Love Me, Or Reject Me

Chapter 10 Sorry To Make You Misunderstand

Freya's POVI clutched my phone tightly, a bitter smile slowly forming on my face.Whenever I needed Kingsley the most, he was always absent.Alone in the quiet waiting room, I sat for what felt like an eternity, until the emergency room light switched off, the door swung open, and the doctor emerged."Although your mother was successfully revived this time, her overall bodily functions are significantly deteriorating, which is concerning. You should prepare yourself," the doctor stated in a detached tone.I expressed my gratitude to the doctor, dismissed him, and requested assistance from the caregiver in fetching a basin of hot water.Wringing out the towel, I perched on the edge of the bed and gently wiped my mother's body.Six years had passed since the accident, and for six years, my mother had remained in this stagnant condition on her hospital bed.Her muscles had nearly wasted away, her body frail and withered, dependent solely on nourishment to sustain her life each day. Despite this, her condition continued to worsen relentlessly.Perhaps, one day, I would awaken to find her forever lost.As far back as I could recall, my mother had not been particularly nurturing during my childhood. She was a strict disciplinarian, treating me as a meticulous project rather than a beloved child, with maternal love serving as a mere byproduct of this process.However, a child's attachment to their mother appeared to be inherent. Even that small measure of harsh maternal love was something I couldn't relinquish. Even if my mother remained in this state for the rest of her life, I yearned for my mother to stay by my side in this world, alleviating my profound loneliness.Fortunately, she was still among the living.Gently, I wiped the anterior part of her form, and by the time I finished, perspiration had already drenched my body.Beneath, within the hospital's confines, a communal bathhouse catered specifically to escorts, and the nurse graciously offered me a change of attire.I collected my personal care items and made my way to the designated public restroom as directed by the nurse.Emerging from the shower, I felt remarkably rejuvenated, and the throbbing in my head had subsided.Given the lateness of the hour, I chose not to hasten my return to the ward, opting instead to ascend to the terrace on the second floor to bask in the gentle breeze.Click.Suddenly, the surroundings illuminated for a brief moment.In that instant, a delightful aroma wafted towards me.Raising my eyes, I noticed a young gentleman standing just a few meters away, gazing at me fleetingly and responding with a coy smile, with a phone raised toward me in his hand.Time seemed to freeze, and I soon realized something.My face darkened. I purse my lips, rise from my spot, and approach that man. Then I swiftly took hold of his phone and, with a cold tone, remarked, "Didn't anyone inform you that photographing strangers violates their portrait rights? What's the password?"Momentarily stunned, that man proceeded to disclose a series of numbers.However, after unlocking the screen, I discovered only one recent photo—a nighttime scene from downstairs—and no picture of myself.I felt so embarrassed, revealing regret for m impulsive actions.Taking the initiative to break the silence, that man apologized first, "I'm sorry, I merely found the view downstairs beautiful. Sorry to make you misunderstand.""It's actually me who should apologize. I tend to be overly sensitive. I'm sincerely sorry," I responded awkwardly, my cheeks slightly flushed.The man smiled and added, "Nevertheless, you truly are beautiful. At one point, I considered discreetly capturing an image of you with my camera."I had to admit that my mood visibly improved at his words.As I intended to say something, my phone suddenly rang.After ending the call, I quickly said to him, "Thank you," before promptly departing.I dashed back to the ward, gasping for breath. The doctor was examining my mother, and I stood by her side, my breath held, afraid to miss even the slightest movement.While conducting the examination, the doctor turned to the nurse and inquired, "Did you really see the patient's fingers move?"The nurse nodded hastily, replying, "Yes, just now when the nurse came to change the medication, I noticed her fingers moving a few times."The doctor remained silent, resuming the examination.I anxiously awaited the doctor's completion, and once finished, I hurriedly asked, "Doctor, is my mother about to wake up?"The doctor, however, shook his head and replied, "We cannot be certain yet. Merely moving her fingers once does not signify much. We must continue to observe. If the patient experiences more frequent finger movements or if you clearly observe nods or shakes of the head, it could be a sign of awakening."Hearing what the doctor said, I knew that my hope crushed again. I softly inquired, "So, it's just a coincidence then?"The doctor reassured me, saying, "Not necessarily. It's a positive sign, but drawing conclusions from a single instance is premature. After all, she has been in slumber for an extended period. We need to observe more closely and promptly inform us of any further developments."I nodded in acknowledgment, saying, "Thank you."When I arrived at the apartment at midnight, Novia was still awake, engrossed in a variety show called "The Best Actress.""You're back," she remarked.I released a tired sigh and settled onto the plush sofa, finding a moment of respite from the day's tension."Why do you have that look? How is your mother?" Novia inquired."She's okay, for now," I responded wearily. "But I missed the chance to get rejected."Novia popped a cherry into her mouth. "Well, you can meet him some other time," she said optimistically.I was not as hopeful as she is. Judging from Kingsley's phone call this afternoon, he probably believed I purposely stood him up and saw it as yet another ploy stemming from me. With this failed attempt, it would be challenging to arrange another time."Wow, seriously? 'The Best Actress' is going to invite Tracy?" Novia exclaimed, her face contorted with disgust as she read the news. "The production team must be out of their minds. Despite her involvement in a major scandal, she dares to generate hype. Doesn't the internet have a memory?""The Best Actress" was a highly popular variety show these days, largely due to its enormous viewership. In recent years, it had become a platform for drama groups to amass publicity.Unfazed, Novia stated, "It must be a rumor. Let me find out who leaked it."At that moment, I, who had never taken an interest in such shows, unexpectedly interjected, "It's probably true."Novia turned to me in surprise. "How do you know?"I gazed at her and replied, "The program's official staff privately messaged me a few days ago, asking if I wanted to participate.""They invited you?" Novia exclaimed.I nodded. "But I haven't responded yet.""Why haven't you replied? Just say yes! What's there to hesitate about?" she urged.I pursed my lips, contemplating my answer.Novia was taken aback. "You're afraid of being on stage with Tracy, aren't you?"I protested, "I'm not afraid. I simply have a slight aversion to being in contact with her.""It's natural to feel uncomfortable, but consider this: if you attend, your radiance will overshadow her completely! Isn't that incredibly cool? Moreover, the show is highly popular, and there's a chance that a director might spot you and offer you a prominent leading role, and then you will become a sensation."I chuckled and replied, "It's not as straightforward as you make it sound.""Regardless, I have faith in you, so just agree quickly!" she urged.I sighed, "I'll contemplate it. The recording isn't until next month, so I have time.""Oh, by the way, that necklace of yours... Did you allow me to showcase it on the internet? Several people have already inquired about it," she informed me.I was taken aback, "Many people?""Well... Not many are actually interested in purchasing it, but a few internet users within the community want to rent your necklace for photo shoots," she explained.I waved my hand dismissively, "I only sell it. I don't rent it out.""I informed them and sifted through the requests. Eventually, I found someone genuinely interested in buying it. She messaged me privately for three consecutive days, asking for numerous details about the piece. Finally, she inquired if she could inspect it in person and negotiate the price face-to-face. I thought I should bring it up with you first.""Do you know anything about this person?" I asked.Novia pondered for a moment and replied, "Well. The meeting place she suggested for the inspection is a second-hand luxury store. It's where some up-and-coming starlets, who don't have brand sponsorships, often purchase second-hand accessories or dresses for events, so I guessed that she might be a starlet."I nodded, "I'll go and have a look tomorrow."Author's note: Search it on Amazon or Google Play and read all chapters.