Rachel’s pupils contracted. For a moment, it felt like time itself had stopped. She just stared at Tyler, frozen, until she finally came back to her senses.

“Tyler, you suddenly laid your feelings on me like that. I’m not used to it.”

She’d never noticed that deep look in his eyes before, especially for someone as cold and distant as Tyler. He could actually look at someone with such tenderness.

It almost reminded her of Sunny.

Tyler chuckled softly and brushed her nose with his finger. He was smiling from ear to ear.

“Then I’ll do that every day until you get used to it.”

Rachel’s mind instantly ran wild, picturing what it would be like if Tyler really confessed his feelings for her every single day. The thought made her shiver all over.

She pulled him onto the bed. “Okay, okay, stop talking about this. I’ve got goosebumps already. Just get some rest.”

The next morning, Tyler had already carried Rachel’s luggage to the entryway.

Rachel stood before the full-length mirror, giving her outfit a final check. The sunlight streaming in from outside lit up her face such that even the pores on her face were visible.

Tyler walked over and adjusted the collar of her blouse. His fingertips brushed against her collarbone, sending a small shiver through her body.

“When you land, text me. Go straight to the hotel and rest. Don’t push yourself.”

His voice was deep, still rough with sleep, but every word came through steady and clear.

Rachel turned around and tiptoed to kiss his chin. “Got it. You’re even naggier than Wanda.”

Tyler caught her hand and nipped at her fingers. “That’s only because someone has a habit of forgetting to take care of herself once she gets busy.”

He reached into a bag and pulled out a small thermos.

“Wanda made you this soup. Drink it on the way. Don’t share it with those two.”

Rachel accepted the thermos. It felt warm against her palms, and she couldn’t help but laugh. Tyler didn’t look like he was sending her off to the airport–he looked more like a dad dropping his daughter off at preschool.

Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and was surprised to see Cecilia calling so early.

“You’re up already? Did the kids wake you?”

She stepped onto the balcony to take the call in a light-hearted tone. She didn’t want Cecilia to feel pressured by her illness, or feel like she was burdening her. She knew Cecilia’s personality well enough. What Cecilia needed most right now was to be treated like a normal person.

On the other end came a muffled cough. Cecilia’s voice sounded nasally.

“Rachel? I heard you’re going abroad. Why? Is Tyler going with you? If he can’t, I can go with you instead.”

Rachel felt warm in her chest. Cecilia was still the same as always.

Rachel quickly said, “It’s fine. I’m going to meet with a doctor. Cecilia, you don’t need to worry. This doctor abroad is incredible. I looked into it. His surgery success rate is 89 percent. So you really don’t need to feel so much pressure.”

Cecilia was taken aback.

“You’re going abroad to find a doctor for me? No, that’s too much trouble! And I’m not as fragile as you think. I’ve already made peace with it. If it can be treated, great. If not, that’s life.”

“Well, too late to argue now. My flight is in three hours,” Rachel teased.

“Rachel…” Cecilia sniffed. She sounded emotional. “I must have saved the world in my past life to have a friend like you.”

“Come on, you don’t need to get all sentimental with me. This is just what friends do.”

“Be careful on the road. If anything comes up, call me.”

Cecilia felt both guilty and grateful. Friends who would go this far were almost impossible to find.