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Chapter Text

An unforgiving storm raged ,the sky was illuminated by flashes of lightning , followed by thunderous claps that shook the city of Anatol. Even the city authorities had requested the citizens to stay home .

Amidst this Riftan Calypse , the city’s most successful business man was speeding down the road ,his mind a mess from all the things that were thrown at him all at once .The words playing over and over in his head.

You don’t love me!!! All this was just a pretence !! Oh my god I had been such a fool all this time!!

No dear, listen to us, it's nothing like that !!

We would have told you but we didn’t want to hurt you darling!!

The storm raged on, rain and wind hammering against Riftan’s car. The road was wet and dangerous, and he knew he was driving too fast.

Then, out of nowhere, a deer-like animal darted in front of him. He hit the brakes, but the car skidded out of control. The tires screeched and before he could stop it, the car slammed into a huge, twisted tree with a bone-shaking crash.

Riftan’s head slammed against the steering wheel, a sharp, jarring impact that sent a wave of throbbing pain through his skull. He instinctively reached up, his fingers gingerly exploring the tender bump forming on his forehead. His chest ached, a dull, persistent soreness that made each breath a shallow, hesitant act. His vision swam, the world around him a hazy blur of distorted shapes and muted colors. He blinked, trying to clear his sight, but the dizziness persisted, a swirling vortex pulling him under. He felt a cold sweat prickle his skin, and a wave of nausea washed over him. He knew he was slipping away, his grip on consciousness loosening.

Then, a vibrant splash of red pierced the fog of his disorientation. A woman, her hair a cascade of fiery crimson, leaned into his field of vision. Her face, etched with concern, was a beacon in the swirling chaos. 

He saw her lips moved, forming words he couldn't quite decipher, the sounds lost in the ringing echo of the crash. He struggled to focus, to make sense of her frantic expression, but his mind was a jumbled mess.

A flicker of recognition, a spark of clarity in the darkness. That red hair, those worried eyes…Maximillian. The girl who had always lingered in the back of his mind, a bittersweet memory.

A weak, trembling breath escaped his lips and he thought “ I… am I in heaven?”

Maxi’s voice, though shaky, cut through the haze. “You'll be alright Riftan”' she said, her words coming in short, stuttering bursts.  “Just… just stay with me.” She fumbled for her phone, her hands trembling. “911, there's been a crash…” She gave them the address, her voice tight with fear.

Sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder, a frantic symphony that echoed through the rain-soaked air. When the paramedics arrived, they moved with practiced efficiency, their movements swift and decisive. The lead paramedic, a woman with a calm, authoritative voice, immediately assessed the scene, noting the damage to the vehicle and the position of the victim. "C-spine precautions," she ordered, and her partner carefully stabilized Riftan's neck with a cervical collar. They checked his pulse, rapid and weak, and his breathing, shallow and labored. "Oxygen," she directed, and an oxygen mask was placed over his face. 

They carefully cut away his seatbelt, their movements precise, avoiding any unnecessary jostling. They checked his pupils, noting their sluggish response. They palpated his chest and abdomen, searching for any signs of internal bleeding or fractures. They placed a blanket over him, to prevent shock, and then carefully transferred him onto a backboard, securing him with straps. 

He was aware of their movements, of their gentle but firm hands. Even through the haze of pain, a strange, almost giddy feeling bubbled up. Maxi knows my name. How? And why is she here, in the middle of this storm?!! His mind, a whirlwind of confusion, tried to piece together the fragments of what was happening. Is this a dream? A hallucination? Or is she really here, real?

 He closed his eyes, the throbbing in his head and the sharp ache in his chest making it hard to breathe, but even then, a small, foolish part of him was almost… happy. 

He could feel them attaching monitors and tubes, trying to make him more comfortable, the cool touch of the EKG leads on his skin, the gentle pressure of the blood pressure cuff. 

Maxi's eyes, wide and pleading, locked onto the lead paramedic's. “He'll be al-alright, won't he?” she asked, her voice trembling. 

"Pro-Promise me, that yo-you'll save him."

The lead paramedic gave her a steady, reassuring look. “We're doing everything we can,”  she said, her voice calm and professional. “He's in good hands.”

Maxi's voice, laced with urgency, broke through the controlled chaos. “C-Can I… can I come with him? I am a nurse.” she asked, her eyes wide with fear. The lead paramedic, her expression softening slightly, assessed the situation. 

“We understand your concern, ma'am,” she said, her voice calm and reassuring. “However, due to the critical nature of his injuries, we need to prioritize his immediate transport. We'll be heading to St. Wigrew’s Hospital. You can follow in your own vehicle.”

She gave Maxi a brief, reassuring nod before turning back to her team. "Let's move!” she commanded, and they swiftly loaded Riftan into the ambulance. The doors slammed shut with a resounding clang, and the sirens began their urgent wail.

With a great effort, Riftan forced his eyelids open. The world swam into focus, a blur of white and metallic surfaces. His eyes darted around the cramped interior of the ambulance, a desperate search for a familiar face. He strained to see, to find Maxi , but she was nowhere to be found. The paramedics, their movements swift and purposeful, continued their work, their voices a low hum against the rhythmic beeping of the monitors. 

A wave of confusion washed over him. Was it a dream? Had he died? Where was Maxi?!!  His thoughts, fragmented and disjointed, swirled in his aching head, a chaotic storm of unanswered questions.

The ambulance, sirens wailing, screeched to a halt outside the emergency room doors, its sudden stop jarring. Riftan was swiftly transferred onto a gurney, the paramedics' movements a blur of practiced efficiency. They delivered a rapid, detailed report to the waiting doctors, their voices clipped and urgent, outlining the circumstances of the crash, the vital signs they'd recorded, and the injuries they suspected. He was immediately wheeled into the emergency room, a flurry of white coats and flashing lights engulfing him. 

A team of doctors and nurses, their faces etched with focused intensity, sprang into action. Monitors were attached, blood pressure was taken, and IV lines were inserted with practiced precision. Within minutes, the lead surgeon, a figure radiating calm authority amidst the chaos, arrived. A quick glance at the scans, a brief consultation with the team, and the urgent operation began, the bright overhead lights casting long shadows across the operating table.

Maxi arrived at the hospital, her heart pounding in her chest like a frantic drumbeat. She rushed to the operating room, her eyes scanning the sterile hallway for any sign of news. Finding only the closed doors, she sank into a nearby chair, her hands clasped tightly together. Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision. 

“Please,” she whispered, her voice choking with emotion. “Please, God don't le-let him di-die. Ple-Please don't take him a-away from me, not this time .” She repeated these pleas, a desperate mantra, interspersed with fragments of prayers she'd learned as a child. Each breath was a silent plea, each tear a testament to her fear and her hope.

Chapter Text

The harsh, sterile scent of antiseptic filled his nostrils, a jarring contrast to the familiar, comforting smell of his own apartment. His eyelids fluttered, heavy and reluctant, as he tried to focus on the blurry expanse of the hospital ceiling.

A dull, throbbing ache pulsed behind his eyes, a relentless drumbeat against his skull. He tried to move, but a sharp, searing pain shot through his ribs, radiating outwards like shards of glass. He groaned, a low, involuntary sound that echoed in the quiet room.

