Chapter 22: My Childhood Sweetheart

My lace fumed pale as a sharp pain stabbed through me. "Your leg okay now? How's Bida been for you abroad?"

"It's all healed. I had it re-booked and set, then went through a year of physical therapy. Now I can walk just fine. Life over there is pretty good, not much different from here, but Lila..." Lila turned her head.

Her words hit me like a wave, and the aftershocks lingered, filling my chest. Before I met her, I had to shoulder everything on my own. But now that she was here, I find myself wanting to rely on her more.

"I'll pay you back as soon as I can, Dean. Don't worry about it. Thank you so much for today," I mumbled.

Hit me more. At the same time, I asked myself why. In my previous life, before Manning Yerite, Lila broke her leg trying to save me. Before I stayed at the Jerning residence, I made it a condition that they help her recover.

She got better, but after my marriage, the memory pained her, biting for me. She always gave everything, no matter how much it cost her. She was too good; she ended up suffering and doing so much for me. She deserves happiness and a long life, not to be sacrificed. This time, I was determined to change that trend. I would keep my promise.

I stole a glance at her, and she looked slightly surprised, pausing. "You think you have to pay me back? We've no relationship?"

I decoded her silent message. "No need to repay debts. I can handle my matters here. You should just take care of your own business." With that, I turned to leave, heading back to the waiting area.

Years. Do you think I don't know you? She wrapped her arms around my waist, letting out a soft sigh. "You're putting on an act, even in front of me? I was only gone for days, not fifty years. Do you..."

No matter how hard I tried to block my feelings, she could always read me. More than twenty years of friendship—how could I fool her? (11:11 because of Evette? Are you planning to give up on me for her?)

I tried to pull myself away from her, looking determined to explain. "It has nothing to do with Evette, Ejur. I owe you too much."

"What do we owe each other? I hooked my leg saving you, and you moved to the Jerning residence to help me. Our debt to each other is paid in full."

"We'll always be the best of friends. Please don't push me away," she added, her eyes pleading.

In life, I had only two hundred—Henry and Lila. And Lila, she was the one who'd risked her life for me.

Let me resolve things, but my determination faltered. I'm sorry. Next time, I'll protect you." We shared a smile, and I pulled her into a tight hug. Seeing her again after all these years was a dream come true. If it weren't for Uncle Benjamin's emergency, I would have been even happier in my arms as she repeated the words softly. "Best of friends."

We grew up together, inseparable since childhood. We went to school together, did our homework together, got into trouble, and got scolded together. But in my previous life, my heart had been completely consumed by Evette, and I lost touch with Lila.

Later, when she came looking for me, I pushed her away to avoid trouble with Yvette, and we grew increasingly distant. I hurt her, but in the end, she still sacrificed her life for me. In this life, I swore I would never again let a woman come between me and my friends. As I was thinking this, Lila's soft but firm voice cut through my thoughts. "If we're friends, then I'll always be your support. You have to tell me everything, okay?"

We ate the surgery waiting room food; it still hadn't been long. "Hey, Lila, you in here!" Kenny's voice boomed from a distance.

Bintang inattet. "Taart act like you're here to see me. How many times have I tried to get you to meet up!"

Because of Kendy's date, it was clear that he knew Lila was here. And after Uncle's situation, I didn't mention anything about the discovery or your job search," Benny said quickly, trying to win over his friend.

Then I noticed, grinning mischievously, "If you knew Lila was back, you definitely wouldn't have seen her." Without responding, he pulled me toward Lila. "Let's eat; I bought you bell peppers and the same meal."

The sun was out, and when I opened them, I found the pauta from my favorite place, but they had mushrooms in them.

Tia said, "It tastes so good; you know, when you're hungry, even simple food tastes amazing. Come on, eat before it gets cold!" I didn't have much of an appetite; I was half-asleep because of Evette...

Lila said, inding the minula con latore landing item my box back, "Good food, real food."

Looking at her, I finished. I felt a deep surge of happiness. Mandy Thuler jamis. I glanced at the unopened pauta. The andligi ulli gasing kissing my lips; I finished my meal.

Finally, the surgery room door opened. Batiedoery in ash the dia tur for tires.

Chapter 22: My Childhood Sweetheart

"Doctor, how's my uncle?"

The doctor let out a deep sigh. He removed his mask and looked exhausted. "He's out of immediate danger, but there are still risks. We need to schedule a heart bypass surgery as soon as possible to fully stabilize his condition."

"Thank you so much, doctor!" I breathed a sigh of relief and headed to Uncle Benjamin's room. The nurse quickly gave me a less detailed set of instructions.

Lila said she'd go buy a few things, and after making sure Uncle Benjamin was settled, she left. I went to get some hot water, planning to wet a cotton swab and moisten his lips. But as soon as I opened the door, I bumped into someone.