Female Novel
Chapter 1722
Felix strolled back downstairs, his eyes catching Carol as she sat on a hospital garden bench,thumbing a response into her phone.
He ambled over, playfully ruffling her hair. Carol, sensing his approach, inhaled a teasing sniff.
"No wonder I always catch this sweet scent on you. You've been sneaking off to the hospital, huh?And here I was, worried you might be having an affair."
She rose to her feet, looping her arm in his.
"A friend of mine said the new surgeon is flying in this week. He's gonna oversee your cousin’soperation himself. It's all under control."
"Okay."
"So, we heading home? I'm craving your pot roast, the kind that falls off the bone."
"Carol."
"What's up?"
She was lost in thoughts of food when he called her name with such gravity. A pang of anxiety hither; it sounded like he was about to drop some serious news.
"Thanks."
It was nothing, really. Just a phone call for her. But if it meant she could wrangle a few extra home-cooked meals out of him, she wasn't going to complain.
With a quick hop, Carol piggybacked onto Felix, her legs clasping around his waist.
"I'm beat. These heels are killing me. Carry me? Oh, and the nurse mentioned there's a parknearby. Let's check it out before we head home."
His hands instinctively caught her legs, and she hummed a tune, resting her chin on his shoulder.
For this medical favor, she'd pulled strings with the Miller family, a mere mention to Abner that afriend was in need. Abner, who never bothered with the details, agreed on the spot. Just like whenMaja needed Phelps’ expertise, Abner had been the one to arrange it.
The surgeon arrived promptly, and Felix had been run off his feet with hospital visits to Listina. Carolhadn't given it much thought; she even considered sneaking in to help out, knowing he was jugglingjobs and had no time to spare.
She skipped her shift at the diner that afternoon, choosing to simmer a hearty porridge at homebefore heading to the hospital alone.
She knocked and entered the room. Listina's forehead creased at the sight of her, "What are youdoing here?"novelbin
"Ah, Felix has been swamped, so I thought I'd bring you some porridge. You haven't had dinner yet,right?"
Listina's expression darkened instantly, "Who are you to him, to bring me porridge? Get lost!"
Carol was taken aback by the hostility and Listina's blunt rudeness. The next thing she knew, anapple from the bedside table was hurled her way.
"Are you deaf? I said get lost! And stay away from Felix. Don’t call him that; you two are justcolleagues. Remember your place and scram!"
Carol recoiled from the impact on her forehead. She had only intended to lighten Felix's load, not tocause a scene.
Without delivering the porridge, she left, rubbing her forehead, feeling like she had messed thingsup.
No sooner had she left than Listina was on the phone with Felix, "Felix, that colleague of yourscame by. She was rude and said some nonsense."
Felix's expression darkened, "What did she say?"
"She told me not to drag you down anymore. Felix, am I really such a burden? I don't want to be; Ireally don't."
Her tears came through the phone, and he consoled her.
"I'll be right there."
Listina hung up, satisfied. Felix arrived quickly to find Carol gone and an apple on the floor, "Badday?"
"No, I was trying to peel an apple; my hands just gave out and it slipped."
She looked visibly upset, "Your colleague left, Felix. I really can't stand her."
"I'll talk to her. She won't come around again."
Listina suddenly covered her face, her shoulders shaking with sobs.
"I know I've made things difficult for you, turned your life upside down. But I just can't bear thethought of someone getting close to you, especially her. She's too calculating, showing up whenyou're not here."