Riftan remembered the crash now, the sickening crunch of metal against bark, the shattering of glass, the deafening roar that had abruptly silenced into a ringing void. He remembered the desperate, futile swerve, the terrifying, inevitable impact. Then, nothing. Just blackness. And then, a faint, ethereal voice, calling his name, a voice he faintly recognised. He remembered the brief flash of her face, a frantic, worried look on her beautiful face.

Riftan shifted again, a small, tentative movement, and a wave of nausea washed over him. His head throbbed, a constant, insistent reminder of the brutal impact. His right arm, encased in a bulky bandage, felt heavy and useless. He tried to flex his fingers, and a sharp, stinging pain shot through his wrist. He looked down, and saw the pathetic, pale, thin hospital gown, the tangle of wires snaking from his arm, the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor beside his bed.

His gaze swept the room, searching for her. He remembered her voice, her face, a fleeting image of concern etched in the chaos of the accident. He needed to see her, to thank her, to know she was alright. But she wasn’t there. Instead, slumped in a chair by the window, his friend, Ruth Serbel, a doctor in the St. Wigrew’s Hospital, slept soundly.

The memories, fragmented and disoriented, began to coalesce. He remembered the terror, the desperate attempt to avoid the collision, the sickening crunch of metal. Then, nothing, until her voice. He wondered, how did she find him?

Riftan closed his eyes, trying to piece together the shattered fragments of his memory.

Suddenly a wave of nostalgia washed over him.

He remembered her.

He saw her, not as she was now, but as she had been. A shy, quiet girl, always hidden behind thick glasses and oversized sweaters.

He recalled the first time he saw her, the accidental collision in the cafeteria, the steaming coffee that had soaked his shirt. He remembered the way her eyes, wide gray eyes, which were like winter lake , had filled with remorse, the way her cheeks had flushed crimson.

He remembered the feeling, the sudden, inexplicable pull, the sense that he had found something precious, something irreplaceable.

Riftan recalled the boring sociology class that he had enrolled himself into just to watch her from afar.

He would ignore the lectures, the professor's droning voice fading into a background hum, his attention solely focused on Maxi. She sat a few rows ahead, her posture straight, her gaze fixed on the professor, a small, almost imperceptible frown of concentration creasing her brow.

Riftan knew he should have been taking notes, absorbing the theories, but how could he, when the most compelling narrative unfolded right before him? He didn’t regret a single stolen glance.

The library became his nocturnal haven, a place where he wrestled with the missed lectures, translating the professor's absent voice into his own understanding.

He'd memorize the way how her beautiful red curls used to fell around her shoulders, the delicate curve of her neck, the way her fingers occasionally tapped a rhythm on her notebook.

He recalled the feeling, the quiet, unwavering certainty that he was falling in love.

Riftan remembered the times he would try to make those stupid pathetic jokes in class, hoping to make her laugh, only to be met with a shy, almost imperceptible smile.

He remembered the library, the endless rows of books, the quiet rustle of pages. He remembered the way Maxi would always find a secluded corner, a quiet sanctuary where she could immerse herself in her studies.

Riftan would linger nearby, pretending to browse the shelves, just to catch a glimpse of her. He would watch her, lost in her world of books, a silent observer of her quiet beauty.

The countless times he had followed her to the library, feigning interest in obscure texts, just to be near her. He recalled the countless times he had wanted to approach her, to strike up a conversation, but his courage always failed him, leaving him a silent admirer, a ghost in her periphery.

The days he would see her walking to the bus stop, and then casually walk behind her, pretending to go the same way.

The memories, vivid and sharp, were a stark contrast to the dull, throbbing pain in his body. His ribs ached, a constant, dull throb that made it difficult to breathe. His head pounded, a relentless drumbeat that echoed in his skull.

His right wrist throbbed, a sharp, stinging pain that radiates up his arm. Even his left ankle had a dull ache, likely from where it twisted during the impact. He felt a dull ache in his left shoulder as well. Despite the pain, the memories of her, of her shy smile and bright eyes, brought a strange sense of comfort, a fleeting moment of peace in the midst of the chaos.

Riftan used to wonder that Maxi didn't even remembered him. 

The tall rugby player with the spilled coffee and the stolen glances, the silent admirer.

Chapter Text

A few hours ago…

The elevator doors slid open and with a soft sigh Maxi stepped out, her footsteps echoing faintly in the quiet hallway. She walked towards her apartment, her movements mechanical, her mind still reeling. Before she could even raise her hand to ring the doorbell, the door swung open, revealing her mother, Arian.

Arian's face was etched with worry, her eyes searching Maxi's. The single word, "Mama," escaped Maxi's lips, a thin, fragile sound. And then, the dam broke. Tears streamed down her face, a torrent of pent-up emotion, as she collapsed into her mother's arms.

Arian held her tightly, her hands gently patting Maxi's back. "It's going to be alright, baby," she murmured, her voice soothing and reassuring. "It's going to be alright."

Maxi sobbed, her body shaking with the force of her tears. Arian continued to hold her, whispering words of comfort, until Maxi's sobs began to subside.

"Come on now, let's go in and get you warm," Arian said, her voice laced with concern. "Dear Lord, you're shivering, baby girl. Hurry up, or you're going to catch a cold."

Her tone shifted, becoming more firm, the familiar voice of a mother taking charge. "We will talk about this later," she said, her voice softening. "First, change your clothes and take a hot shower, dear. I will make hot chocolate for you."

Maxi nodded and went into her room, took a clean towel from her closet and went into the bathroom.

Maxi stood under the shower and let the hot water fall on her skin. It felt good, like a warm hug. But she still felt cold inside, like a little ice cube was stuck in her chest. She rubbed her arms and legs with soap, scrubbing hard. She wanted to wash away the bad feelings, the worry that wouldn't go away. She wanted to scrub away the picture of the crashed car, but it was stuck in her head.

When she turned off the water, the bathroom was steamy. She looked in the mirror. Her face was red, and her eyes were puffy. She had cried a lot. She sighed, a long, tired sound. She looked sad and small.

She wrapped the soft towel around her wet hair and another around her body. She put on her favorite pajamas, the ones that felt like a soft blanket. They were old and worn, but they were comfortable. She wanted to feel safe and cozy.

She walked to the living room. She sat on the soft couch and pulled her legs up under her. She hugged a pillow close to her chest.

Arian entered the living room, carrying two mugs of steaming hot chocolate. The rich, comforting aroma filled the air, a small attempt to soothe the tension hanging heavy in the room. She handed one mug to Maxi, who took it with a quiet, "Thanks, Mom." Arian settled beside her on the couch, her own mug warming her hands.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, each taking small sips of the hot chocolate. Arian knew everything; Maxi had relayed the details from the hospital over the phone. She knew about the car accident, about Riftan's condition.

After a few minutes, Arian spoke, her voice gentle. "He's in recovery now, you said?"

Maxi nodded, taking another sip of her hot chocolate. "Yes. The doctor said he's stable. No major injuries, just... shaken up."

Arian reached out and placed a comforting hand on Maxi's arm. "That's good," she said softly. "Very good."

