Chapter 221: Allison stepped out of the room, her gaze drifting toward the hospital entrance where Floyd was already waiting.


    Allison, didnt I tell you everything would turn out fine? Floyd greeted her with a soft, reassuring smile.


    Ive just looked over Kens test results.


    The bleeding has stopped, and fortunately, theres no serious damage.


    The tension in Allison eased.


    Thats a relief.


    But Floyd, ever the keen observer, caught it immediately.


    A slight curve at the corners of her lipssubtle, but unmistakable.


    There was an ease in her demeanor that hadnt been there when she entered the room.


    Something in her had shifted.


    It looked like her chat with Ken went really well.


    His brow lifted in curiosity.


    Allison, are you… fond of Ken? Her reflex was swift, her brow knitting slightly as she shot back, Of course not.


    Were just friends.


    Was she really so sure? Once upon a time, their connection had been an afterthoughtan impulsive night neither had expected to linger beyond the morning.


    But the more she crossed paths with him, the more she found herself drawn to the natural rhythm of their interaction.


    Still, Ken had made it clear on more than one asion that friendship was all they shared.


    She wasnt one to assume that just because a man was close to her, he must have romantic intentions.


    That wasnt how life worked.


    Is that so? Youve changed, Allison.


    You used to be like a fortressalways bracing yourself or shutting people out.


    But around Ken, youre… different.


    Youugh.


    You let your guard down.


    You dont hide behind that iron wall.


    Floyds words stung with their truth.


    He knew her better than most, maybe even better than she knew herself sometimes! His eyes, sharp as a hawks, missed nothing.


    He could read her the way a skilled musician reads sheet musicevery flicker of emotion, every unspoken thought betrayed in the subtle shifts of her expression.


    She hesitated, weighing her response carefully before saying, People change.


    Maybe Im just tired of carrying around all the weight Ive been dragging for the past three years.


    Ken… well, hes easy to mess with.


    Hes like one of those rare findsthe kind of guy who shouldnt still be single but somehow is.


    Its fun to get under his skin.


    Floyd smirked, though it didnt reach his eyes.


    As long as youre being honest with yourself.


    As they chatted, a twinge of dejection gnawed at Floyd.


    After all, he had once pursued Allison, only to face the bitter sting of rejection.


    Their rtionship hung in some awkwardness, yet Allison seemed blissfully unbothered.


    Time and again, she had turned him down, each rejection ringing clear and sincere.


    It dawned on him that Allison had always viewed him strictly as a friend, which was likely why she felt so at ease confiding in him about her troubles.


    That realization only deepened the wound of rejection.


    Before he could muster a reply, Reba came barreling over from across the room, wrapping her arms around Allison in a whirlwind of emotion.


    Allison, my darling! You have no idea how terrified I was when I saw the livestream! Rebas voice quivered as she embraced her tightly, her hands shaking.


    I was on a business trip abroad, but the moment I caught wind of what happened, I hopped on the next flight back! Thank the stars youre okay! I would never have forgiven myself if anything had happened to you.


    Its all my fault for burying myself in work and not being here for you! Allison gently patted Rebas head, her smile warm and reassuring.


    This has nothing to do with you.


    No one couldve predicted that lunatic.


    But look at me Im right here, safe and sound.


    She met Rebas gaze, adding, You must be wiped out from your trip.


    You should get some rest.


    Not a chance! Reba countered, her eyes sparkling.


    Knowing youre okay is all the energy I need! With a yful tug on Allisons arm, Reba continued, And remember when you mentioned wanting to try extreme sports? A few events got canceled, so I signed you up for short-track speed skating.


    The prize money for this one is massive! Reba had a knack for making decisions at lightning speed, and she never forgot what Allison said.


    My darling, thepetition kicks off in about a month.


    Want me to fill you in on the other contestants? Allison chuckled, Im not too concerned about them, but Reba, I appreciate it.


    With a mock eye-roll, Reba replied, No more thank yous! Were best friends, right? As they bantered, Ferdinand arrived at the hospital, casting a teasing nce at Reba.


    Miss Green, why have I never seen that charming side of you directed at me? Reba smirked, unfazed.


    Im sincere with sincere people.


    But with sly foxes like you, Ive got to y the game just like you do.


    Allison exchanged a knowing nce with Floyd, both sensing an electric undercurrent between the two.


    To lighten the mood, Allison beamed and said, Reba and I are off now.


    You two take care.


    Once in the car, Allison asked, I thought you and Ferdinand were getting along just fine.


    What was with all that tension back there? Reba shrugged, nonchnt.


    Oh, that? Well, my dads been pushing me to marry into the kely family.


    He even set me up on a blind date with Ferdinand.


    Turns out, hes against marriage.


    Funny enough, so am I! Allison chuckled, the memory lingering.


    She raised an eyebrow, skeptical.


    You better mean it this time! After all, Reba had her quirks.


    Sometimes, she was all about ying the field, but other times, shed wax poetic about loves true meaning.


    asionally, she was even ready to don a wedding gown.


    Reba clicked her tongue, indignantly.


    Of course I mean it! I always mean what I say! .


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