Chapter 9

Just then, the nurse pushed open the door and said, “Miss Flora, it's time for your checkup.” “Let me help you,” Calista said, quickly getting up. “No need,” Flora said, slowly getting up with the help of the bed rail. “Your wound hasn't healed yet...” “I’m fine!” Calista grabbed her arm without waiting for an answer. “But you? You broke three ribs and you’re still trying to pretend strong?” Flora couldn’t argue with her and nodded. The two slowly walked out of the ward. The corridor was bustling with people. Suddenly, a cart loaded with medical equipment came rushing around the corner, and the surgical instruments on it were about to fall off— “Watch out!” Flora instinctively pushed Calista out of the way. “Bang!” The heavy equipment hit her shoulder, and excruciating pain swept through her body. She went black in the eyes and fainted again. … When she woke up again, there were two more people in the ward. “Flora!” Calista rushed to the bedside, her red eyes still tearful. “You scared me to death! Do you want some water? Are you hungry? Does the wound hurt?” Flora shook her head and tried to move her shoulder, but the pain made her gasp. “I’m fine… as long as you’re okay.” “You silly girl…” Calista’s tears fell, “We’ve only met a few times, how could you shield me… Do you know you broke another bone…” “Anyway, two are already broken,” Flora forced a grim smile, “Might as well heal them together.” Calista cried even harder. “Stop crying.” Carlton suddenly handed her a handkerchief, gently wiping Calista’s tear-stained cheeks with his fingertips, “If you keep crying, your eyes will swell tomorrow.” He turned to Flora: “I’ll make it up to you with a gift.” “A gift isn’t enough!” Calista wiped her tears, “From now on, Flora is my sister. I’ll agree to anything she asks!” Flora smiled but didn't say anything. In the days that followed, Calista and Carlton took turns caring for her. But Flora knew that while Carlton was there to accompany her, his attention was entirely on Calista. When Calista's hand was scalded by hot water, he rushed over to hold her hand and blew on it carefully; When Calista said she wanted fruit, he went out to buy it without hesitation, even peeling it for her; When Calista coughed lightly, he hurriedly poured water and fetched medicine, fearing she might feel the slightest discomfort. Flora lay quietly in the hospital bed, watching all this unfold. In the middle of the night, Flora was awakened by pain in her ribs. She opened her eyes slightly and saw Calista carefully covering Carlton, who was sleeping on the sofa with a blanket. Moonlight filtered through the curtains, falling on Calista’s gentle profile. She stared at Carlton for a long time, then slowly leaned down and gently kissed his lips. Flora’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly closed her eyes. She hadn’t been wrong after all. Calista really did like Carlton! Her heart raced wildly in her chest, finally calming down after a long time. With her eyes closed, Flora finally made up her mind. The next morning, sunlight streamed into the hospital room. When Flora woke up, Carlton was by the window making a phone call. “You said the jewelry Calista has her eye on is being auctioned at Paris?” His voice was low. “Alright, arrange a private jet. I’ll go there today.” After hanging up, he turned and saw that Flora had woken up, clearly startled. After a moment, he belatedly explained, “Calista’s birthday is coming up, and I need to go abroad to buy her a gift. I’ll have the nurse take care of you for the next few days. You…” “I understand,” Flora interrupted him calmly. “Go ahead.” Carlton picked up his coat and was about to leave when Flora suddenly called out to him, “Carlton.” He paused and turned to look at her. “No matter what, I hope you can be happy,” she said softly, her voice hoarse. “Just like that afternoon, because of your presence, I was happy for a moment.” Carlton furrowed his brow: “Which afternoon?” Flora froze. It turned out he didn't remember at all. Her deeply etched redemption was nothing more than a casual gesture to him, forgotten the moment he turned away. She smiled, but tears fell uncontrollably: “Never mind, go ahead, be careful.” Carlton looked at her in confusion, but eventually turned and left. As the hospital room door closed, Flora picked up her phone: “Aunt Jane, please bring my luggage to the hospital, and... the black safe in Carlton's study, bring that too.”