The silence settled back into the room. "Why don't you go and visit him tomorrow?" Arian suggested suddenly, her eyes fixed on Maxi. The question, seemingly simple, sent a wave of surprise through Maxi, who was mid-sip of her hot chocolate. The warm liquid caught in her throat, triggering a fit of coughing.

Arian, ever the comforting presence, gently patted her back, but Maxi's eyes remained wide, filled with a mix of shock and a hesitant flicker of hope. "Should I do that?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"Of course, honey," Arian replied, her smile reassuring. "It's not as if you two are strangers. And you should take him something, perhaps some flowers."

Maxi, her mind racing, considered her mother's suggestion. "Mama," she said, her voice laced with concern, "I think Riftan might have suffered bruised ribs. I saw how tight the seatbelt was against his chest when I tried to undo it." She paused, her brow furrowed. "So, he shouldn't be near flowers with strong scents and the pollen may cause problems, in case he has an allergic reaction." A sharp pang of worry twisted in her stomach as she imagined his pain.

Arian hummed thoughtfully. "Then you could take those hypoallergenic Roses Sidina has started planting."

Maxi hesitated, her gaze dropping to her hands. "But Mama, those must be really expensive, and you know we're tight on money right now." She knew, deep down, that she couldn't match the extravagant gestures Riftan, with his wealth, was accustomed to.

Arian winked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I'm sure Sidina wouldn't charge her favorite employee a thing, or at least she'll give us a generous discount."

Maxi, knowing her mother's exceptional bargaining skills, couldn't help but chuckle. It was the first genuine laugh she'd had in hours, a brief moment of levity in the midst of her worry.

"Now, go get some sleep," Arian said, her voice softening. "You're still young and beautiful, but my skin needs its beauty sleep." She struck a comical pose, exaggerating her movements, making Maxi laugh again.

"Mama, you're the most beautiful woman ever," Maxi said, kissing her mother's cheek. She wished her a good night and, exhausted, fell into a deep slumber.

A car, swirled and crashed, lay on the roadside.

Maxi approached, her body trembling, but the moment she reached for the door, the vehicle vanished into thin air.

She found herself back in the hospital's desolate hallway. A doctor approached, his gloves stained with blood. In a somber tone, he said, "He didn't make it."

Maxi stared at him horrified, and started screaming “NO GOD!!! PLEASE NO NO NOOO!!!!”

Maxi jolted awake, her alarm blaring. A wave of relief washed over her. It was just a dream. No, not a dream, a nightmare. A horrible, vivid nightmare.

She ran her fingers through her tangled curls and hurried into the living room. Her mother was already awake, sipping coffee and watching the television.

Maxi dashed into the bathroom for a quick shower, carefully avoiding wetting her hair. She was in a rush, desperate to visit the flower shop where her mother worked and then hurry to see Riftan.

Emerging from the bathroom in record time, she dressed hurriedly and went to the kitchen. She gratefully accepted the cup of coffee and plate of sandwiches her mother offered, and, with a quick bite of the cheese sandwich Arian had prepared, asked if she was ready to leave.

Once she finished her breakfast, Maxi and Arian settled into Maxi's car. Maxi treasured the vehicle, despite its age, while Arian rather affectionately referred to it as an 'rusted beast,' constantly urging her to get rid of it. But with their limited finances, a new car was simply out of reach.

After a tense fifteen minutes, the engine sputtered to life, much to Maxi's immense relief.

After arriving at Sidina's Petals & Co., Maxi asked Sidina about the hypoallergenic roses. Sidina readily handed them over, much to Maxi's reluctance.

Arian chuckled, nudging Sidina,"I told her you're a total sweetheart!" Sidina laughed, shaking her head. "Aunt Ari, you're not getting home early by flattering me today," she teased.

"Besides, Maxi is my childhood friend. I can do this little bit for her." Maxi thanked her again, a genuine smile gracing her lips, and carefully tucked the bouquet into the passenger seat of her car and drove to St. Wigrew's Hospital. At the reception desk, she inquired about Riftan Calypse's room.

The receptionist hesitated, her expression guarded. "I apologize, ma'am, but I can only provide that information to family or close friends." The unspoken weight of Riftan's fame hung heavy in the air.

I am neither family nor friend, Maxi thought bitterly, the words a silent echo of her complicated feelings.

With a deep breath, she hesitantly explained, "Actually, I was the one who found him at the accident and called for help. I just want to see how he's doing. That's all. I promise I won't disturb him. I just want to see him, even from afar."

The urgency in her voice betrayed her attempt at casualness.

The receptionist, catching the earnest urgency in Maxi's eyes, seemed to soften. She quickly relayed the floor and room number. With a grateful nod, Maxi hurried away, her footsteps light but determined. She navigated the hospital corridors, trying her best to avoid any familiar faces, moving with a cautious stealth she hadn't known she possessed.

After discreetly scanning the hallway twice, ensuring it was clear, she slipped into Riftan's room.

She wasn't prepared for the sight that greeted her.

Riftan lay still, his form diminished, an array of tubes snaking into his arm. His right hand was swathed in a bulky bandage, and his left ankle was visibly swollen. A small, almost imperceptible bump marred his forehead, and a light stubble shadowed his usually clean-shaven cheek. He was pale—alarmingly pale.

Maxi placed the flowers gently on the windowsill, their delicate fragrance a stark contrast to the sterile air. She moved towards his bedside, her footsteps hushed, careful not to disturb him. She knew, from her past experience as a nurse, that he wouldn't awaken for hours, still under the influence of the medication and anesthesia.

With a hesitant breath, she reached out and touched his cheek. "You feel cold," she murmured, a frown creasing her brow.

Though she longed to stay, to simply watch him breathe, she knew she had to leave. The risk of being discovered by any hospital staff member was too great. Also she knew that Riftan's friend Ruth worked here so she was extra careful to not be seen.

She leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Please get well soon, Riftan. And I'm sorry." A single tear slipped down her cheek. She moved closer, an instinctive impulse drawing her towards him, almost closing the distance to kiss his cheek, but she recoiled as if burned.

What are you doing, you stupid girl? she berated herself silently.

At least respect his dignity! You creep!

The thought of kissing him without his consent filled her with shame.

She immediately backed away from him and stood by the door for a moment, her gaze lingering on the rise and fall of his chest, before turning away, her heart heavy.

Do I really have to leave? she questioned, though she knew the answer.

She scanned the hallway once more, ensuring it was empty, and slipped out of the room. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she reached the hospital’s main doors.

As she settled into her car, she glanced back at the imposing building and thought,

If our meeting is a sign, a divine signal, then we will definitely meet again, Riftan.

Ruth stirred in the chair beside the window, the stiff leather creaking beneath him. He'd fallen asleep, a rare lapse in his normally vigilant watch. As his eyes focused, he was startled to see Riftan awake. No longer lost in the oblivion of unconsciousness, Riftan's gaze was fixed on some unseen point, his brow furrowed in deep thought. Ruth, instantly alert, moved to the bedside, his doctor's instincts kicking in and his trained eyes scanning the monitors.

Ruth began his examination, checking Riftan's pulse, the oxygen saturation levels, and the responsiveness of his pupils. "Riftan," he said, his voice calm and professional, "can you hear me? How are you feeling?"

