Chapter 1711


    Felix''s face turned grim as he gently set the spoon down on the table.


    “Listina, | don''t want to hear that sort of talk again."


    Listina quickly wiped away her tears. "I just hate seeing you work so hard. The doctor said we need to bring in a specialist for the


    surgery. It''s not just about the money, it''s about having the right connections."


    "I''ll handle it."


    Felix picked up the spoon again, scooped up some soup, and offered it to her lips.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    "Just focus on getting better, okay?”


    "Then promise me you''lle to visit often, even if you''re busy. It gets so lonely here by myself."


    "Promise."


    When Carol stepped into the elevator, several nurses were already inside.


    The doors closed, and the gossip began.


    "That girl upstairs sure is lucky. Any other guy would have bolted by now, probably think she''s too much of a burden.”


    "Her fiancé is such a catch—handsome and kind. I''ve heard no matter how tired he is, he always makes time to see her. Where


    do you find a man like that?"


    "When will | ever get that lucky? I''d be happy just to get a peck from a guy with half his looks."


    Laughter erupted among them.


    But Carol wasn''t listening; her mind was preupied with Abner''s phone call.


    Her father had warned her repeatedly not to get involved with a poor boy, and Felix himself wasn''t keen on dating an heiress. It


    looked like the charade would have to continue.


    Her father, though loving, was unyielding on these matters of principle.


    Returning to the Miller estate, she was greeted by the butler''s news, "Mr. Abner is waiting for you in the study."


    Carol braced herself for the encounter.


    As soon as she opened the study door, Abner''s voice filled the room.


    “Wandering around in the middle of the night again?"


    "Dad, Ynda''s got racesing up, right? | got curious about motorcycles, so she took me for a ride. But then she got a call


    from a friend who needed her. It was easy to catch a cab there, so | figured I''d just take one home. Didn''t expect to run into some


    thugs."


    Her expression was earnest, and she never lied to Abner.


    Abner''s brow furrowed, a shadow crossing his eyes. "I''ve had those men dealt with. You should keep away from that crowd."


    Carol stuck out her tongue yfully. "Ynda''s not really badpany. She''s just a bit wild, you know?"


    Abner wasn''t old-fashioned enough to look down on girls who loved extreme sports. Still, he refused to let his only daughter fall


    for a man without means.


    Carol hadcked a mother''s love, and despite Abner''s best efforts, he never quite filled that void. To this day, she was


    headstrong and free-spirited.


    That suited Abner just fine. He had no interest in pressuring his child to achieve greatness. A safe and steady life was all he


    desired for her.


    His mood softened, and he hesitated slightly. "If you really like motorcycles, let Ynda teach you. But they''re dangerous. Make


    sure to keep the speed down."


    Seeing that he wasn''t opposed to her new interest, Carol felt a sudden warmth in her heart, her eyes welling up.


    "Dad, it was just a one-night curiosity. | wouldn''t get into something that dangerous."


    Abner rubbed his temple. "I''ve always been lenient with you. Do whatever you like, but avoid trouble."


    His daughter had to remain untarnished.


    Carol felt a bitter twist in her heart—lying to a loved one was never easy.


    As she turned to leave, Abner asked, "What happened to your hand?"


    Carol froze, almost forgetting the burn on her hand.


    Felix hadn''t seemed to notice when she brought him the soup—didn''t even ask.


    So when Abner inquired, it felt like salt in the wound.


    "| tried cooking."


    Abner massaged his temple, more


    puzzled than before. Aneyoutirae ot


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    Carol couldn''t argue, her heart heavy at the thought of Felix.


    Abner waved her off, knowing her interests were fickle. "Go on out. | have a meeting soon."


    "Okay, Dad."


    Back in her room, Carol felt drained.


    Her phone chimed—a message from


    Felix. A photo of her alecla


    dining tableya fireb''aid Box open, filled


    ious medicines. A tube of


    burn ointment was most prominent.


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    His message followed.


    [Let me know what you''re craving. I''ll cook. Stay out of the kitchen.]


    He didn''t say he was sorry, nor any other cheesy line—just simple words that somehow healed Carol.


    She didn''t understand why, but Felix


    always seemed to s Wits ted)


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    Her emotions were a roller coaster because of him—tense, disappointed, happy, and back again.


    Falling in love sure was a torment.