hospital and their workplace.

Given his recent observations, Hailey’s condition had stabilized, and her vital signs were strong. However, the ill woman hadn’t woken up, leaving the doctors puzzled.

Patrick suggested that she appeared reluctant to wake up, as if something significant was troubling her. Upon hearing this, Yarrick resolved to maintain regular conversations with her, offering his long-term companionship.

“I’ve scoured the area around the company, and the most affordable option that’s still conveniently located is Yarrow Heights Residence. Unfortunately, it’s an older and run-down complex.”

“Oh? Yarrow Heights Residence?” Hearing that, Yarrick’s interest was piqued.

“Yeah. Look it up if you don’t believe me.”

“Alright, I’ll check it out.” Yarrick launched his rental app and quickly discovered listings for Yarrow Heights Residence, featuring both full units and shared-room alternatives.

“This place looks quite nice. How about the two of us share a master bedroom? We could ask the agent to arrange for two single beds.”

Yarrick quickly realized that the place wasn’t far from the hospital. It would be pretty convenient if he wanted to visit Hailey.

“That’s not bad. It’s also fairly close to the company,” Michael agreed. With their jobs secured and graduation approaching, it was wise to quickly find a place to live.

“How about we go check it out now?”

Yarrick quickly agreed, and they left the campus to catch a bus to Yarrow Heights Residence. On the way, they called the rental agent to set up a viewing.

The apartment search went well. They viewed two units and quickly chose a master bedroom they liked. Soon after, they signed the lease at the rental agency. The agency would replace the double bed with two single beds. By tomorrow, they could move in.

“Michael, I still need to visit a friend at the hospital. Why don’t you head back to campus first?”

“Yarrick, I’ve noticed you’ve been going out a lot lately, and you always seem to carry a faint hospital scent. Did you get a job as a caregiver?”

“Come on! Your imagination is running wild. We’re starting work at the company the day after tomorrow. Why would I work as a caregiver?”

“How about I accompany you to the hospital? Who’s this friend of yours? Is it someone worth going there every day?”

“Oh, it’s a family member of mine. You understand how family can be… I’ve got to help out with this.”

Yarrick definitely wouldn’t reveal the truth to Michael. He couldn’t exactly say that he was married and that his wife was on the brink of death; he just made up a random excuse.

“Alright then. I’ll head back to campus now. We’ll move tomorrow morning.”

“Sure.” Yarrick nodded, and soon, he and Michael went their separate ways.

After leaving Yarrow Heights Residence, Yarrick hopped on a bus and headed straight to the hospital. By the time he arrived, it was already 1:30 pm. He would have arrived sooner, but he had to wait for the rental agent.

“Hailey, I went to rent an apartment today. The name of the complex is interesting. It’s Yarrow Heights Residence. Don’t you think this means we’re truly meant to be together? It has a ‘Yarr’ from my name and ‘How’ from yours.”

As he spoke, Yarrick tenderly brushed his fingertips across Hailey’s face. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her temperature noticeably rose.

“Honey, can I call you ‘Hayley’? Or maybe ‘Hailey’?” Yarrick leaned against the headboard, playfully teasing Hailey. Her hand twitched before she gradually tightened her grip on his hand.

Just as Yarrick was about to gently stroke her neck, there was a knock on the door of the ward. A young nurse entered, followed by a woman. The woman seemed to be in her early thirties. She looked… familiar.

“Yarrick, your wife’s friend is here to visit. You can chat with her. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” Yarrick nodded, then turned his attention to the unfamiliar woman. He gently held Hailey’s hand, not releasing it despite the new presence in the room.

“Are you already married?” The woman scrutinized Yarrick before her gaze shifted to Hailey, while a silent apology flickered in her eyes.

“Yes. I’m a very good friend of hers.” The woman nodded, her voice low with a hint of something unreadable behind her words.

He felt that the woman didn’t believe they were married, so he took their marriage certificate from his backpack. “Here, take a look.”

“Oh, you’re really already married. Alright, that…” The woman trailed off, looking at Hailey with a complicated expression. Yarrick wondered what relevance their marital status had to her and what exactly she was surprised about. “Um, may I ask you…”

“My name is Celeste Parker,” the woman offered.

“Uh, Celeste…” Yarrick nodded, knowing her name didn’t clarify anything. He still had no idea what kind of relationship she had with Hailey.

“What is it, honey? Do you want to say something to Celeste?” Yarrick asked gently, glancing back at Celeste.

It was strange. Yarrick felt that there was some searching undercurrent between Celeste and Hailey. It was probably a favor, a guilt, or something else. He couldn’t quite figure it out, no matter how much he thought about it.

“I… I really have to go,” Celeste hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer to the bed and leaned down to speak softly to Hailey.

She continued, “Really, Hailey… Please forgive me for what I did in the past. Now that you’re married, I hope you’ll recover soon. I came by today after hearing about your marriage as I simply wanted to see…”

Yarrick immediately noticed that Hailey’s eyelids were fluttering as if she were trying hard to open her eyes. Her delicate hand, firmly clasping Yarrick’s, tightened its grip even more.

Celeste approached the room’s door, pausing to cast one last look at Hailey. With a subtle nod toward Yarrick, she quietly opened the door and stepped outside.

From what Celeste had said earlier, Yarrick surmised that she must have done something in the past that hurt Hailey. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have asked for Hailey’s forgiveness.

Noticing Hailey’s eyelids fluttering incessantly, Yarrick realized she was struggling to wake up. He leaned forward and whispered to her, “Sweetheart, don’t worry. Once you wake up, I’ll handle everything.”

“Honey, I think she looks quite pretty, but she’s nothing compared to how beautiful you are. She seems like she has a decent temperament. Did she ever do something to hurt you in the past? Don’t worry. From what I can tell, she doesn’t seem like a bad person.”

Yarrick sensed something was off, but he couldn’t quite pinpoint what had happened between them. However, he was convinced that there lingered an unresolved issue between the two women.

“Hailey, I feel like you’re also trying to wake up. I’m happy.” Yarrick gently stroked Hailey’s face, his hand softly trailing down to her neck.

After a short while, Hailey’s eyelids stopped fluttering. It seemed Yarrick’s soothing words had worked.

Time passed slowly, and soon, it was 6:00 pm.

“Sweetheart, I’m heading back to campus now. Tomorrow morning, we might move into our new place. Don’t miss me too much.” Yarrick gently brushed his fingers over Hailey’s forehead, reluctantly letting go of her hand.