Riftan's gaze shifted, focusing on Ruth. He tried to speak, but the oxygen mask muffled his words, and his throat felt like sandpaper. He gestured weakly towards his mouth, his eyes pleading.

Ruth observed the gesture and the dryness of Riftan's lips. He considered the situation, knowing the potential risks with his bruised ribs and recent trauma. "Your throat's parched, I understand," Ruth said, his voice gentle. "We'll need to be cautious. Your ribs are quite bruised, and we don't want to risk any complications. I can give you a moistened swab for your lips and mouth to alleviate the dryness for now. Once we're sure your swallowing reflex is back to normal, and we have a better idea of your internal injuries, we can discuss small sips of water. How does that sound?"

He then picked up a sterile swab and carefully moistened it with water, gently dabbing Riftan's lips and the inside of his mouth. "Just a little to help with the dryness," he explained.

Ruth, having known Riftan since their childhood, could read his friend's unspoken needs. The years of shared experiences had forged a bond that transcended mere friendship; they were practically brothers. Riftan tried to speak, but only a dry, rasping sound escaped his lips, a testament to the trauma his body had endured.

Ruth understood the unspoken question, the desperate need for information. "You want to know what happened," he stated, his voice calm and steady, a reassuring anchor in the swirling chaos of Riftan's awakening. "You crashed your car, Riftan. Into a tree. A large one, an oak, if I remember correctly, solid as a rock. Fortunately, Maxi was driving by. She saw the wreckage and immediately called 911. She didn't hesitate. She saved your life."

Riftan's eyes sparked at the mention of her name, a flicker of something intense, a raw emotion that cut through the lingering fog of his unconsciousness. It was a name that held a universe of unspoken feelings, a name that had echoed in his dreams for years.

Ruth scoffed, a hint of amusement laced with his concern. "Brother," he said, shaking his head, a soft chuckle escaping his lips, "You were in a life-threatening accident. The fact you're alive, breathing, talking—well, attempting to talk—is a miracle. And the first thing you think of, after a whole day of unconsciousness, is your college crush? Really?"

Maxi is more than a college crush to me. Riftan frowned.

Riftan tried again, his voice a mere whimper, barely audible above the hiss of the oxygen mask, "Where… she?" The words were fragmented, a desperate plea.

“She waited outside the operating room the entire time. And let me tell you, Riftan, it wasn't a comfortable wait.She was drenched, shivering, her teeth chattering, but she refused to leave. She stood there, a soaked, trembling figure, her eyes fixed on the doors, her face etched with a desperate anxiety. I saw her once through the small window in the door. It was only after the lead surgeon, Dr. Nash, came out and assured her you were out of the woods, that you were stable, that she finally left.”

Riftan's gaze remained fixed on Ruth, a silent question hanging in the air. He searched his friend's face, trying to decipher the truth behind the words he'd just heard. It felt surreal, like a scene from a movie, not his own life.

Maxi, waiting outside the operation theater ? For me? Riftan’s mind struggled to process the information, to reconcile the image of the strong, independent woman he knew with the vulnerable, soaked figure Ruth described.

He half-expected to blink and find himself back in his car, the world outside a blur of rain and shattered glass. But the sharp, persistent pain in his ribs, the dull ache in his limbs, and the scratchy dryness of his throat were undeniable proof that this was no dream. This was his reality, a reality he was only just beginning to understand.

Ruth, observing Riftan's bewildered expression, felt a pang of sympathy. He knew the internal conflict raging within his friend, the desperate hope battling with years of ingrained doubt.

Ruth considered revealing his own observations, the carefully constructed theories he’d built while watching Maxi's unwavering vigil.

She could have left , Ruth thought, his gaze drifting towards the window, where the last remnants of the storm clouds were dissipating. She could have simply called 911 and gone home. No one would have blamed her. But she stayed. She endured the storm, the fear, the uncertainty. She stood outside those doors for hours, her clothes soaked, her body trembling, her eyes fixed on the entrance to the operating room. Why?

He knew Maxi had known Riftan since their college days, but that didn't explain the depth of her concern. This level of anxiety, of raw emotion, that transcended mere friendship. There was something more, something hidden beneath the surface, a connection that Ruth couldn't quite define.

Ruth thought, She cares, that much is obvious. But how much?

And WHY?

He wanted to tell Riftan everything he'd seen, everything he suspected. He wanted to give his friend a glimmer of hope, to offer a possible explanation for Maxi's actions. But he hesitated, a sense of caution holding him back.

Riftan had just emerged from a life-threatening ordeal, his body and mind still fragile. He knew how deeply Riftan cared for Maxi, how much he longed for her affection. He didn't want to raise false hopes, to paint a romantic narrative that might crumble under the weight of reality.

What if he was wrong? What if Maxi's actions were simply a testament to her compassionate nature, her unwavering compassion for a person in need? He couldn't risk adding to Riftan's pain, to shatter his fragile hope with a misplaced assumption.

So, he chose to remain silent, to keep his thoughts to himself. He would wait, observe, and let Maxi's actions speak for themselves. He would give Riftan time to heal, to process the events of the past day. And perhaps, in time, the truth would reveal itself, and Riftan would finally understand the depth of Maxi's feelings for him, if she has any.

Riftan's eyelids fluttered, heavy with the lingering effects of the medication. Slowly, painstakingly, he shifted his head. He moved inch by inch, wincing as his stiff neck protested the movement. What he saw brought a soft gasp to his lips. A beautiful vase, crafted from clear, delicate glass, stood on the windowsill. Inside, a vibrant bouquet of flowers bloomed, a riot of colors that seemed to chase away the sterile grayness of the hospital room. There were deep crimson roses, their velvety petals unfurling like whispered secrets.

Ruth stretched his arms above his head, a loud yawn escaping his lips. He rubbed his eyes, still heavy with sleep. "Ah, those flowers," he mumbled, his voice thick with drowsiness. "Maxi brought them. She came by this morning."

He scratched his head, his fingers ruffling his already disheveled hair. "I made absolutely certain they wouldn't cause any adverse reactions," he added, his voice becoming more alert. "You know, with your bruised ribs and everything. I wouldn't want you to be sneezing or wheezing because of some pollen." He paused, a thoughtful expression on his face. "She was very careful to pick hypoallergenic types, I believe."

The mention of Maxi's name, coupled with the revelation that she had brought the flowers, sent a jolt of energy through Riftan. His head snapped around, his gaze locking onto Ruth's. The sudden movement, though, was a mistake. A sharp, stinging pain shot through his neck, and he involuntarily hissed, his breath catching in his throat.

"Whoa, whoa, easy there, buddy," Ruth said, his voice laced with concern. He held up his hands, as if to physically restrain Riftan. "There's no need to get all worked up. Just relax."

Riftan's eyes, wide and questioning, remained fixed on Ruth. He wanted to know more, everything. Ruth noticed the look and hesitated, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Well," he began, a playful grin spreading across his face, "she was rather... sneaky, actually. When she came this morning."

He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "She was tiptoeing around like a cat burglar, trying to be as quiet as possible when she slipped into your room." He shook his head, a fond smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"It was quite a sight, I must say. She was trying to avoid being seen, I think. Not sneaky enough to outsmart me, though," he added with a self-deprecating laugh. "I saw her the moment she came in."

