?<strong>Chapter 827:</strong>


    “Is there something else?” she asked.


    This time, Michael faltered, a moment of hesitation settling between them. He wasn’t sure why he hade. Was it really just out of concern for her health, or was there something more?


    It seemed they weren’t even at that stage yet, not by a long shot.


    “No, nothing else. Get some rest.”


    Dulce lowered her gaze, coughing softly before responding, “Okay.”


    Michael turned and walked away.


    His figure gradually faded down the corridor, and just watching him leave made Dulce’s head throb once more.


    She had been drawn to Michael by his looks, but it was his character that had kept her close.


    But after all her efforts to win his heart, Dulce realized she couldn’t erase Lacey’s ce in Michael’s life.


    Back in her room, Dulce noticed two coats on the sofa, one belonging to Michael, the other to Johnny.


    When she reached out to Johnny to return the coat, she learned that Michael had flown back to Illerith that very night.


    Johnny asked, “Dulce, may I ask how long you and Michael have known each other?”


    Dulce didn’t deny it, answering honestly to prevent any misunderstandings. “I tried to win his heart before.”


    Did that mean she was ready to give up?


    Johnny, who had developed feelings for her, had worked with Michael for many years and had witnessed firsthand the sorrow Michael carried after his wife’s passing.


    Now that Michael was considering moving on, Johnny was prepared to step back for them.


    “Why? Do you not like him anymore?” Johnny asked.


    Dulce shrugged, her heart heavy. “He doesn’t like me.”


    “How could that be?” Johnny mumbled to himself, his tone hopeful, trying to lift Dulce’s spirits. “He is a good man. Even if he doesn’t feel the same now, spending more time together might change that. From what I know, if he truly had no interest in you, he wouldn’t have taken care of you like that.” Johnny held up the two coats, his expression sincere.


    Dulce asked skeptically, “But he said he wouldn’t date me.”


    Johnny smiled, his expression hopeful. “At least he’s considering dating someone now, right? Before, he wouldn’t have even given it a thought. You’re the reason he’s starting to reconsider.”


    “Really?” Dulce’s spirits lifted, and even the lingering effects of her illness seemed to fade.


    Johnny nodded firmly, his eyes encouraging. “Don’t give up. Keep pushing forward!”


    “Alright!”


    The first thing Dulce did when she returned was to focus entirely on her recovery.


    Once she was fully healed, she called Fannie to share her n to win Michael’s heart.


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