I'd only really taken a good look around the hospital room twice since waking up: once to search for Ernest, and this time, looking for something else. Dustin crouched down in front of me, his concern palpable.

"Felicia, how are you feeling? Anything off?

", I was about to shake my head when a knock on the door preluded the entrance of the doctor and Conrad.,

"We should get you checked out before the flight, just in case,

" Conrad explained, his gaze shifting to Dustin, a slight furrow forming between his brows., I noticed the exchange as Dustin stood, making room for the doctor with an ease that left him sidelined., After a series of checks-heart rate, blood pressure-the doctor concluded,

"You're recovering well, everything looks normal.

",

"Thanks, Doc,

" Conrad expressed our gratitude., Dustin chimed in,

"I'll walk the doctor out. Gives me a chance to pack up. Rad, can you stay and chat with Felicia?

", With the door shut behind them, Conrad and I were left alone in a silence that was anything but cozy., While I was lost in my own world, Conrad was all eyes on me, and after what felt like an eternity, he broke the silence with an apology., His

"I'm sorry

" caught my gaze, and even without a mirror, I knew my eyes mirrored the confusion and weariness I felt., Conrad moved closer.

"If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have come to Houston, wouldn't have been in danger, wouldn't have lost so much blood trying to save me... and wouldn't have caused Ernest to misunderstand.

", Blinking away the heaviness in my eyes, I fixated on the second button of Conrad's shirt.

"There's no need for apologies. Everything happens for a reason, right?

", It seemed fate had its own designs.,

"Felicia,

" he called softly,

"why did you do it? Risk your life for me?

", I didn't look up, just managed a weak smile.

"Because if I hadn't, you'd be gone.

",

"But what about you? How could you be so reckless? I found out... if you hadn't given that last 200cc of blood, you wouldn't have collapsed,

" Conrad's voice was heavy with concern. , The memory of the blood, transfusion flashed before my eyes, and I chuckled,

"You've got to finish what you start, right? If I stopped halfway, and you didn't make it then what was the point of the first, 600cc?

" :, Then, something struck me, and I lifted my gaze to meet his.

"Conrad, don't overthink it. If it were a stranger in your place that day, I would've done the same.

" His eyes narrowed slightly,

"Really? Even for a stranger?

",

"Absolutely!

" I asserted., A flicker of disappointment crossed his face, and I understood its origin.,

"Conrad, don't feel guilty. I saved you because we share the same blood type. Maybe that's why I was, brought into your life, by some divine arrangement. Plus, we grew up together, how could I stand by and do nothing?

" , My words elicited a bitter smile from him.

"Ever since we went our separate ways, you've been guarding your heart, denying me even the slightest chance of hope.

"

"The past is past, harboring false hope now would only hurt you more,

" I admitted, though it felt like I was twisting the knife., But it was necessary for clarity, for him to realize the pain he inflicted on me was now his to bear., Conrad let out a bitter smile.

"I don't deserve you, Felicia. I owe you so much, even a debt of blood now. I have no idea how I'll ever make it up to you.

", I looked at him,

"This time, you owe me nothing. If it weren't for you shielding me during the accident, it might have been you needing my blood instead.

" He chuckled,

"Seems like we're destined to be intertwined by blood.

", I remained silent, and as his smile faded, so did our conversation., After a long pause, he caught my attention again,

"Felicia...

", His eyes were tinged with red,

"If Ernest and you... I mean, if things between you two don't work out, could you... possibly give me another chance?

", Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.