When the car drove down the rain-slick streets, Carol finally pulled into their usual spot. As soon as she stepped out of the car,

Felix tilted the umbrella, offering her shelter from the drizzle. Arm in arm, they hurried back to their cozy apartment.

After a warm shower, Carol asked, "Did you go to work today?"

"Yeah, did anyone compliment your uniform? You look sharp in it."

"Nope, everyone was too busy."

Internally, Carol scoffed. They had no eye for style.

That evening, Felix had discreetly taken spills he got from Nathan, hoping Carol hadn't noticed.

But just as he capped the bottle, Carol walked in.

"What are you always taking those for? Vitamins?"

The label did say vitamins. She worried he might have shealth issue he wasn't telling her about.

"Just for fun," he replied, then pulled her into a hug.

Carol noticed the dark circles under his eyes seemed more pronounced. "Haven't you been sleeping well?"

"It's nothing. Are you sure you want to talk about this now?"

Her lips curled into a smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Okay, no more questions."

They tumbled into bed, lost in each other. She wanted to see his face, and he obliged. Sweat dripped from the tip of his nose,

landing on her chest, sending a jolt through her body. He pulled her closer, and she melted into him, her cheeks rubbing against

the warmth of his neck.

"Felix, I feel like you've been tired lately. Work must be exhausting, and then you have to look after me. Maybe I should learn to

cook."

He silenced her with a kiss.

At three in the morning, they were done. Felix threw on a shirt and went to the living room for a smoke. He propped his elbow on

the windowsill and gazed out into the night.

Carol, exhausted but attentive, noticed him leave the bed. She forced herself up and found him standing with his back to her. She

wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Is something on your mind?"

He paused before answering, "I have a distant cousin. She's been in the hospital, facing a serious surgery that the doctors are

hesitant to perform."

"Do we need to bring in a specialist from abroad?"

"Yeah."

So that was it. She could help with that.

"Is this why you've been so worn out?"

"Yeah."

"I have a wealthy friend who can sort this out. You don't have to worry."

He turned and looked down at her innocent face.

She smiled back. "I'll contact her right away. It's all going to be okay."

"Hmm."

"You seem to trusta lot, Felix. You don't even question how I have such a wealthy friend."

"You wouldn't lie to me."

Carol felt a twinge of guilt for the secrets she kept, but she quickly brushed it aside.

"Let's not worry about it. I'll go with you to the hospital tomorrow to meet your cousin."

"Hmm."

They returned to bed, sweetly entwined.

The next morning, true to her word, Carol accompanied Felix to the hospital. As they approached, Felix hesitated.

"Her nis Listina. We've been close since her parents passed. I've taken care of her, and she relies on me. Can we keep our

relationship quiet? I'm afraid it might complicate things."

Reluctantly, Carol agreed.

They visited at a twhen the doctors were away, to prevent any slip-ups. Listina's eyes lit up at the sight of Felix, but darkened

upon seeing Carol.

"Felix, who is this?"

"A colleague from work, just stopping by."

Listina nodded, but hostility flickered in her eyes.

Felix sat by her bed and poured her water. "How are you feeling?"

"Better, the doctors have explained everything."

The surgery and ongoing treatment would cost a fortune. How could Felix afford it?

Her gaze shifted back to Carol, the pretty stranger, and she bristled.

"Can you ask her to leave? I don't want others around."

Embarrassed, Carol thought how blunt the request was. If not for Felix, she wouldn't be there.

Felix stood and walked out with Carol. As the door closed behind them, he spoke, "Wait here for me. Her mood has been off due to

the hospital stay."

"l understand. I'll wait downstairs."

"Thanks."

She tiptoed and pecked him on the cheek. "I've talked to my friend. It's all arranged. She'll have her surgery within a month."

Felix was stunned into silence.

Thinking he was overwhelmed with joy, Carol smiled. "Go on, I'll wait for you."

As she stepped into the elevator, she gave him a wave.

Felix didn't follow right away. He wanted a smoke but remembered the hospital's rules. Leaning against the cool hospital wall, he

wrestled with his thoughts.

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