Chapter 12 Latrina didn't know how much time had passed when she woke up because of her stomachache . It was only then that she realized it was already evening . She was surprised she'd slept so long . Fumbling to turn on the light , she found herself unable to stand . Her stomach ached violently . She'd been back from abroad for over a year , with few friends . The only ones she could truly confide in were Monique and Kelvin . Monique's call wasn't put through , so Latrina tried calling Kelvin . He was still on vacation , but luckily , he picked up . " Madam , what's wrong this time ? " Kelvin's voi came through . " Kelvin ... " She was sweating profusely , too weak to move . Kelvin , sensing something was wrong , pressed quickly , " Are you sick ? Where are you ? Can you move ? " Faced with the flurry of questions , Latrina could barely respond . " Come ... pick me up at my place ... um . Her vision blurred , consciousness fading . Less than ten minutes later , she heard banging at the door . The door crashed open . " Latrina ! " A familiar voice reached her ears . " What the hell ! " His tone was sharp , laced with reproach , and a hint of concern . Her frail body was lifted into his arms , and she caught that familiar , pleasant scent again . It was a faint whiff of sandalwood . When she woke up , she was lying in a private hospital room . " You're awake . " The voice was familiar . She turned her head slowly , meeting the face that made countless girls swoon . He was still in a suit , black shirt , black tie . He stood over her , gazing down , just as he had been that night . Latrina blamed herself , " Oh my goodness , stop thinking about that day ... " " Mr. Crowley , why are you here ? " Latrina felt her cheeks flush . " Kelvin's on leave . " Gerhart had his hands in his pockets . He didn't say anything else and just kept his eyes on her . " Thank you . " She let out a breath , thinking , " It's him again , lingering in my life . She thought , " Are we really connected ? Why can't I shake him off ? " " Still hurting ? " he asked . " No , it's better . " ' Does your salad taste good ? " Latrina was silent . He must have seen the uneaten salad in the kitchen and knew she only ate at dinner . " Where's your boyfriend ? " Gerhart fixed his gaze on her , as if searching her eyes for answers . " Died yesterday . Latrina didn't want his criticism . She was unlucky enough ; no need to make it worse . He pressed his lips together , nodding slowly . " Good news , though . " Just then , a doctor walked in . hell 1313 Wabil 5.5 % Menu < Chapter 12 " Gerhart , here's her stomach medication . Make sure she takes it on time . She can be discharged tomorrow if all goes well . And you , take better care of her ! " The fifty - something female doctor seemed close to him , like an acquaintance . " Got it , Aunt Carol . " Gerhart took the medicine . Aunt Carol ... Latrina became nervous , thinking , " Great , now there's going to be a misunderstanding ! " They chatted briefly at the door before " Aunt Carol " left . " Can I leave tonight ? " She wanted to escape . Gerhart set the medicine on the nightstand and sat beside her bed . " No . " Latrina's glance fell on the faint red mark on his left cheek . She fidgeted awkwardly , still thinking about the day she'd slapped him . He didn't seem the least bit awkward . His phone kept ringing , but he made no move to leave . Mr. Crowley , your order . " A young woman stepped in . Gerhart finally rose from the bed , that imposing frame shifting . The woman set up a tray over the bed and laid out the food . Latrina stared . There were three dishes and a soup , all from Tastebud Delights , looking as elegant as ever . " Eat Cer up . This is for you . " Gerhart unwrapped a set of cutlery and held out a fork . " Friend discount , 40 dollars - your idiot tax for starving yourself . Remember to transfer it . " Latrina looked at the fork , then at his large hand , almost model - worthy . She took it and started eating . This was her first meal since the night before . She thought , " Huh ? He's calling me an idiot . " Fine , for that deadbeat , I really shouldn't have starved myself . " " Any friends who can stay with you tonight ? " Gerhart asked . " Don't worry , I won't die . No need for anyone to stay . " " All right . I've got other matters . The lady at the door is my secretary , Cassie Dougherty . Ask her for anything , or message me . " Gerhart checked his watch , ready to leave , but paused , turning back . " Didn't your boyfriend just ' die ' ? Have you thought about the question I asked last time ? " Latrina nearly choked , a mouthful of food still in her mouth . ' Gerhart , be reasonable . I really don't want to get married now . " Latrina totally lost her appetite . Ever since Gerhart found out about Eduardo , he'd been haunting her . It felt like he'd come prepared , like this was all part of some plan . " Fine , I'll drop it " Gerhart's face stayed neutral as he walked out . Latrina watched his back , suddenly feeling her words had been too sharp . After all , he'd been the one to get her to the hospital . At Tilton Bar , Gerhart lifted his glass , sipping slowly . Beside him sat his cousin , Rayan Compton . " First time I've seen a girl turn you down . And she never even fawns over you . What a wild girl . No wonder you're into her . " ' Not sure if it's that . Gerhart looked quite unsettled . ' Come on , this isn't into her ? " Rayan tilted his head , glancing at him . " You bring her up every time we meet . And that hickey on your neck , has it faded yet ? " 13 5 < Chapter 12 Rayan chuckled and shook his head . Gerhart rubbed his forehead . Lately , he'd found himself thinking of Latrina far too often . Even in silence , just seeing her put him at ease . " Sorry , Mr. Crowley . " Latrina's apology popped up . " It's fine . " Gerhart glanced at it , replying at once . " Thank you , Mr. Crowley . " My pleasure ." " This is the dinner fee , 40 dollars . " Gerhart paused , took a sip of his drink , then refunded her transfer . " Your treat next time . " The typing indicator flickered on her end , but no message came . He frowned , a lazy flicker in his dark eyes . Rayan's right . If you didn't like her , would you have gone yourself ? Dialing 911 would've been simpler . ' Kenzo Merrill , sitting beside him , tapped his glass . Gerhart said nothing . Her bright , charming eyes appeared in his mind - clear and sparkling like a lake . 19 Menu The next day , Gerhart handled Latrina's discharge and sent her home . " You're moving ? " Gerhart glanced at the cluttered space , where there was barely room to step . " Yeah . " Her gaze fell on her own door , which had been removed . " This place isn't bad . Why move ? " He wandered around , spotting his familiar jacket draped over the sofa . " My ex - boyfriend ' died ' . I'm scared he'll come back as a ghost to haunt me . " Latrina had no idea how to get Gerhart to leave . He just picked a spot and sat down , showing no sign of budging . " You took the door off she asked . ' Yep . " Latrina rubbed her temples " A new door costs 500 dollars . A locksmith would've been 50 dollars . Did you get hit in the head by a door or something ? " Looking at the paltry amount of luggage , she felt restless . Moving wasn't that easy . Finding a decent place was even harder . I only knew you were moving . " Gerhart crossed his legs . When are you moving out ? " Maybe she'd grown immune to Eduardo's nonsense , but Gerhart's words made her queasy . " Before next Wednesday . " Eduardo was clingy . If she didn't move out , he would come to bother her even when he was engaged . The door's already off . Why not move tonight ? " " Move where ? " Latrina grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and tossed it to him . He caught it steadily . " To my place . "