The next morning, Lily is woken up by the alarm on her phone at the bedside. She opens her eyes in a
daze and frowns as she reaches for the phone, only to feel a man's warm arm.
Surprised, she turns around and meets his bleary eyes. He is also taken aback.
"Looking for your phone?" Rex hands her the phone and hugs her hard, saying, "Let's stay in bed a
little longer."
It occurs to Lily that he has come back last night.
Tears roll in her eyes as she slowly reaches out to hug him. "I've been waking up alone every day these
past six months. I'm yet to get used to seeing you in the morning."
Hearing that, he hugs her even tighter, whispering beside her neck, his voice husky from the slumber,
"Then try to get used to it. I promise you will get more of this."
Lily laughs silently, enjoying the long overdue moment of intimacy, but she has to end this sooner. "My
father's surgery is today. It's time to get up."
Rex really wants to hold her like this until the end of time, but he couldn't leave his father-in-law waiting
for surgery in the next room. "Alright," he says.
Lily nods and lets go of him, trying to bring herself up. However, a slight pain between her legs
emerges with her movement.
She sucks in a breath of cold air and hisses. Rex turns around upon hearing that while buttoning his
shirt. "What's wrong?"
Lily avoids his gaze and lies with embarrassment, "It's nothing. I pulled my hair."
Rex doesn't give it much thought and continues to clasp his buttons.
Lily can't get their passionate night out of her head. Her ears are turning red and she hides her blush
by dressing. After sitting for a while to adapt to this bittersweet feeling, she gets out of bed.
To her surprise, as soon as her toes land on the ground, her thighs feel extremely sore. What is worse,
her legs are weak....
Lily is almost petrified. She supports herself awkwardly by the bed for a few seconds, but it is long
enough to draw Rex's attention.
He glances at his woman, who is standing there motionlessly, and almost blurts out "what's wrong".
Then he realizes something from all this. His lips curve into a sinister smile as he walks to her side,
saying, "Are your legs sore?"
These simple words sound weird coming out from him.
Lily blushes in an instant. She pretends to act normal and walks past him to the bathroom. "What are
you talking about? Hurry up and freshen up...."
It looks like she is fleeing. Rex stares at her back and is cheered up, knowing that she is acting shy. A
masculine laugh sounds.
As soon as Lily enters the bathroom, she locks it from inside. The wall is too thin to block out his
triumphant chuckle, and Lily wishes she can dig her way out of here.
She turns on the tap and splashes cold water on her face. Unexpectedly, her face is still burning up.
Staring at the wet messy version of herself in the mirror, she laughs out loud.
Is she embarrassed? Yes.
Is she happy? Sure.
And that's enough.
After a quick freshening up quickly, they visit Karl's office. Reynold is in charge of today's surgery, and
he has discussed the final plan with Karl.
After all, the patient is important as the father of the president's dear friend, so Reynold has to
concentrate.
Karl is the subject of flattery in the medical community. Reynold has planned to take this opportunity to
impress Karl, apart from answering to the medical ethics.
What's more, Rex's presence surprises Reynold. He has heard of Rex and shows his respect by
greeting him warmly.
"Good morning, Miss Lily and Mr. Gabbot."
Rex reaches out and shakes hands with him, saying, "I heard you were in charge of the operation. I
was too busy to pay a visit. I apologize."
"Mr. Gabbot, no need at all. I am just doing my job. He has been well taken care of by his family."
Reynold smiles and waves his hand, giving off the feeling that he is as kind and trustworthy as ever.
Karl looks at his old friend. Although he knew that Rex came here last night, he gave the couple some
time alone. Now he feels sad when he sees how gaunt Rex has gotten. "Good to see you again,
buddy."
That sentence is enough to awake some poignant feelings.
Rex grabs Karl's extended palm and hugs him like men do, replying with only two words, "Thank you."
These past six months, while he was away, Karl was there to help and comfort Lily. Rex knows all that
and is grateful for having such a good friend.
Karl sighs from his heart and says, "It's going to be okay."
The four of them sit down and peruse the surgical plan. Everybody is confident about this surgery,
Reynold leaves first to prepare.
The three old friends wait in the office. Lily is growing agitated. Rex holds her slightly cold hands to give
her strength and comfort.
"Will his recovery be long?" Rex asks.
Karl shakes his head and answers, "No. Two weeks in the hospital and normal numbers. Then he can
leave."
Rex agrees that is not long.
"Lily, don't worry too much. The surgery will be over in two hours. It's minimally invasive. The exposed
wound will be small and there won't be much risk," Karl patiently reassures her.
Simple enough to say, but this is about her father's life. She can't help but worry. However, Karl's
concern embarrasses her a little. "It's fine. I'm not that worried."
"After the operation, I'll send a nurse to take care of him. So, rest assured and leave the rest to Rex. He
has been away for so long. It's time to give him the chance to help," Karl teases.
Actually, everyone knows that Rex is in no condition to do that.
Lily is happy to hear that. Rex is right here with her, and that is enough no matter how much help he
can lend.
"Karl, thank you so much. You've been so helpful." She and Karl are not close friends, so he does this
out of kindness. Lily feels she owes him for that.
"You are welcome. I've adopted the habit to help and care about you two. It will be worth it if you can be
happy."
"Come to our place for dinner when he is discharged, and we can discuss this further."
Karl smiles sweetly and says, "Alright."
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda