Chapter 77

Isabella softly called out his name. "Samuel."

Her charming voice sparked warmth in Samuel's heart. He swallowed hard, his eyes darkening. Isabella was still struggling, but Samuel held her close, his voice raspy as he whispered, "Don't move."

In the next moment, Isabella dared not move; she sensed something. She remained still as Samuel embraced her tightly. Instinctively, Isabella swallowed and softly asked, "Are you... okay?" She immediately regretted the question; it seemed inappropriate.

Samuel didn't respond; he just held her tightly. After a while, Isabella thought he had fallen asleep. Unexpectedly, Samuel said, "You were with Jayden today, weren't you?"

Isabella froze, understanding his strange behavior. She took a deep breath and whispered, "I'm sorry. I should have told you. It won't happen again." She thought, After all, my relationship with Jayden is complicated. I should have been more considerate.

Before she could speak further, Samuel's lips grazed her earlobe, sending a shiver down her spine. His voice was soft yet commanding. "No next time."

His words chilled her, and Isabella quickly nodded. "There won't be. I promise."

Samuel's lips curved into a small smile as he gazed at her flushed cheeks. She's like a delicate peach blossom in spring, he thought, beautiful and irresistible. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, his voice soft with satisfaction. "Sleep now."

Isabella's heart raced as she lay down, his touch lingering on her skin like a brand, a warmth spreading like flickering flames. That night, she didn't know when she finally drifted off to sleep.

In the next few days, Isabella was swamped with work. She had three patients: Xavier, Sarah, and Jack. This time, all three were cooperative, especially Jack. After his last treatment, his condition had improved noticeably, making him more receptive and respectful.

At least I'll have a bit of a break, she thought.

But as she drove home, her phone rang unexpectedly. She glanced at the screen, surprised. "Celine?"

Celine was her high school deskmate. Their teacher had paired them due to similar grades, forging a close friendship. However, they'd drifted apart after attending different universities.

Celine's gentle voice filled the phone. "Hella, what have you been up to lately!"

Isabella smirked. "Oh, you know, just taking it easy. How about you?"

Celine replied, "Me? Oh, same as always. Are you busy now? We haven't caught up in forever, I miss you."

Isabella thought, It really has been quite a while. Their last meeting was probably a year ago. Isabella had been busy and hadn't had much time for friends. Celine, always difficult to track down, had juggled several jobs since high school.

Isabella realized she'd finished her work. She smiled. "Sure, the usual place?"

Celine's face lit up. "Great! See you soon!"

After making plans, Isabella drove to their meeting spot. The night market was brightly lit and bustling. After some effort, she found parking and headed toward a narrow alley at the market's heart. At the alley's end stood a busy BBQ stall. Despite its hidden location, a crowd waited outside.

Isabella found a seat and opened the menu. A girl entered, wearing a gray tracksuit, her long hair in a high ponytail. Her lightly made-up face radiated energy. Isabella waved, and Celine approached with a smile. "You actually beat me here!"

Celine placed her bag on the chair and sat down. Isabella smiled gently. "I live nearby, so it wasn't far. Pick something you want to eat; it's on me." She handed Celine the menu.

Celine smiled warmly. "Then I won't hold back." Isabella usually paid when they ate together; Celine didn't have much money, and Isabella wanted to help.

Isabella's gaze fell on Celine's hands—worn and likely irritated from hours in water. Isabella furrowed her brow, feeling sympathy. Taking a sip of her barley tea, she asked, "Celine, what have you been up to lately?"

Without looking up, Celine casually replied, "Oh, just the usual. Washing dishes at the restaurant after work, doing some food deliveries…"

Her nonchalant tone only increased Isabella's sympathy. Isabella took out a jar of homemade salve and placed it before Celine. "This is for your hands. Try it; it should work well."

Celine's hands needed treatment, Isabella thought. Otherwise, the infection will worsen. She knew Celine wouldn't want to spend money on it. Isabella had tried to help financially before, but Celine refused further assistance, insisting she couldn't keep owing Isabella. Celine's family was poor, and her mother's health prevented her from working, leaving Celine responsible for all expenses.

Celine sniffed the salve. "Hmm, it smells really herbal." She didn't mind; Isabella's remedies always worked remarkably.

Isabella chuckled. "It's medicine, not perfume."

Celine playfully stuck out her tongue. "Thanks, Bella."

They ordered barbecue and reminisced about school. Resting her chin on her hands, Celine smiled. "Bella, do you remember that chubby kid from our high school class?"