Riftan attempted a smile. It was a feeble effort, a mere twitch of his lips, as the dull ache of his injuries intensified. The anesthetic fog was beginning to lift, and the pain was making itself known.

But beneath the physical discomfort, a warm, radiant feeling was spreading through his chest. It was a genuine smile, a smile that emanated from the deepest recesses of his heart.

It was a smile of pure, unadulterated happiness, a feeling he had not experienced in what felt like an eternity. Maxi's simple act of kindness, her thoughtful gesture, had pierced through the layers of pain and weariness, bringing a spark of joy to his weary soul.

But suddenly Riftan's brow furrowed deeply. Ruth was used to seeing Riftan frown at any and everything . Sometimes Ruth used to think that it was his face’s nature.

But this time it wasn't just a frown; it was a full-blown existential crisis etched onto his forehead.

Upon looking at his frowning face Ruth exclaimed "You giant oaf !! the girl of your dreams visited you, left flowers for you and saved your sorry behind in a freaking storm, and you're still frowning? You're officially broken." He flopped into the chair, the leather letting out a dramatic "whoosh" like a deflating whoopee cushion.

Riftan, unfazed by Ruth's theatrical display, croaked, "Mirror…. Now."

Ruth blinked. “Did you just ask for a... mirror?”

“I think you have hit your head pretty hard and have forgotten that I'm a doctor, not a beauty consultant. I don't carry a compact for emergency touch-ups. And why would you—"

A slow, mischievous grin spread across his face. "Ohhhh, I get it. You want to see if you're still devastatingly handsome, even after becoming intimate with an oak tree." He pulled out his phone, flipped to the selfie camera, and held it in front of Riftan’s face.

Riftan's reaction was worthy of a silent movie star. His eyes bugged out and he looked like he'd just seen a ghost—a particularly ugly ghost.

"Dear sweet Uigru!" he thought, "Did Maxi see me looking like a ghoul ? She probably thinks I am more hideous than an ogre!"

He imagined her hand covering her mouth, stifling a scream, then backing away slowly while clutching her purse. Riftan visibly shuddered at his horrid imagination.

Little did he know that was the last thing that had happened.

A wave of guilt hit Ruth. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry," he said, his voice suddenly contrite. "I shouldn't have dumped all this emotional baggage on you while you're still trying to remember your own name. But, look, I know you. You'd be sulking and moping if I hadn't told you, and dealing with your melancholic and sour mood swings is the last thing I want right now." He said, then added, “Plus, you'll recover faster if you're motivated by the thought of impressing your Magnificent Maxi !! ”

Riftan, managed a weak chuckle at that . My Maxi . Riftan loved the way it sounded.

He appreciated his friend's candor and the subtle concern beneath his teasing. "Thanks," he managed to whisper, his voice still raspy. He knew Ruth was right.

Nothing, except the image of himself looking like a troll in front of Maxi, could truly dampen his spirits. The warmth of her visit, the delicate scent of the flowers, and the knowledge that she had saved his life were enough to keep his spirits afloat .

"My shift starts in half an hour," Ruth sighed, his voice now more subdued. He glanced at his watch, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "Aunty Isa and Uncle Evan will be here soon, I imagine. They were... profoundly worried, Riftan. I had to strongly suggest they get some rest this morning. They've been here since I came out of the OT and informed them about your accident."

He paused, his gaze meeting Riftan's. "I told them I'd call as soon as you woke up. They're waiting for news." Ruth turned to leave, his expression serious. "I'll let them know you're conscious."

At the mention of their names a wave of guilt hit Riftan and he closed his eyes.

"They shouldn't have had to go through this," he thought and started to drift into a dreamless slumber.

Chapter Text

Riftan drifted in and out of awareness, a jumble of voices swirling around him. A gentle, familiar female voice, laced with worry, asked Ruth about his condition. Ruth's calm reply, "He's doing alright. Thank God there's no internal bleeding," was like a distant echo.

Then, Isabelle Calypse's voice, sharper and more insistent, cut through the fog. "Thank goodness! I'm going to whack that boy good when he gets better! Good grief, what was he thinking, driving like a maniac in a freaking storm?!"

"Calm down, Darling," Evan Calypse gently reminded her, "or your blood pressure will spike again."

A faint, raspy chuckle escaped Riftan's lips, a sound like sandpaper rubbing together. Whack me? he thought, trying to open his eyes, After that drive? Fair enough.

His parents' heads snapped towards him, their eyes widening.

"Honey! Are you feeling alright?" Isabelle bombarded him, her voice a whirlwind of concern. "Does your head hurt? Does your chest hurt? You have to tell Mommy what hurts, or how will I make you feel better, baby?!"

Riftan tried to speak, but his throat felt like a desert. He managed a weak, raspy "Ugh…Mom…" and winced, his ribs protesting the effort.

"Relax, Darling, relax," Evan said, gently restraining his wife. "He's just regained consciousness. We wouldn't want to overwhelm him, would we?" He turned to his son, his face etched with worry. "How are you feeling, son?"

"Feeling…good…Dad," Riftan croaked, his voice barely audible. He tried to raise his left hand to give his Dad a thumbs up.

Isabelle's voice choked with emotion. "I was so worried, Riftan. I…I thought I'd lost you." Tears streamed down her face.

"No worries…Mom…I'm alright," Riftan rasped, trying to reassure her. He attempted a small, reassuring smile, but it came out more like a grimace.

Ruth, noticing his friend's discomfort, intervened. "Uncle, please help me get him seated. He needs some water. His throat must be really dry."

Evan nodded, and together they carefully helped Riftan sit against the headboard, his ribs protesting with a sharp twinge making him let out a pained groan. Ruth poured him a glass of water, warning, "Try taking small sips, okay? No gulping."

Riftan nodded gratefully, accepting the water. He took tiny sips, each swallow a small, painful victory.

After finishing the water, he put the glass down and looked at his parents. He paused, swallowing hard, his throat still raw. "I should have been grateful. I should have… I should have cherished you both. But instead, I… I acted like a total ass–”

"Language!" Isabelle's reprimand was automatic, but her beautiful brown eyes, brimming with tears, held only love.

Ruth let out a muffled laugh and thought, If you knew, Aunt Isa, the language your son uses in your absence. He makes sailors blush.

Riftan managed a weak, boyish smile. "Sorry, Mom. That guy over there is rubbing off on me," he said, pointing to Ruth.

"You lying hog!" Ruth retorted, but his voice was gentle, a silent reassurance.

Riftan's gaze, heavy with remorse, shifted between his parents. He took his mother's hand, his fingers trembling slightly, and his voice, still raspy, cracked with emotion. "I'm so sorry, Mom and Dad," he whispered, the words thick with regret. "For everything I said that night… I was… I was so wrong."

Evan, his face etched with concern, placed a comforting hand on Riftan's shoulder. "It's not your fault, son," he said, his voice deep and steady. "If we had told you everything sooner, none of this would have happened. We're the ones who are sorry."

