excited she was about the exhibition, Andrew decided not to push for conversation. Instead, he led her toward the largest painting in the gallery.
“I brought my camera. Let me take a picture of you,” he said with a gentle smile.
Serena adjusted her coat and walked over to the painting. She gave the camera a bright smile as the shutter clicked. Andrew stared at her smile in the image for a moment, his gaze softening
www
“Is something wrong with the picture?” Serena asked, leaning over to see the screen.
“No, it’s perfect.” Andrew moved the camera slightly and nodded, “You look great.”
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Chapter 21
67
They spent a while admiring the artwork together. After the exhibit, Andrew took Serena to a fancy restaurant. When the menu arrived, Serena couldn’t help but stare at the prices in shock.
“Andrew, one glass of water here costs more than my entire monthly budget, she said, wide–eyed.
Andrew frowned, surprised. “A month? Serena, you only spend one hundred dollars a month?”
Serena nodded sheepishly. “Yeah. Between rent and bills, I have barely spent more than that.”
“Serena,” Andrew looked at her with concern. “I have told you before. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I can help with living expenses. You don’t have to go through this alone. If Mr. and Mrs. Murry knew their precious little princess was struggling they’d be heartbroken.”
Serena wasn’t sure how to respond. After everything that had happened, she had become so accustomed to doing everything on her own, but now, with Andrew’s kindness, she was starting to feel differently.
“Are you saying you want to take care of me?” she asked lightly, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Andrew met her eyes, his expression serious. “If you ask. I’ll do whatever I can. No hesitation.”
Serena went speechless instantly. Her heart skipped a b was undeniable.
tire how to process this, but the sincerity in his words.
Seeing her expressions, Andrew softened his tone and helped her cut her steak. “It’s not just me. My parents would want to help you too. Don’t keep your distance from me, Serena We’re Emily.”
Serena lowered |
her gaze to
to her plate, then whispered, Thank you, Andrew,”
At that moment, Andrew felt like a ray of warmth breaking through the cold and uncertainty of the past two years.
She hadn’t felt the care of family in a long time since Jonathan’s accident, but now. for the first time, she was starting to feel it again.
Later that afternoon, Serena met with Dr. Ziegler, who handed her a thick stack of documents. The treatment plan for Jonathan was complicated, with technical terms that left her feeling a bit lost.
“You can trust me,” Dr. Ziegler said, his voice confident. “This new treatment is working wonders in Faliden. There are plenty of cases where patients have woken up. I’m sure Mr. Murry will soon regain his consciousness, too.”
Serena flipped through the pages, reading about the brain surgery and the follow–up therapies. Her mind was racing.
“This is the case of a patient who woke up after using the new treatment.” Dr. Ziegler explained the cases for her, “You may remember him–his family came to comfort you when Mr. Murry was first hospitalized.”
Serena nodded. She remembered the man–a former extreme sports enthusiast who’d been in a coma for years. He’d finally regained consciousness after undergoing the same procedure
“I’m willing to approve this treatment, but… what about the cost she asked. “Will Jonathan’s insurance cover any of it?”
Dr. Ziegler’s expression darkened. “Unfortunately, this treatment is so new that it’s not covered by insurance yet. But honestly, if it means bringing Mr. Murry back. I think no price is too high, right?”
He shuffled the papers around. “Mr. Murry’s condition is worsening rapidly. If he suffers another episode of asphyxiation. I’m afraid he may not make it. I’m just advising you to think this through carefully.”
d to move forward
Serena stood there, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. But deep down, she knew she had to i
‘Should I tell Andrew about the treatment plan? Should I ask him for help? The thoughts ran through her mind. “After all, he’s the only one I can turn to for a loan that big Maybe I should find a way to bring it up”
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Chapter 21
人气:57 蘭
She said her goodbyes to Dr. Ziegler and headed out of the hospital, waiting for Andrew by the entrance. After a brief moment of hesitation, she finally pulled out her phone and booked two tickets to the concert.
“Serena, why are you standing out here? Just as she was debating whether this was the right move, Andrew’s voice cut through her thoughts. “It’s freezing out here”
He gently tugged at her wrist, trying to guide her inside, but Serena didn’t budge.
“Andrew,” she said, pulling out her phone and showing him the tickets, “What do you think about going to a concert tonight? It’s nothing fancy, just a small orchestra, but I thought you might enjoy it
Andrew’s eyes widened in surprise, and Serena didn’t expect such a reaction. Thank you, Serena,” he said with a smile. This is a pleasant gift. I’d love to go with you”
But things didn’t exactly go as Serena had imagined. The concert dragged on, and despite the beautiful music, it just wasn’t holding her attention.
Two hours passed in what felt like an eternity, and Serena, growing more tired by the minute, struggled to keep her eyes
ореп
She slipped out to the restroom for a quick break 1 like something heavy hitting the floor,
“Get out of my way! Someone yelled in the bathrooms
d the men’s bathroom, she heard a loud thud–a sound
Two burly men walked out of the bathroom. One was holding a knife with the blade dripping with fresh blood. Serena’s pulse hammering in her chest. She quickly looked away in lear, pretending to wash her hands.
Once the men were gone, she cautiously approached the bathroom door. Inside, a man lay sprawled on the floor, his clothes torn and blood seeping from a stab wound in his stomach.
.
“Sir, are you okay?” Her stomach churned at the grim sight, but she didn’t hesitate. She gently nudged his arm with her foot hoping for any sign of life.
The man laid in dead silence, but just as she was about to rush for help, his hand shot out and gripped her pant leg, holding her in place.
“Please… help me… he whispered in pain.
Serena’s heart raced, but she didn’t waste a second. She yanked off her jacket and pressed it against his wound. Replying in Falidic, she tried to comfort him.
“Tm going to get help. Just hang in there.”
The man turned toward her, his breaths shallow and his face pale from blood loss. But Serena recognized it when he mouthed the word, “Thank you.”
SEND GIFT
။
