With a blank expression and a businesslike tone, Dylan asked.
“It seems Ms. Lola isn’t reachable? That’s strange. She usually doesn’t turn off her phone.”
Nurse Sasha tilted her head in confusion, and another nurse standing nearby stood up and said.
“I saw Ms. Lola leaving earlier.”
“Do you know where she went?”
“I’m not sure…”
The nurse shook her head apologetically.
“Okay, thank you.”
At this late hour, where could she have gone alone?
Dylan’s eyes darkened as he left the station, reflecting his anxious heart. He sent another text to Lola as he exited the hospital.
“Lola, your phone isn’t working. If you see this message, please call me.”
******
Lola arrived at the hospital accommodation just as Dylan’s car was leaving the hospital building. As soon as she entered the accommodation, she took her phone out of her bag to check it. She found it strange that there were no incoming messages, only to discover that her phone had been turned off.
Quickly taking out the charger and plugging it in, the phone turned on shortly after, and the screen lit up. Then, a series of text notifications chimed in.
“I’ll be waiting on the bench. Let’s see each other for a moment.”
“Lola, your phone isn’t working. If you see this message, please call me.”
He had come.
The moment she read the texts, her heart raced. And a gentle spring breeze seemed to blow through her empty heart. A smile crept onto her face, which had been gloomy just moments ago.
Excited and happy, her fingers trembled slightly as she entered Dylan’s number.
After a short ring, when he answered the call, Lola’s heart raced once again.
“Dear.”
“Your phone wasn’t working. What happened?”
His voice came through, low and restrained, tinged with irritation.
Lola thought it might be a misunderstanding and calmly explained.
“I didn’t realize the battery was dead.”
“I heard you went out. Where did you go at this late hour?”
“I went to the prosecutor’s office to see you, but you weren’t there…”
Dylan interrupted her, his voice tightly controlled.
“Where are you now?”
For some reason, his voice sounded cold over the phone. This made Lola feel anxious, and her voice trembled.
“I’m at the… hospital.”
“Got it.”
With that brief response, the call ended.
Was it just her misunderstanding?
He seemed genuinely angry.
But why was he angry?
She hadn’t done anything wrong.
The gentle spring breeze that had been blowing through her heart had suddenly turned into a cold winter wind.
Her body felt cold, and her mood was heavy.
Thump, thump!
Her heart raced.
This time, the pounding was not excitement but anxiety.
However, exactly ten minutes later.
“I’m at the bench. Come out for a moment. I’ll be waiting.”
With that one message, Lola felt like she was on a rollercoaster, experiencing another emotional upheaval.
******
Under the streetlight, she saw him sitting on the bench.
She thought she wouldn’t see his face today.
How empty and bitter it would have been to return without meeting him.
But he had come.
Dylan Eve, that man had come.
She couldn’t hide her joy. She couldn’t suppress her fluttering feelings.
As Lola’s steps quickened toward the bench, at some point, she found herself clenching her fists and running.
“Dear. Dear…”
She missed him.
She knew she shouldn’t reveal her feelings so openly.
She understood how dangerous that could be, yet Lola couldn’t help herself.
Unable to hide her excited emotions, she called out to him with a voice full of longing.
“Dear, Dear…”
Seeing Lola running toward him as if she might fall, Dylan was taken aback and stood up. He faced her as she approached.
“Dear.”
As Lola reached him, she was breathless. Sweat beads formed on her fair forehead.
“Dear.”
Calling him once more, Lola wrapped her arms around his waist unexpectedly. Dylan stood frozen for a moment, taken aback by her sudden action.
“Did you say you went to the prosecutor’s office to see me?”
With hesitation, Dylan asked calmly as he gently embraced Lola. Lola nodded her head.
“Yes.”
“Did you have something to discuss with me?”
“I missed you, Dear.”
I missed you.
That one phrase struck deep in Dylan’s heart, leaving him feeling strange.
I was worried because your phone was off, but I’m glad nothing happened to you.
I missed you too.
However, contrary to those inner thoughts, Dylan spoke in a teasing tone.
“I wish you would contact me in advance next time.”
“Yes, Dear. I will.”
Lola answered while burying her face in his chest.
This man’s embrace is warm and comforting.
So leaning against him like this feels so reassuring and nice.
“I’ve seen your face, so that’s enough. Study well for your exam!”
“Yes, Dear.”
Only then did Lola lift her head, lower the hands that were wrapped around his waist, and step back a little. Then she took his outstretched hand and walked with him.