Riftan's eyes, glistening with unshed tears, searched his father's. "I… I don't know what came over me that night," he confessed, his voice barely a whisper. "The moment you told me… that I wasn't your real son… that I was adopted… it felt like… like the ground just vanished beneath me. Like… like my whole world was crumbling."

His voice broke, and he looked away, shame and fear warring within him. "I… I was so scared," he admitted, his voice barely audible. "Scared that… that you wouldn't love me anymore. Scared that… that I didn't belong."

Evan's hand tightened on his shoulder, his grip firm yet gentle. His voice thick with emotion. "You are our son, Riftan. Always have been, always will be. Blood doesn't make a family, love does. And we love you more than words can say."

He pulled Riftan into a gentle embrace, careful of his injuries. "We should have told you sooner, we know that now. We were wrong to keep it from you, but we were afraid of hurting you." He pulled back, his eyes filled with a father's unwavering love. "You are our son, Riftan. Never doubt that. Never."

Isabelle, her tears flowing freely, joined the embrace, her touch light and comforting. "Oh, honey," she murmured, her voice choking with emotion. "We love you so much. You're our precious boy."

Riftan's eyes welled up, and he silently thanked the heavens for the parents he had, the parents who had chosen him, the parents who loved him unconditionally. He was home. He was loved. He was a Calypse.

Isabelle, her eyes still glistening with tears, noticed Ruth standing quietly in the corner, a soft, almost wistful smile playing on his lips. She saw the unspoken longing in his gaze, the quiet joy he felt for their family. A warmth spread through her, a sense of overwhelming gratitude for the people who surrounded her son.

"Do you need an invitation to join us, Ruth?" she asked, her voice gentle, her arm outstretched towards him.

Ruth's breath hitched, a wave of emotion washing over him. He'd watched them, this beautiful, loving family, and a bittersweet ache had settled in his chest. Isabelle and Evan had been more than just Riftan's parents; they'd been a constant, unwavering presence in his life since high school, a surrogate family when he'd lost his own.

He'd lived with his distant uncle, but it was the Calypses who had offered him warmth, acceptance, and a sense of belonging.

A pained smile, tinged with a lifetime of longing, touched his lips. He stepped forward, his heart pounding, and allowed himself to be enveloped in their embrace.

As they held him, Riftan felt a wave of overwhelming peace wash over him. His parents, who chose him. Ruth, his brother in all but blood. He realized, in that moment, that the accident, the fear, the anger, had all been a crucible, forging a stronger, more resilient bond between them. He understood that the love surrounding him was not fragile, but a fortress, built on a foundation of unwavering acceptance and understanding. He was a Calypse, not by blood, but by the love that held them all together.

Three Days Later...

Maxi huffed, her shoulders slumping, and entered Sidina’s Shop. The bell on the door jingled, a sharp, bright sound against her heavy mood. Arian looked up from where she was meticulously arranging a bouquet, her brow furrowed with concern while Sidina was gently misting her flowers.

"Oh, Maxi, honey, you look exhausted," Arian said, her voice soft and worried. "What's wrong?"

Maxi sighed, the sound heavy and defeated, and sank into the chair near the cash counter. "There seems to be no hospital or clinic in this town that wants to employ this 'talented nurse'," she said, the sarcasm thick in her voice. "Those who are willing to hire me are offering a ridiculously low pay for insane hours! And the rest… well, they just don’t have any vacancies."

"What about the interview at the Robern hospital?" Sidina asked, setting down her spray bottle, her expression a mix of sympathy and curiosity.

Maxi’s voice was flat. "They wanted someone who lives in Ruigen, for emergencies. Apparently, my emergency skills don’t extend to driving an extra twenty minutes."

"Don't worry, honey," Arian said, trying to inject some cheer into her voice, though her eyes betrayed her concern. "You're exceptional at what you do. You'll find something soon."

Maxi just snorted, staring out the window, her gaze unfocused. "Easy for you to say," she muttered, the thought of endless rejections making her stomach clench.

Sidina removed her apron, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Why don't you come with me to deliver these flowers to the church? Your gloom is making my poor roses wilt."

Maxi stuck her tongue out playfully, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Fine, but only to save the roses."

Soon, they were packing the flower crates into the back of Sidina’s truck.

"Why does the church need this unholy amount of flowers?" Maxi exclaimed, lifting a particularly heavy crate. "Wedding decorations," Sidina replied, stacking the last crate.

As they drove, country music filled the cab. Halfway to their destination, Maxi asked, "How's Jared?"

Sidina sighed, a hint of weariness in her voice. "I don't know .”

Maxi turned off the music, her brow furrowed. "What do you mean you don’t know? Jared seemed crazy about you."

Sidina snorted. "Not anymore. We broke up." She added, her voice laced with a hint of bitterness, " He's found someone .... richer." She showed Maxi a photo on her phone. Jared was laughing, a blonde girl perched on his lap. Maxi gasped. "That rat bastard!"

Sidina laughed, a dry, humorless sound. "It's okay, Maxi. I didn't really like him that much. I don't even know why I agreed to date him in the first place." She paused, her gaze drifting out the window.

“Why didn't you tell me about this sooner Sidi?” Maxi was a little hurt that her best friend kept something like this from her.

“Maxi, I know that you have problems of your own too. Problems much bigger than mine . I just didn't want you to worry about me . You know I'm a tough girl, I can handle it.”

Sidina winked, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Don't worry. I am going to teach that cheating bastard a lesson .”

Maxi shook her head, a mix of concern and amusement swirling within her. He shouldn’t have messed with her. She knew from experience how diabolical Sidina could be when she was wronged. As they continued their drive, Maxi couldn't shake the feeling that something dramatic was about to unfold.

Maxi and Sidina reached the wedding venue, a grand old church bathed in the soft glow of stained glass windows. They delivered the meticulously arranged flowers to the harried decorator, a woman with a clipboard and a permanent look of stress. They began to double-check the arrangements against the wedding planner's detailed specifications, ensuring every petal was perfectly placed.

"Are you sure these lilies are the right shade?" Maxi asked, pointing to a bouquet near the altar.

"Yes, yes, they're 'ivory pearl,' just as requested," the decorator replied, barely glancing up. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a thousand things to do."

Just as Maxi and Sidina were about to step away, Ludis Ain, Sidina's neighbor and a familiar face from around town, approached them with a warm smile. "Hey there, Sidina! How are you?"

"Oh, Ludis! Long time no see," Sidina replied, her voice genuinely pleased. "How's everything at the hospital?"

Ludis's smile faltered slightly. "Work's been… intense. We're short on staff, and those damned recruiters still can't find a single experienced nurse. It's frustrating." She sighed, rubbing her temples. "We're running ourselves ragged."

Maxi's ears perked up, her eyes lighting up with a flicker of hope. Hospital? She'd been sending out resumes and making calls for weeks, facing a barrage of rejections or insultingly low offers.

Sidina, noticing Maxi's sudden attentiveness, turned to Ludis. "Ludis, this is Maxi, my best friend. Maxi, this is Ludis"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ludis," Maxi said, her voice a little too eager. "The pleasure's all mine," Ludis replied, giving Maxi a friendly, but slightly tired, look. "So, what brings you to the church today?"

