Chapter 497


    ?


    I chuckled, "But you seem a bit... smitten, don''t you think?"


    "Licia," Susie blushed.


    So, I hit the nail on the head - she was smitten.


    "It''s perfectly normal to fall in love at your age," I nced at a nearby couple engrossed in their books, stealing nces at each other filled with affection.


    It reminded me of my school days. Whenever I saw couples studying together in the library, I couldn''t help but feel envious.


    I begged Conrad countless times to join me for a study session, but he could barely sit still for a few minutes before finding an excuse to leave. Perhaps it was a sign that Conrad and I were never meant to be; our interests and rhythms simply didn''t match.


    "Licia," Susie called out to me.


    I snapped back to the present. "What''s the name of this boy? Can you tell me in secret?"


    I was curious if it was Mack.


    Susie hesitated for a moment. "Licia, do I have to say?"


    Of course, I couldn''t force her. Smiling, I said, "Of course not."


    "Licia, it''s not that I don''t trust you, it''s just... he and I are just friends for now. We asionally meet up to study. It''s not like what you''re thinking," Susie exined, worried I might be upset.


    "I understand," I reassured her with a wink, easing her worries.


    "Licia, you''re so cool. You''re like a best friend to me," Susie eximed, grabbing my hand.


    Remembering my recent fallout with Ernest and realizing she didn''t know yet, I tried tofort her in advance, "What do you mean ''like''? From now on, I am. No matter what happens, as long as you want me to."


    But she didn''t catch the hint of something being off, instead beaming with joy, "So from now on, you''re my sister and my best friend."


    Seeing her like this, I couldn''t bring myself to tell her about Ernest and me, so I decided to let Ernest tell her himself.


    "How have you been feelingtely? If


    eeling unwell, you should t


    me. Fanny is currently with Yafes," I said, still concerned about her.


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Susie shook her head but then hesitated, pressing her hand against her chest, "Sometimes, I suddenly feel anxious here."


    My heart tightened. "Often? Or just asionally?"


    "Just asionally," Susie faltered.


    But I was rmed. "asionally when? Did you tell your brother? Have you seen a doctor?"


    "Licia, don''t worry, I don''t think it''s a heart problem. It''s probably just me... something''s wrong with me," Susie stammered.


    "What''s wrong? Susie, any issue with your heart should be addressed immediately, just as Yates also advised," I reminded her.


    Susie hesitated, then seemed to


    3 her mind. "Licia, that I anxiety... it happene


    I see a certain person."


    I understood immediately. "You mean, when you see the boy you study with?"


    Susie nodded.


    It seemed her heart was fine; it was just fluttering for someone special.


    "Licia, I don''t feel like studying anymore. Will youe home with me?" Susie asked.


    Before, I would''ve gone with her without a second thought. But not now.


    "I can''t, I still have things to deal with," I declined.


    "Licia..."


    "I''lle over once I''m done."


    Still, I left. But just as I was about to exit the library, my vision blurred, and felt my body sway


    uncontrobly to the side.


    W


    Before I lost consciousness, I heard panicked screams and Susie calling out to me, "Licia, Licia..."