NovelEnglishFelix strolled back downstairs, his eyes catching Carol as she sat on a hospital garden bench, thumbing a response into her phone.
He ambled over, playfully ruffling her hair. Carol, sensing his approach, inhaled a teasing sniff.
"No wonder | always catch this sweet scent on you. You've been sneaking off to the hospital, huh? And here | was, worried you
might be having an affair."
She rose to her feet, looping her arm in his.
"A friend of mine said the new surgeon is flying in this week. He's gonna oversee your cousin's operation himself. It's all under
control."
"Okay."
"So, we heading home? I'm craving your pot roast, the kind that falls off the bone."
"Carol."
"What's up?"
She was lost in thoughts of food when he called her nwith such gravity. A pang of anxiety hit her; it sounded like he was about
to drop sserious news.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Thanks."
It was nothing, really. Just a phone call for her. But if it meant she could wrangle a few extra home-cooked meals out of him, she
wasn't going to complain.
With a quick hop, Carol piggybacked onto Felix, her legs clasping around his waist.
"I'm beat. These heels are killing me. Carry me? Oh, and the nurse mentioned there's a park nearby. Let's check it out before we
head home."
His hands instinctively caught her legs, and she hummed a tune, resting her chin on his shoulder.
For this medical favor, she'd pulled strings with the Miller family, a mere mention to Abner that a friend was in need. Abner, who
never bothered with the details, agreed on the spot. Just like when Maja needed Phelps’ expertise, Abner had been the one to
arrange it.
The surgeon arrived promptly, and Felix had been run off his feet with hospital visits to Listina. Carol hadn't given it much thought;
she even considered sneaking in to help out, knowing he was juggling jobs and had no tto spare.
She skipped her shift at the diner that afternoon, choosing to simmer a hearty porridge at hbefore heading to the hospital
alone.
She knocked and entered the room. Listina's forehead creased at the sight of her, "What are you doing here?"
"Ah, Felix has been swamped, so | thought I'd bring you sporridge. You haven't had dinner yet, right?"
Listina's expression darkened instantly, "Who are you to him, to bringporridge? Get lost!"
Carol was taken aback by the hostility and Listina's blunt rudeness. The next thing she knew, an apple from the bedside table was
hurled her way.
"Are you deaf? | said get lost! And stay away from Felix. Don’t call him that; you two are just colleagues. Remember your place and
scram!"
Carol recoiled from the impact on her forehead. She had only intended to lighten Felix's load, not to cause a scene.
Without delivering the porridge, she left, rubbing her forehead, feeling like she had messed things up.
No sooner had she left than Listina was on the phone with Felix, "Felix, that colleague of yours cby. She was rude and said
snonsense."
Felix's expression darkened, "What did she say?"
"She toldnot to drag you down anymore. Felix, am | really such a burden? | don't want to be; | really don't."
Her tears cthrough the phone, and he consoled her.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"I'll be right there."
Listina hung up, satisfied. Felix arrived quickly to find Carol gone and an apple on the floor, "Bad day?"
"No, | was trying to peel an apple; my hands just gave out and it slipped."
She looked visibly upset, "Your colleague left, Felix. | really can't stand her."
"I'll talk to her. She won't caround again."
Listina suddenly covered her face, her shoulders shaking with sobs.
"I know I've made things difficult for you, turned your life upside down. But | just can't bear the thought of someone getting close
to you, especially her. She's too calculating, showing up when you're not here."
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMwWLHIOfiflO&1
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMyWL11I01F1081
mMMwWLIIOfiflO&1
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