"We delivered the flowers for the wedding," Sidina explained, "but Maxi's been having a terrible time finding a job. She's a highly skilled nurse, but it seems like no one is hiring."

Ludis's eyes widened with genuine interest. "A nurse, you say? That's exactly what we need! What kind of experience do you have?"

Maxi, seizing the opportunity, launched into a detailed description of her qualifications, her voice gaining confidence as she listed her skills and experience. She spoke of her dedication, her ability to handle pressure, and her genuine passion for patient care. "I've been searching everywhere, but it seems there are no openings, or the pay is insulting," she finished, her voice laced with a hint of weariness.

"Well, you're in luck," Ludis said, her face lighting up. "We're desperate for experienced nurses at St. Wigrew's Hospital. If you're interested, I can put in a good word for you."

Maxi's heart skipped a beat, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over her. "St. Wigrew's? Really?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. St. Wigrew's, the place where Riftan had been taken after his accident. Perhaps Riftan will be discharged before I'm due to start. It would be...easier, then, right ?

Ludis nodded, oblivious to Maxi's inner turmoil. "Yes, we're always looking for talented individuals. The work is demanding, but rewarding. We need people who care."

Maxi hesitated, her mind racing. She pictured her mother's tired face, the lines etched deeper with each passing day. She couldn't bear to see her struggle any longer. She needed this job, regardless of her personal feelings.

"Thank you, Ludis," Maxi said, her voice firm despite the turmoil within. "I would love to apply."

"Wonderful! Give me your details, and I'll make sure they get to the right people," Ludis said, pulling out a small notepad from her purse. "We are short staffed. We can get you an interview quickly."

As Maxi provided her information, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into a minefield. She knew this was a good opportunity, but she also knew it could lead to complications with Riftan.

Maxi, her mind still buzzing with the unexpected job offer from Ludis, found her attention drawn to the spectacle unfolding before her. Jared, in his impeccably tailored black tuxedo, stood at the front of the church, radiating an air of smug satisfaction that made Maxi's blood boil.

"Sidina," she hissed, her voice a low, dangerous rumble, "What is that rat bastard doing here?"

Sidina followed her gaze, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, that's Jared," she said, her voice casually dismissive. "It's his wedding."

Maxi's jaw dropped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "His wedding?! Are you serious? We're delivering flowers to his WEDDING?!"

"Dead serious," Sidina replied, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Are you completely insane? Why on earth did you accept this order?" Maxi demanded, her voice rising in incredulous anger. "You knew it was him! You knew he was getting married!"

"Relax, Maxi," Sidina said, patting her arm reassuringly, though her eyes betrayed a hint of wicked glee. "I have a plan. A beautiful, sneezing plan." She pulled a small, exquisitely wrapped box from her bag, its ribbon shimmering under the church's ornate chandeliers. "This is how we get even."

Maxi stared at the box, her confusion deepening. "A gift? You're giving him a GIFT? On his FREAKING WEDDING?!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing slightly in the vast space. "Are you out of your mind, Sidi?"

"Shhh!" Sidina hissed, glancing around nervously. "Don't make a scene. Trust me. It's not what you think."

"Oh, I'm sure it's not," Maxi muttered, crossing her arms and glaring at the box. "You're probably giving him a box of confetti or something equally juvenile."

"Just come with me," Sidina said, grabbing Maxi's arm and pulling her towards a side door. They slipped into a dimly lit hallway, finding a secluded spot overlooking the ceremony through a small, arched window.

"Okay, spill," Maxi said, her voice laced with suspicion. "What's the plan?"

"Patience, my dear," Sidina said, her eyes fixed on Jared. She gestured towards a waiter carrying a silver tray laden with beautifully wrapped gifts. "See that? We're going to 'accidentally' switch our gift with one of those."

"And what, pray tell, is in this 'gift'?" Maxi asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow." A little something special," Sidina said, her smile widening into a Cheshire grin. "A perfume I 'custom-made' for him."

Maxi's eyes widened. "Perfume? What kind of perfume?"

"A very… potent kind," Sidina replied, her voice laced with mischief. "A blend of allergens that would make a rhino weep."

Maxi watched as Sidina, with the agility of a seasoned pickpocket, slipped through the crowd, her eyes darting from side to side. She moved with a practiced grace, weaving between guests and waiters, her movements fluid and precise. The silver tray of gifts was within reach.

Sidina paused, her hand hovering over the tray, her eyes scanning the room. She waited for a moment of distraction, a collective gasp as the bride made her entrance, before making her move. With a swift, almost imperceptible motion, she swapped her gift with one on the tray, her movements so quick that no one noticed. She retreated back to Maxi, her eyes sparkling with triumph.

"You're crazy, Sidi. Absolutely crazy," Maxi whispered, her voice a mix of awe and disbelief.

"Crazy like a fox," Sidina replied, her eyes twinkling.

The ceremony proceeded, and eventually, the gifts were brought to the bridal party. Jared, ever the showman, opened Sidina's box with a flourish. He pulled out a small, elegant perfume bottle, its crystal stopper catching the light. "Ah, how thoughtful," he announced, his voice dripping with false gratitude. He sprayed a generous amount onto his wrist and neck, inhaling deeply.

Within seconds, Jared's face began to twitch. He sniffed, then sneezed. Once. Twice. Then a full-blown sneezing fit erupted, loud and uncontrollable. He sneezed so hard his tuxedo shook, his face turning an alarming shade of red. The bride looked horrified, the guests were whispering, and the ceremony descended into chaos.

Sidina, from her hidden vantage point, burst into peals of laughter, her eyes watering. Maxi, initially shocked, couldn't help but join in, shaking her head and giggling.

"What was in that perfume?" Maxi asked, wiping tears from her eyes.

"A special blend," Sidina said, still chuckling. "I call it 'Allergic Ambush.' It's a mix of concentrated pollen from ragweed, chrysanthemum, and, for that extra kick, powdered wisteria."

"You're a genius, you know that?" Maxi said, still laughing. "But what did you write in the card?"

Sidina pulled out her phone and read the message aloud:

"Dear Jared,
May your new marriage be as long and fulfilling as your last relationship. I hope you enjoy this 'special' scent. Every time you smell it, I hope you remember the time you decided to cheat on me. May your new life be full of love, and also, many sneezes.
With all my 'best' wishes,
Sidina."

Maxi gasped, then burst into another fit of laughter. "That's… that's brilliant!"

Jared, meanwhile, was still sneezing uncontrollably, his face now a blotchy red, his eyes watering. The bride, looking mortified, was trying to pat him down with a handkerchief, her face a mask of strained politeness.

"He shouldn't have messed with you," Maxi said, shaking her head, her laughter subsiding.

"Exactly," Sidina said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Now, let's get out of here before we get caught."

They slipped out of the church, leaving Jared to his sneezing symphony, the wedding now a scene of utter chaos. As they walked away, they could still hear the echoes of Jared's sneezes and the confused murmurs of the guests. Maxi knew one thing for sure: Sidina's revenge was a masterpiece of comedic mayhem, a perfectly orchestrated sneezing storm.

