'Just saying it now would only be ironic,' I muttered.,

"I know,

" I paused before adding,

"I'm not a kid anymore.

", Conrad got the hint, offering a wry smile.

"I guess I'm overthinking things.', I remained silent, and Conrad advised,

"Focus when you're walking. Don't get distracted.

", I hummed in response, the image of him covered in blood from my nightmare the night before flashing before my eyes., Then, he was in the hospital again, causing my heart to skip a beat instinctively.

"What are you doing here?

" I couldn't help but ask. He moved his lips but said nothing.,

"You're not... feeling well?

" I trailed off, not finishing my question, as I heard someone calling him from a distance,

"Rad, hurry up!

", It was Haley., Conrad's tall frame blocked my view so I couldn't see her, but I could instantly recognize her voice., At that moment, I understood why he was there., He wasn't sick. He was just there to keep Haley company. Probably, it was for a prenatal check-up., And there I was, worrying about him over a silly dream. How ridiculous., Conrad's expression stiffened at Haley's call, and I couldn't help but smirk mockingly,

"Mr. Wagner, you better attend to your matters.

", With that, I turned and walked away. However, no sooner had I gotten into my car than my phone buzzed with a message., I checked it and found a message from Haley. Felicia, since you and Rad are no longer together, I hope you can keep your distance from him., Reading the message, I was seething with anger and quickly replied, If you're that insecure, maybe you should keep him on a tighter leash. And as for me, mind your own business., After sending the message, I deleted her contact, sighed in frustration, and drove back to the office., But Ernest and Grant were both missing. They probably partied too hard at the welcome dinner and decided to skip work., The issue with Susie wasn't urgent, so I didn't bother calling Ernest. Yet, before I could leave work, Ernest called to ask where I was.,

"At the office, working,

" I replied, a bit of sarcasm in my tone, considering it was his first day and he had already skipped out for the afternoon.,

"I'm out discussing business with Mr. Smith. It might run late, probably around seven. You can head home first. If you're hungry, grab something to eat, and I'll cook for you when I get back,

" Ernest was always thoughtful about making sure I had something to eat., He was busy with work, which was not what I had imagined. Suddenly, I felt petty for always assuming the worst in people.,

"No need. I can eat something simple. Let me know when you get back. I need to discuss Susie's situation with you,

" I wanted his opinion before telling Susie the great news.,

"I got it,

" Ernest replied., Just as I was about to hang up, Ernest added,

"I won't keep you waiting for long.

", I was speechless., True to his word, Ernest returned by seven. Remembering his promise over the phone, I clarified,

"I wanted to talk to you about Susie. Her surgery can go ahead, and we've secured a heart donor.

" He wasn't surprised but just hummed in acknowledgment., I was annoyed by his lack of enthusiasm. After going through so much trouble to get Professor Yates for the surgery, he seemed indifferent, as if I was meddling unnecessarily., I was about to express my frustration when Ernest suddenly closed the distance between us, scooping me up in his arms.,

"Ernest, what are... mmm...

", His lips silenced mine, kissing me passionately as he carried me toward the bedroom., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.