Lily checked her phone and discovered she'd deleted Nathaniel's contact information, relying on Olivia for help. Olivia, a long-time employee, instantly understood. She found Nathaniel's number and called him.
Nathaniel answered promptly, saying lazily, "What's wrong, Olivia? Regretting it and wanting to come back?"
Olivia was silent. Was he joking?
Lily took the phone and said bluntly, "Nate."
"Lily?" Surprised, Nathaniel brightened. "What's up?"
He checked the caller ID—it was Olivia's number. They were together.
"Your girlfriend's in the hospital, OB-GYN department. Nate, pay her surgery deposit!" Lily barked, giving the address before hanging up. Olivia, stunned, gave Lily a thumbs-up.
Nathaniel, ignoring the past, focused on Lily's words: surgery? Who? Regardless, her call meant a chance.
He could move independently, albeit with a wheelchair. Leaving the hospital required an assistant, which was inconvenient.
Only after the call did Lily remember his car accident and hospitalization. Regardless, it was their problem; Melanie's hospitalization was a humanitarian matter.
She started to leave, but Olivia's phone rang—a money transfer notification. Nathaniel had sent $3,000 with the message, "No matter who it is, pay the surgery fee first. I'll be there soon."
Lily and Olivia exchanged a silent look. "No matter who?" How many other women did he have?
"Lily, what should I do?" Olivia asked, speechless.
Lily, initially planning to leave, reconsidered after receiving the money.
"Well, good for him. At least he paid," she mused, deciding to stay. She wanted to confront him, to learn their secrets.
Soon, the deposit was paid, and Nathaniel arrived, still wheelchair-bound and looking miserable. He'd considered sprucing up, but decided a slightly pitiful appearance might evoke Lily's sympathy. He remembered her fussing over him during even minor illnesses.
Even from a distance, he saw Lily and felt a pang of unfamiliarity. Their reunion wasn't as he'd imagined. She'd always been plain—minimal makeup, hair in a ponytail, simple clothes. Now, she wore a beige sweater, well-cut trousers, a black trench coat, and her hair was loose and subtly curled. The simple outfit looked elegant.