It was evening as a black Maybach stopped outside the hotel where Wanda Simpson—John's mother—was celebrating her birthday.It was also going to be the day John would introduce everyone to Tina.While Tina felt a little uncomfortable, she did not hate the idea.Henry had kept her as a secret mistress in those five years she spent with him, and he never cared to acknowledge her.In contrast to a relationship where both sides were not equals, John showed her how a healthy relationship worked—to stand under the spotlight instead of being hidden like it was something unsavory.That was why she did not refuse John's suggestion to introduce her to everyone, from his friends to his family and partners, on his mother's birthday.She decided that she would be with John and therefore took the relationship seriously, striving with John to gain approval from the rest of the Levines."Don't worry—my mother has already approved of us," John assured her then.He could not defend Tina before,
Nonetheless, Henry said coolly, "Saving Tina and Mama Orange is only right. I'll say it one last time—don't go looking for Tina."It had never crossed his mind to tie Tina down or make her do anything she was reluctant to do, even if he did save her life.Although Andy was convinced that Henry would not be that gloomy if he had Tina's company, Henry shot him a cold glare. His stance was clear—Andy must never go to Tina."Yes, Mr. Barnes," Andy replied, putting the subject to rest and not daring to go against Henry's orders. He then brought a stack of documents, saying, "Here's the portion for the day."Henry had to clear everything, and he did so lying down in bed, after which he had a teleconference lasting over an hour.While Andy headed back to the office afterward, Henry reclined against his bed and picked up the tablet, doing what he did every day—watching Tina.-Over a month ago, Helen Moore wore the jewelry Tina designed at her birthday gala.As a fashion icon, she su
The surgery lasted over eighteen hours, and Henry kept his left leg for the time being after all the burned tissue was removed.But to avoid an infection, that included most of his thigh muscles, cleared down to bone, leaving his once strong, muscular leg limp and grotesque.On top of that, it was the more conservative treatment, and he chose it despite knowing that there was merely a fractional chance of saving his leg.He would have to endure months of pain—more than what the average person could take—and still face the possibility of an amputation.Even so, he chose to try.Because what he feared was not pain, but losing the right to deserve Tina or claim he loved her.-Even a month later, it was still a torture for Henry whenever the doctor came to his ward to disinfect his leg and change his bandages.With the amount of tissue that was surgically removed, that was necessary to prevent infection that could hamper the regrowth of new tissue.As it had always been in the pa
At the ward, Mrs. Smith watched as John and Tina entered, holding hands.She fought back her emotions that Henry left flaring, focusing instead on John. "How are you doing? Are you alright?""I'm fine." John smiled. "It's just some minor burns, and it won't be a bother. How about you?""I'm fine."Seeing that they were all unscathed, John told his assistant to get all three of them discharged.After being informed that they had woken up, the cops came to get their statements and told them about their investigation.The fire had been put out because the firefighters were summoned in time, and it did not spread to the neighboring units.They then informed them that it was Linda who had started the fire.Tina had a feeling that it was arson, since she had smelled gasoline last night, but was surprised that Linda had managed to get out of prison to cause further trouble.She scowled at the thought of the close brush with death last night—Linda was really a walking time bomb."Hav
At that very moment, Tina could not hold back her tears and hid in the kitchen to cry.Sophie had come looking for her, and seeing Tina's tears, Sophie asked, "Mommy, why are you crying?""I hurt my finger," Tina lied, not wanting to ruin Sophie's impression of Henry.Sophie thought it was the truth and quickly took her hand. "It's okay, Mommy. I'll blow on it, and it won't hurt anymore."It was the way she and Sophie cared for each other, and Tina was now doing it to John.The nurse panicked as she came to her senses. "I'm sorry, Mr. Levine! Did I hurt you?"She was already on her toes as she was in the presence of bigwigs, since mishandling this would make them angry."It's alright. It's not your fault, " John told the nurse without looking at her, his gaze at once loving as he watched Tina.Seeing that she appeared pained because he was hurt, he felt a sweet sensation inside—as if the pain on his arm did not matter.All he could think about was the joy he felt amid the pain
"Mr. Barnes, I'm afraid most of the tissue in your leg is damaged extensively. Amputation might even be necessary."Even as the doctor explained, he had no idea how Henry had managed to get out of bed with how badly his leg was burned, when it was virtually impossible to keep it.Andy's face dropped in shock, and he bellowed at once, "Do you even know what you're saying?! It doesn't matter what you do—you have to save his leg!"He could not even begin to imagine how Henry would feel or endure after being fawned over since he was a child!"We will do our best," the doctor said, though he was not feeling confident at all.He had taken Henry's case and referred it to specialists nationwide on a video conference, but that was still everyone's conclusion.Henry knew that full well, as no doctor would take his treatment lightly.His gaze turned gloomy even as he looked downward at his own leg—amputation meant he would become a cripple.After hurting Tina so much in the past, he did n
Henry's eyes widened, his pupils dilating as he stared at the white hair on Tina's head in disbelief, his lips trembling as he murmured, "Your hair…"Tina pushed him right then, catching him off surprise.Henry could not stand on his left leg in the first place, and he stumbled backward before crashing on his own bed.Tina was touching her hair without knowing it as she kept quiet and turned to leave."Tina!" Henry rushed up, intent on getting the truth."Henry Barnes!"That was when Mrs. Smith snapped before he could catch up, and he turned. "Mama Orange.""Mom." Tina stopped too and was going to Mrs. Smith when she shook her head, gesturing with her chin for Tina to leave. "I'm fine."Seeing that, Tina nodded. "I'll check on John. He saved us, but I'm worried.""Go on," Mrs. Smith said, while reaching out to hold Henry by the wrist.Henry was still too shocked and wanted to question Tina, but he did not dare to shake Mrs. Smith away and turned to level a pleading look at
"Tina!"Seeing Tina standing there unscathed, Henry's eyes were red as he strode up and wrapped his arms tightly around her, excited as he had almost lost her.He rested his chin on her head, his pounding heart finally at ease.Thank goodness his Tina was alright!He moved too quickly for Tina to avoid him. Her expression turned cool as soon as he touched her, and she pushed against his chest in distaste. "Let go of me!"However, his arms were vines that clung tightly to her to feel her warmth. "Just let me hold you, okay?" he pleaded, refusing to let go.Just remembering her lying in the middle of the fire barely breathing left him feeling traumatized.He did not dare to think that he would have lost Tina and Mrs. Smith if he had not gone there…He clung so tightly he wanted her to be inside her, and only then that he would feel a sense of reality."What's gotten into you this time?! I told you to let go of me!"However, Tina refused to play along and remained completely u
Fortunately, Henry avoided the falling cupboard with the momentum from pushing Tina, so that he was not hit in the head.Still, it caught his leg and pinned him under it, leaving him sweating in pain.The flames around him were leaving him in scalding agony, but he was relieved to see John carry Tina outside amid the flames.He was already drained, but he could only think of how he never made things right for Tina and Mrs. Smith.He managed to free his leg eventually but could not move the cupboard blocking the doorway.His breathing turned labored, and he lay exhausted on the floor, unable to muster his strength even as the fire started to lick him all over.That was when the firefighters charged in and put out the fire, rescued Henry, and rushed him to the hospital.-"Tina! Mama Orange!"At the hospital, Henry cried out in panic as he sat up in pain, awoken by the agony of his burns."Mr. Barnes!"Hearing him, Andy turned and rushed to his side to stop him, but Henry spok