He'd been in the hospital room for half an hour. When he stepped out, he spotted Carol perched on a bench in the corridor, nodding

off with exhaustion.

At the sound of the door, she jerked awake and scurried over to him. As they entered the elevator together, she watched his face

carefully, making sure he wasn't still mad at her. Only then did she slip her arm through his.

"Is Listina awake now? Does that mean you don't have to worry anymore? Can you chevery day now?"

"Carol."

He called her nand clasped her hand, "I don't want to break up with you."

Her eyes sparkled at his words, and she nearly leaped onto his back with joy.

neither, I don't want to break up. Don't mind my dad. He just wantsto be with someone 'matched for marriage’. He even

threatened to cut off my credit card and took back the villa and my car. But I won't give in."

Her eyes shone brightly, and a smile curled on her lips, "Felix, as long as you don't let go of my hand, I'll be by your side forever."

Much later, Carol would recall these words and realize how right Zion was; she had been too young to understand how difficult the

journey of “forever” could be.

She was the only one holding on, while the other seemed to treat it all like a passing joke, a spectator watching her determination.

True to Abner’s word, that very night Carol's bank card was frozen. During her twith Felix, she had barely spent a dime.

Compared to her previous monthly allowance of hundreds of thousands, now she was just paying the rent for an apartment.

Her job at the diner wasn't taken seriously; she was often late, which cost her 30 dollars each time. By the end of the month, she

was left with less than 200 dollars.

But her rent was 500 dollars. With her card cut off, she needed to find a way to make rent.

Carol was stubborn. Whatever her father forbade, she'd do out of spite. Whatever Felix discouraged, she'd do anyway, defiant to

the core.

Spoiled from childhood, she thought, how hard could it be to earn 500 dollars? Worst case was to do multiple jobs a month just like

Felix.

But after a week, she was so exhausted she hardly had energy left for intimacy with Felix. She was too tired. As soon as she got

home, she'd collapse on the couch and fall asleep in seconds.

Sometimes, even eating felt like too much effort. She'd never worked this hard before, standing all day at the diner and then

cashiering at a convenience store.

"Felix, I'm so tired. I'm only working two jobs, but why does it feel so exhausting? How have you managed all these years?"

He worked at least four or five jobs a month, facing as much abuse as she did, if not more. How had he endured it all?

Carol was heartbroken. Once wealthy and indifferent to others' opinions while working at the diner, now, stripped of her luxury car,

designer bags, and clothes, she started to care what people said.

Felix reached out and wiped her cheek with a washcloth. She hissed softly and settled into his embrace.

"l used to apply face cream every day when I got home. Now my dad's taken even that away. He's so petty, my Gosh."

Abner had taken more than just her skincare; all the luxury items from their hwere gone, and he had even warned Carol's fair-

weather friends not to help her out.

Her skin, once pampered, was now dry from days without cream. She touched her own cheek and felt a surge of self-pity.

"Now I have no serum, no moisturizer. How am I supposed to live like this? My dad is cruel."

She murmured her complaints and then fell asleep in his arms. Working two jobs, she was severely sleep-deprived, and now,

without dinner, she drifted off.

Felix cradled her head in his palm as he sat on the sofa, gazing down at her face. Dark circles had formed under her eyes. She had

always taken meticulous care of her skin, even applying body lotion to her feet before bonking him.

Carol's life had been one of luxury, and she never neglected herself, even in this simple apartment.

Felix used to pretend he didn't know the price of her beauty products. When she claimed they were bought by the pound from a

street vendor, he didn't ask.

Now his fingers traced her face with a tender touch. He grabbed a pillow and tucked it under her head.

Carol remained asleep, and he took the keys and stepped out. He was headed to a mall.

Felix was, after all, a man who knew nothing about women's skincare. He stopped in front of a store with a green facade, peering

at the products inside. There was a set for nearly a thousand dollars, similar to the brand Carol used.

sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

mmMwWLHIOfiflO&1

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

mmMyWL11I01F1081

mMMwWLIIOfiflO&1

Sᴇarch the FindNovel.net website on G𝘰𝘰gle to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Tip: You can use left, right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.Tap the middle of the screen to reveal Reading Options.

If you find any errors (non-standard content, ads redirect, broken links, etc..), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report
Do you like this site? Donate here:
Your donations will go towards maintaining / hosting the site!