Chapter 7

Flora slowly walked back to the ward, her shoulder wound throbbing faintly. Her injuries weren't severe, and she was discharged from the hospital a few days later. In the hospital corridor, she bumped into Calista, who was rushing over. “Flora!” Calista grabbed her arm. “Which ward is Carlton in? How bad are his injuries?” Flora paused for a moment before answering softly, “Turn left up ahead, VIP Room 3.” She turned to leave, but Calista grabbed her wrist, her voice filled with shock. “Aren’t you going in?” “I have something else to do,” Flora smiled, gently pulling her hand free. “I won’t be going in.” After all, he wants to see you more than he wants to see me. In the days that followed, Flora learned through the group chat that Calista was extremely anxious about Carlton's injury and stayed by his bedside every day to take care of him. The group was abuzz with speculation— “Calista stays by his bedside every day. Carlton must be happy now, right?” “But this isn't a sustainable situation. She'll eventually have to marry Earnest...” Then, someone suddenly posted a few secretly taken photos. By the hospital bed, Calista gazed at the sleeping Carlton with eyes so gentle they seemed to be dripping with tenderness. “Wait, don’t you think that look is a problem? Does Calista have feelings for Carlton too? Look, it’s completely different from how she looks at Earnest.” “Don’t be ridiculous!” someone immediately objected. “She and Earnest are engaged.” “The engagement was arranged by the elders. When did you ever hear Calista say she likes Earnest?” Flora stared blankly at her phone. She suddenly recalled the first time she met Calista, the way she looked at her—first appraisingly, then with a fleeting hint of sadness, then finally breaking into a smile. If Calista also likes Carlton… The thought made Flora clench her phone tightly. At least Carlton wouldn't have to suffer in silence anymore. One of them could at least find happiness. But should she ask? On what grounds? As she was lost in thought, her phone rang. “Miss Flora, the flight ticket you purchased for next week to City N can be upgraded for free. Would you like us to process it for you...” “Yes, please do,” she said softly. As soon as she finished speaking, the villa’s front door opened. “Upgrade?” Carlton stood at the door, his brows slightly furrowed. “Where are you going?” Flora paused for a moment before choosing to lie: “A provisional business trip arranged by the company.” She did travel frequently for work, so Carlton didn’t suspect anything. He simply pulled a velvet box from his pocket and handed it to her: I saw it at the auction. Thank you for saving me last time." Inside the box was a diamond bracelet, reflecting a dazzling glow under the lights. Flora took it calmly: “Alright.” Carlton's brows furrowed imperceptibly. Usually, when he gave her expensive gifts, she would refuse, saying it was too wasteful. But this time, she accepted it decisively, as if drawing a line from him. He felt a strange heaviness in his chest and was about to speak when his phone rang. “Calista?” He answered the call, his voice softening involuntarily, “Hmm, I’ll ask her…” After hanging up, he looked at Flora: “The Cater Family has opened a new hot spring resort. Calista asked me to take you there. Would you like to go?” Flora was about to refuse, but then she remembered the photo in the group chat ,then she nodded, “Sure.” She needed to confirm Calista’s intentions. When they changed into their clothes and went out, Calista was already waiting downstairs. She leaned against a red sports car and waved at them, “See you at the resort!” “You really don’t want to ride in my car?” Carlton tried to persuade her. “Now that I have my license, I should practice driving,” Calista said with a bright smile. “A three-hour drive is just the right amount of practice.” Carlton sighed helplessly yet affectionately: “Drive carefully.” “I know~” Calista blinked. “I'm three years older than you. Do I really need you to teach me?” Watching their intimate communication, Flora quietly got into the passenger seat. The car was eerily quiet. Flora looked out the window at the passing scenery and suddenly spoke up: “Carlton, actually, I'm not going on a business trip.” “Hm?” “I'm going back to my hometown.” Her voice was soft, “Let's break up.”