Semua Bab Sending Him to Her Rescue: Bab 1 - Bab 8

"Please… Call my boyfriend… Please..."Averie Lancaster lay crumpled outside the bar, her cheeks flushed. Her voice was barely a whisper, teetering on the edge of consciousness. Her words were simple, yet they sent a chill down my spine. At that moment, I realized I'd come back to life. Without a second glance, I turned from her outstretched hand and hurried away from the bar. In my past life, a single moment of sympathy had cost me everything. I wouldn't make that mistake again—not this time.I'd barely taken a few steps when Averie lurched to her feet and reached for me. Caught off guard, I lost my balance and hit the ground hard.A sharp jolt of pain tore through me, knocking the breath from my lungs. I didn't even notice her phone ringing until Rafael's voice came through, sharp and frantic."Avie, why aren't you answering? Do you have any idea how worried I've been?"Her voice turned sweet and soft, barely above a whisper, as she said, "Rafe… I don't feel good. Someone dr

Rafael and Averie pulled their hands apart the second they saw me.Averie gave me a sweet, almost nervous smile before explaining, "Eleanor, please don't be mad. I didn't mean to wear your clothes. Mine got ruined yesterday, and I had nothing else to wear. Rafe told me I could just grab something from your closet."Rafael always marked special occasions with gifts—exclusive pieces, limited editions, things specially chosen because he knew I hated anything ordinary. Now, the things he swore were just for me were on someone else.Seeing that I didn't respond, Rafael's expression darkened. "It's just a dress. Why the attitude? You've got plenty of clothes. What's the big deal if Avie borrows a few?"I didn't react, just nodding before replying calmly, "Sure."His eyes narrowed, irritation flickering behind them. "Cut the act, Eleanor. Do you think acting like you don't care will make me come running?"I met his gaze, my voice calm but sharp. "Maybe I just don't care anymore. Has tha

Voices scrambled through the line, wearing down my patience. Before I could hang up, Rafael's voice broke through, raw and desperate."Eleanor," he said, choking. "Avie's been in a car crash. She's at the hospital. They need me to sign for her surgery. I'll do it and come straight to you, I swear. Please, don't leave..."I glanced at the time and said, matter-of-factly, "You don't have to. I'm checking in soon. Averie needs you more, doesn't she?"Through the phone, his voice cracked, barely holding back tears. "No... I swear, I'll be quick this time! I only need to sign the papers, and I'll come straight to you. Don't get on the plane. Please, give me a chance. I'm begging you!"He always made promises, but he never kept his word.In my past life, I'd been stuck at a client's dinner, forced to drink more than I could handle. Scared, I called Rafael for help, and he acted the same way.He promised to pick me up, yet after waiting half an hour in a cramped bathroom stall, all that

After that day, Rafael stopped appearing at the lab's entrance, and I began to think he'd finally given up on me.Even though Caleb brushed off his help that day like it was nothing, I insisted on treating him to dinner. Over the meal, I briefly mentioned my past with Rafael.When I finished, Caleb's expression visibly darkened. He muttered something about Rafael being a scumbag before his gaze shifted to me, filled with unspoken emotions.I wasn't blind to his interest, but I was too worn out, too afraid of getting hurt again.So, I made my intentions clear. "I'm not looking for anything romantic right now. I just want to focus on getting my work sorted first."I saw the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, but he didn't push. When he offered to walk me home, I turned him down. I didn't want to give him false hope, not when I knew I couldn't give him what he wanted.When I reached my apartment, Rafael was there, crouched by the door. He stood slowly, stepping closer with an