"What?

" I said with a laugh., Susie bit her lip,

"Licia, is this surgery gonna cost a lot?

", Hearing this, my heart skipped a beat, worried she might change her mind because of the financial strain.

"Not at all, it's not that much. And don't you worry about the money. Your brother just landed a new job as a software engineer, and he's making good money.

", Susie fell silent. I moved a bit closer to her, remembering something I learned in Psychology about the power of physical proximity in building trust. Sometimes, it's not what you say but simply taking a step closer that makes all the difference., I gently touched Susie's sleek hair, saying,

"The doctor performing your surgery is a friend of a friend, top of his field. You don't need to worry about a thing. Just focus on getting strong and healthy. Once the surgery is over, you'll be back on your feet in no time.

",

"Licia,

" Susie's eyes were glistening,

"you're so kind.

", I smiled,

"Of course, if I weren't, your brother wouldn't have fallen for me.

", Hearing this, Susie laughed,

"Licia, the love between you and my brother is like something out of a romance novel.

", Thinking of the love stories she adored, I said,

"Once you're feeling better, you'll find your own sweet romance.

", Susie blushed, clearly taken by the idea. What young girl doesn't dream of love, especially one who devours romance novels?, As Susie continued packing, I went to look for Ernest. His bedroom was empty, and he wasn't in the backyard either., Where could he have gone?, Curious, I stepped outside the yard, scanning the surroundings in the moonlight. Not far off, by the riverbank, I spotted him. Even in the darkness, I could recognize him from afar., There was a time I could recognize Conrad by the sound of his car or his footsteps. Now, I could recognize Ernest from a great distance. Once someone captures your heart, every part of them becomes a piece of you., I approached him, and he was so deep in thought he didn't notice me until I playfully wrapped my arms around him from behind. Ernest stiffened, then said softly,

"How did you find me?

", I hummed lightly,

"Who else would it be? How did you know it was me? Didn't think it was some local girl who's fallen for you?

", My string of jealous questions even made me laugh at myself.,

"Nobody else would dare, and besides...

" Ernest paused,

"Your scent is unique to you.

", So, I had captured his heart too. He could recognize me by my scent alone., I let go and moved to face him,

"What are you doing out here all alone? Something on your mind?

",

"Just getting some fresh air,

" he said, looking out over the lake, but his worried expression betrayed him., I nestled into his embrace,

"You're worried about Susie, aren't you?

", He didn't reply, confirming my suspicion., Even with the best doctor lined up for Susie, there were no guarantees in surgery., Ernest, always so brave and forward-looking, feared the unexpected, hesitant to let Susie undergo the surgery., He was afraid of loss, unable to face the possibility., A dreadful thought crossed my mind then: if something went wrong during Susie's surgery, would Ernest blame me?, But if we didn't go through with it, Susie wouldn't have much time left.,

"Ernest,

" I nuzzled closer within his arms,

"don't worry, we'll pray for Susie together. She'll get through this safely and smoothly.

", His hand rested on my head,

"I know. And I agreed to this. Whatever happens, I'll accept it. Don't worry yourself.

", I was taken aback; he had even sensed my fleeting worry.,

"It'll turn out well, it has to,

" I murmured.,

"Yeah,

" Ernest held me tighter, falling silent., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.