Chapter 77
Isabella softly called out his name. “Samuel”
Her charming voice sparked a warmth in Samuel’s heart. He swallowed hard, his eyes darkening.
Isabella was still struggling, but Samuel held her close, his voice raspy as he whispered, “Don’t move,”
wing was off
In the next moment, Isabella didn’t dare to move; she sensed something
She remained still as Samuel embraced her tightly.
Isabella instinctively swallowed and softly asked, “Are you… okay?”
As soon as she spoke, she regretted it. In this situation, it seemed quite inappropriate.
Samuel didn’t respond; he just held Isabella tightly.
After a while, Isabella thought he had fallen asleep. Unexpectedly, Samuel said, “You were with Jayden today, weren’t you?”
Isabella froze for a moment, now understanding why Samuel was acting strange tonight.
She took a deep breath and whispered, “I’m sorry. I should have told you. It won’t happen again.”
She thought. After all, my relationship with Jayden is complicated. I should’ve been more considerate.”
But before she could say anything more, Samuel’s lips grazed her earlobe again, sending a shiver down her spine.
His voice was soft yet commanding. “No next time.”
His words sent a chill through her, and Isabella quickly nodded. “There won’t be. I promise.”
Samuel’s lips curved into a small smile as he gazed at her flushed checks.
She’s like a delicate peach blossom in spring, he thought. ‘Beautiful and irresistible.
He leaned in and kissed her cheek, his voice soft with satisfaction. “Sleep now.”
Isabella’s heart was still racing as she lay down, his touch lingering on her skin like a brand.
It felt like flames were flickering there, spreading warmth.
That night, she had no idea when or how she finally drifted off to sleep.
In the next few days, Isabella found herself completely swamped with work. After all, she had three patients to care for now
Xavier, Sarah, and Jack.
This time, all three of them were quite cooperative, especially Jack. After the last treatment, his condition had improved noticeably. That made hun much more receptive this time, even treating Isabella with newfound respect.
At least I’ll have a bit of a break, she thought.
But just as she was driving home, her phone rang unexpectedly. She glanced at the screen in slight surprise before answering, “Celine?”
Celine was her high school deskmate. Since they had similar grades, their teacher had paired them together, and they had become fairly close. But after going to different universities, they hadn’t kept in touch much.
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Celine’s gentle voice came through the phone. Hella, what have you been up to lately!
Isabella smirked and teased, “Oh, you know, just taking it easy. How about your??
She replied, “Me? Oh, same as always. Are you busy now? We haven’t caught up in forever, I miss you
Isabella thought. It really has been quite a whole.
The last time they saw each other was probably a year ago. Isabella had been boisy, and she hadn’t had imichi time to meet upi
with friends.
Celine had always been hand to track down, juggling several jobs even since high school
Isabella thought for a moment, realizing she had finished everything she needed to do today. She smiled slightly and replied. “Sure, the usual place?”
Celine’s face lit up with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Great! See you soon!â
After making plans. Isabella started her car and headed toward the agreed meeting spot.
The night market is brightly lit, bustling with people coming and going
Isabella finally found a place to park her car after some effort and made her way toward the narrow alley at the heart of the night market.
At the very end of the alley stood a BBQ stall that was always bustling with business. Despite its hidden location, a thick crowd of people stood outside, waiting for their turn.
Isabella found a seat in the far corner of the shop. Just as she opened the menu to order, a girl walked in.
She wore a gray casual tracksuit, her long hair tied in a high ponytail that bounced with each of her steps. Her lightly made up face radiated energy.
Isabella waved immediately, and Celine walked over with a smile. “You actually beat me here,”
Celine slipped the bag off her shoulder and placed it on the chair next to her before sitting down.
Isabella smiled gently at Celine. “I live nearby, so it wasn’t far. Pick something you want to eat, it’s on me.
she
handed the menu to Celine.
Celine smiled warmly, tilting her head slightly toward Isabella. “Then I won’t hold back”
Whenever they ate together, Isabella was usually the one paying.
Celine didn’t have much money, and Isabella wanted to help ease her burden.
Isabella’s gaze fell on Celine’s hands. Her skin, likely wrinkled and infected from long hours of soaking in water, looked
worn.
Isabella furrowed her brow, feeling a pang of sympathy
Taking a small sap of her barley tea, Isabella looked at Celine and asked, “Celine, what have you been up to lately?”
Without looking up from the menu, Celine casually replied, “Oh, just the usual. Washing dishes at the restaurant after work. doing some food deliveries…
She spoke so nonchalantly, as if these were trivial matters.
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Chapter 77
But these words only made Isabella feel more sympathy for her.
Isabella took out a jar of her homemade salve from her bag and placed it in front of Celine. This is for your hands. Try it
out it should work well.”
Isabella thought, ‘Celine’s hands needed treatment. Otherwise, the infection would only get
But Isabella knew Celine wouldn’t want to spend money on it.
worse
She had tried to help Celine financially before, but after a few times, Celine refused to accept any more assistance. She insisted she couldnt keep owing Isabella and promised to find a way to pay her back someday.
According to what Celine had once described, her family was poor, and her mother’s health prevented her from working. All the living expenses, including household costs, were Celine’s responsibility.
Celine took the salve from Isabella and sniffed it. “Hmm, it smells really herbal.”
But she didn’t mind at all, because every time Isabella gave her medicine, the results were remarkable.
Isabella chuckled softly. “It’s medicine, not perfume.”
Celine playfully stuck out her tongue at Isabella, then smiled and said, “Thanks, Bella.”
The two of them ordered a table full of barbecue and started reminiscing about their school days.
Resting her chin on her hands, Celine smiled at Isabella. “Bella, do you remember that chubby kid from our high school. class?”
