Before Mila could voice her refusal, Forrest chimed in, "We're still friends, right?"
Mila found herself at a loss for words.
Over dinner, they chatted about Forrest's travel stories and the sights he'd seen abroad. As the evening drew to a close, Mila couldn’t help but bring up the hospital situation.
Forrest had indeed looked into it.
His friend from the hospital had told him: "That guy's as strong as an ox. He had a head injury, but by the next day, he was up and about like nothing happened. He might be discharged in just a few days."
Now, when Mila asked, Forrest adjusted his glasses and smiled gently. "He's out of the emergency room, but things don't look too good. I've asked a friend to keep an eye on him. They'll update me if anything changes."
Mila felt uneasy, and after dinner, she absentmindedly retreated to the guest room.
...
Later that night, in the study.
Forrest was working at his desk when a knock came at the door.
"Come in."
Howard entered, handing over a stack of papers filled with notes and a few photos of Mila.
"Everything Ms. Sutherland did today is documented here."
"Thank you."
Forrest took the papers, carefully reviewing the content and the photos of Mila’s profile and silhouette, a warm smile gracing his face.
Howard, observing his employer's demeanor, couldn't help but speak up, "Sir, if you care about Ms. Sutherland, why not just tell her? Wouldn't it be better for her to know?"
Forrest adjusted his glasses again, his expression gentle but his words devoid of emotion.
"Vance, you don't understand. Seven years ago, she didn't choose me."
Might as well escape abroad with her best friend!
Mila readily agreed.
Apart from her great-aunt, she didn’t have many familiar faces overseas, so having a close friend with her was certainly welcome.
They chatted for a while longer until Mila, feeling tired, ended the call. She’d had a night of fitful sleep filled with nightmares and now weariness was setting in early.
Despite her persistent unease, she tossed and turned for a while before finally drifting off, only to be jolted awake by another nightmare.
Startled, she sat in the dark room, her face pale.
Just as she was about to turn on the light, a sudden knock on the door startled her. She reassured herself that she was in Forrest's house, safe, before switching on the light and cautiously creeping to the door, peeking through a small gap.
Outside,
Forrest stood in the illuminated hallway, wearing a thin gray pajama set, smiling at her warmly.
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