Zoey still feels like she''s in a dream, as if the devastating fire happened just yesterday, and the choices she made are still fresh in her mind.


    Now, surrounded by familiar faces at her hospital bed, she no longer possesses the moth-to-me fervor she once had.


    She''s exhausted, vividly remembering the despair she felt when she decided it was time to forget, to disconnect herself from this world. If fate had no mercy for her, why shouldn''t it simply end her life? She lowers her eyshes, momentarily at a loss for words.


    Carol has been chattering away non-stop until her phone rings. It''s Felix, checking in on her whereabouts.


    Felix has always been protective, almost to a fault. If they don''t see each other for a few hours, he feelspelled to call.


    Carol recalls a time when she was out for drinks with some business partners. No sooner had she sat down than Felix showed up to fetch her.


    Amidst the jeers of the crowd, she felt both embarrassed and furious.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    It became well-known that if Carol wasn''t home by nine, Felix would inevitably call, sometimes even reaching out to others if he feared bothering her. Over time, people became less inclined to invite Carol out for drinks.


    Initially, she found it annoying, but four years on, she''s developed a sort of fondness for his overbearing care. People really are masochistic at heart. Standing up to take the call, her tone isced with impatience, yet a smile ys on her lips.


    "What''s up now?"


    "Zoey''s at my office. How about we all go out for dinnerter?"


    "You''re not cooking tonight?"


    "I thought you might be tired of homemade meals."


    Her smile widens.


    "Sure, pick a restaurant. But it''ll have to beter; we''re still with Zoey." "Alright."


    Just as she''s about to hang up, Felix adds, "The designer handbag you wanted arrived today. I''ve had my assistant drop it off at our ce. You can check it out when you get home."


    Carol has learned to temper her enthusiasm for material things, wary that Felix might just splurge without a second thought.


    Over the years, The Miller Group has flourished, expanding into over a dozen countries. Despite his busy schedule, Felix always makes time to cook at home, cultivating Carol''s taste for the finer things in life.


    "Looks like Mr. Brown is spoiling me again."


    Felixughs softly on the other end, "It''s my pleasure."


    Inwardly rotting her eyes, Carol reflects on their marriage. Had it not been for his charming looks, she might never have agreed to it. But now, she''s surprisingly content with their life together.


    "Gross."


    With that affectionate insult, she hangs up.


    Turning around, she catches Zoey''s gaze.


    Carol suddenly feels awkward, worried that her disy of happiness might upset Zoey, given her current state of health.


    But Zoey simply smiles, saying nothing.


    Even Maja feels the tension, suggesting, "Let''s all head back and give her some peace."


    Zoey breathes a sigh of relief, grateful for the support.


    Maja sits beside her, offering aforting hug.


    "Whatever happens, we''re here for you, supporting whatever choice you make."


    Tears well up in Zoey''s eyes, feeling as though her throat is being squeezed. She nods, "Thank you."


    Once everyone leaves, the room falls silent again, until Nn cautiously enters.


    His eyes are still swollen from crying, and seeing Zoey, tears start to flow again.


    "Mommy, please don''t leave."


    Looking at her son, his lips quivering, Zoey''s heart clenches.