"But you're different now," Austin praised sincerely. "You've become livelier, much more confident, and you fought your illness bravely. You've outdone many others!"

"Really?" Anastasia palmed her cheek, surprised by the compliment. "You're talking about me?"

"Of course!" Austin nodded. "You've changed a lot. I can feel your confidence."

"But I'm not pretty," she countered, touching her face. She sighed and muttered, "I'm still not slim enough, even though Lily has helped me lose weight."

"Come on!" Austin said. "Don't lose your confidence over this. You're gorgeous!"

Unconvinced, Anastasia looked at him. "Are you trying to make me feel better?"

"I'm not," he replied, putting his hands in his white coat pockets and shrugging. "So what if you're slightly plump? I took your pulse; you're healthy and in a great state of mind. That's what matters. Some people have healthy bodies but are unwell mentally, while others are pretty yet evil." He grew agitated, thinking of Rhea.

Anastasia noticed his expression and asked tentatively, "Are you talking about Rhea?"

"Yes!" Austin nodded. "But people like her will end up badly. So you mustn't worry about your looks. Besides, since Lily removed Rhea's toxins from you, you'll get slimmer. It's just a matter of time. Be patient. And you were born pretty, so don't worry about that."

Having treated her for the past few days, Austin had observed her closely. Even though Anastasia was plump, she possessed a beautiful face.

"For real?" Elated, she palmed her cheeks.

Austin nodded firmly. "Don't doubt yourself. A confident girl is always the prettiest! That's why you're beautiful."

"Thank you so much!" She was genuinely pleased, no longer questioning his sincerity.

At that moment, Austin's phone rang. He answered, "Hello?"

A moment later, he narrowed his eyes, a frozen smile on his face. "I got it. I'll be right there."

After hanging up, he started to leave, then paused and turned back to Anastasia. "I have to go..."