Carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders for so many years, Ste finally let it all crash down on Ronald.


    It had been too long. No one knew how she had managed these years, especially after leaving Ferrond, with the uncertain return looming over her.


    She didn''t know when she could be back by his side, uncertain of how much influence the Schultz family still had over him. That indescribable worry and longing tormented her every moment. "You have to take responsibility..."


    Tears streamed down Ste''s face, her grievances flooding out like a dam had been broken.


    Ronald gently patted her back. "Alright, I''ll take responsibility. Don''t cry, okay?"


    Ste sniffed, "You were supposed to anyway."


    Her tears smeared on Ronald''s shirt, leaving it damp.


    He chuckled. "You messy little thing."


    "Well, still yours." Ste retorted, not missing a beat.


    Ronald pinched her cheek, but before he could say anything else, Idris''s call came through again. It seemed like Ronald had urgent business.


    He ended the call, not wanting to dy further. "It''s still dark out. You should get some sleep."


    Ste asked, "You''re going out?"


    He simply hummed in affirmation, kissed her forehead, and got up.


    Ste remembered the scarf, stained with her blood and some dried spots she knew weren''t hers.


    As Ronald turned to leave, she clutched at his shirt. "Is it dangerous?"


    She was well aware of the dealings of the Lugar family, and she knew the dangers Ronald faced on this path.


    Even if he was strong enough, still, she couldn''t help but fear for him, worry about him.


    Ronald turned to meet her worried gaze, and something in his heart softened.


    "Be at peace."


    With those words, he gently pulled his shirt from her grip, covered her with the nket, and left the room.


    Ronald was gone.


    Ste buried herself in the nkets, her heart still racing.


    Ronald had spoken of responsibility, but how would he fulfill it? Marry her?


    In her fantasies, she had imagined their wedding countless times, but never thought it possible.


    Would Ronald marry her? Could he?


    Her thoughts a whirlwind, Ste tossed and turned in bed until sleep finally imed her.


    Outside, snow nketed the world, while inside, it was warm and cozy.


    She slept till past ten in the morning, the phone''s vibration finally stirring her awake. ""Star! Star!"


    Susanna''s voice buzzed through the phone.


    Still groggy from sleep, Ste managed a mumbled response.


    Susanna teased, "You''re up sote, and you sound... thoroughly spent?"


    Ste jolted awake at the mention of being ''spent''.


    Indeed, she had been.


    Susanna excitedly said, "Got some thrilling news. Wanna hear?"


    Ste pondered for a moment. Could anything be more thrilling than her night with Ronald?


    But knowing Susanna, it had to be interesting.


    "What is it?"


    "Hold on, getting closer so you can hear for yourself."


    Ste was curious.


    Soon, Susanna''s footsteps faded, and through the phone came sobs and Cloudia''s


    soovel


    anger.


    "How could you let her discharge in her condition? Do you want her to die?" "Mrs. Larkin, we''re sorry, but we''ve done all we can for Ms. Larkin."


    Cloudia roared, "What do you mean you''ve


    he all y


    you can? I paid so


    for that team of


    Where are they now?"


    belongs to en.kikistorts.


    "They''ve all left!"


    The brief exchange between the doctor and Cloudia gave Ste glimpse of the situation - the hospital was forcing Urs


    "Told you it was thrilling, right?" Susanna''s voice returned.


    swn yel


    to leave.


    Ste replied, still processing the news, "Definitely thrilling. But what happened?"