Chapter 39

Ezra listened to Raphael recounting stories of Catherine's childhood, finding it hard to believe. The Catherine he knew now was so different from the one Raphael described. The current Catherine was cold, focused solely on her career, and emotionally distant. Although he couldn't figure out why she acted that way, it dawned on Ezra that everything she did was likely for Raphael to see. Suddenly, the sound of coughing came from the hospital room. Both Ezra and Raphael immediately rushed inside. Catherine was reaching for a glass of water, and Ezra quickly stepped in, using a cotton swab to moisten her lips. Now that Ezra was by her side as her boyfriend, Raphael found it hard to act as decisively as before. Ezra had the place Raphael used to hold, and Raphael had no right to intervene anymore, nor to be the one offering help. Catherine murmured a few words to Ezra, but she was so weak that Ezra had to lean in. His face was close enough that her lips almost brushed his cheek. As soo