As the distant sound of Jared's increasingly frantic sneezes echoed through the church walls, a strange mix of satisfaction and unease settled over Maxi. She couldn't deny the sheer comedic brilliance of Sidina's "Allergic Ambush," but a nagging sense of guilt tugged at her conscience.

"You know," she began, her voice hesitant, "I can't help but feel a little… bad for Jessica. She didn't really deserve this, did she?"

Sidina's triumphant grin softened, replaced by a flicker of melancholic understanding. "I know," she admitted, her voice unusually subdued. "But sometimes, collateral damage is unavoidable."
Maxi looked at her, searching for an explanation. "What do you mean?"

Sidina sighed, a hint of weariness creeping into her voice. "When I caught Jared with her at the coffee shop was the day I found out he was cheating.”

"Well," Sidina continued, her voice laced with a bitter edge, "it wasn't just the betrayal that hurt. It was what they did afterward."

"What do you mean?" Maxi asked, her curiosity piqued.

Sidina's gaze hardened. "They mocked me, Maxi. Right there, in front of everyone. They made fun of my job, my life, everything."

Maxi gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "They did? What did they say?"

Sidina's voice dropped to a low, venomous whisper. "Jessica called me a 'pathetic little florist,' and said I was 'clinging to a dead-end dream.' Jared laughed, said I was 'lucky he even gave me the time of day,' and that he upgraded to someone with 'actual prospects.'"

A wave of anger surged through Maxi, a fierce protectiveness towards her friend. "That's… that's despicable! How could they be so cruel?"

Sidina shrugged, attempting a nonchalant air, but the pain in her eyes betrayed her forced indifference. "It's fine. I'm a big girl. Sticks and stones, right?"

"No, it's not fine," Maxi insisted, her voice firm. "They were vile, and you didn't deserve any of it."
Sidina managed a weak smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thanks, Maxi. But honestly, I'm over it. I'm just glad I got to give them a little taste of their own medicine."

She reached into her bag and pulled out a thick envelope, the crisp dollar bills peeking out from within. "And besides," she said, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes, "at least we made a tidy profit off those flowers. A little revenge, a little revenue."

Maxi burst out laughing, the tension finally dissipating. "You're impossible, Sidi. Absolutely impossible."

They sat in the truck and Sidina drove them away from the church, the sound of their laughter mixing with the distant, rhythmic sneezes of the unfortunate groom. Maxi knew that this wasn't just about revenge; it was about reclaiming her dignity, about refusing to be a victim.

As they drove down the street, Maxi's thoughts drifted to Riftan.

She thought about the job at St. Wigrew's, the potential for a fresh start, a new beginning, and the inevitable confrontation with her past. She knew she had to face her fears, to confront the shadows that haunted her. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into a world of uncertainty, a world where even the most beautiful flowers could conceal a deadly sting.

Chapter Text

Everything seems fine, so you may get a discharge in three or four days," Dr. Leon said, tapping his tablet. "Swelling's down, fracture's aligning, concussion symptoms minimal. We'll do final scans tomorrow, but barring complications, you'll be out of here soon. Just keep managing the pain."

A wave of relief washed over Riftan. After a brief chat, Dr. Leon left the room. Moments later, Nurse Jenny, a kind, older woman who had been caring for him, entered with a bowl of soup.

"How's my favorite patient doing today?" she asked in a gentle voice. "I'm alright, Nurse Jenny," Riftan groaned, "but Snake Eyes won't let me leave for another five days, it feels like."

Jenny chuckled at Riftan's nickname for Dr. Leon. "Why do you call him that? He's a very good doctor."

"I know," Riftan admitted, "but he has this...this superior way about him. It feels so … so ...." .

"Stifling?" Jenny suggested, a twinkle in her eye.

Riftan laughed, then winced, clutching his ribs. "Exactly!"

"Easy there," Nurse Jenny said, handing him the bowl of vegetable soup. "Here, eat this. It'll do you good."

"Does the hospital cafeteria only make one kind of soup?" Riftan complained. "I've had this every day."

"Now, now, stop complaining," Jenny said gently. "It's healthy. "Now, you can manage this on your own, right? Or do I need to call Hebaron to do the airplane spoon thing again?" She chuckled making Riftan shudder.

"Please, no. I still have nightmares.” Riftan retorted, remembering a particularly embarrassing moment when his friends had visited. Nurse Jenny had insisted that his friend Hebaron feed him, and Hebaron had teased him mercilessly, mimicking a delicate, feminine voice. ‘Is the soup too hot, darling? Shall I blow on it for you?’

Riftan effortlessly ate his soup with his left hand, his attention fixed on the news playing on his tablet. Suddenly, a video call from his parents popped up.

He accepted, and their faces filled the screen. "Hi, Mom," he greeted. "Hi, honey," Isabelle replied, her voice laced with concern. "Are you feeling alright?"

Riftan chuckled inwardly, remembering the struggle to convince his parents to leave the hospital that morning. "I'm fine, Mom. You know I'm not a baby anymore. I can handle a few hours without you."

"The last time you said that, we had to pick you up from a college party because you were throwing up everywhere," Evan interjected, laughter in his voice.

Riftan groaned. "Dad, must you remind me of that every single time?"

"Are you still embarrassed that the pretty girl had to take care of you before we arrived?" Evan teased.Riftan's ears flushed pink, eliciting more laughter from his parents.

"Well," Isabelle chimed in, "I still remember that sweet girl. Such a kind and mature young woman to take care of a drunken fool instead of enjoying the party."

"Can we please just drop this?" Riftan pleaded, his voice strained. "Alright, alright," his parents said in unison, chuckling.

All of a sudden Evan's tone turned serious. "I spoke to the first responders, and they gave me the name of the girl who saved you that night, Riftan." At the mention of Maxi's name, Riftan's eyes lit up. He listened intently.

"Her name is Maximillian Girtha, and she lives at 12 Willow Creek Lane, Meadowbrook," Isabelle continued. "We've spoken to her mother, and we're going to meet her to thank her for saving you."

They're going to meet Maxi without me? Riftan thought, his heart sinking. "Mom, Dad, can I come too?" he blurted out, his voice slightly higher than usual.

Evan raised an eyebrow. "Son, are you forgetting your current situation? You haven't been discharged yet. How do you plan to come with us?"

Riftan's mind raced, searching for an excuse. "But… Snake eyes said I could leave in about three days!"

"Riftan, dear, we can't delay any longer," Isabelle said gently. "That kind girl saved you, and the least we can do is thank her. We've already spoken to her mother and we’re going this evening. We were about to go buy some gifts for her."

Riftan opened his mouth to protest, but words failed him. Just my luck. I finally have a chance to meet Maxi, and I'm stuck in this stupid hospital bed!!

"Do you have any suggestions for what we should bring her?" Isabelle asked.
"How should I know, Mom? Just get something girls like—clothes, cosmetics, something," Riftan replied, his voice laced with frustration for losing the chance to meet Maxi.

"Stupid boy," Isabelle sighed, "I can’t gift such things without knowing her size, taste, and for makeup, I’d need her foundation shade, lipstick color preference…" She trailed off, launching into a detailed explanation of cosmetic nuances that left both Riftan and Evan utterly bewildered.

"Darling, darling, calm down," Evan said, trying to soothe his wife. "Take a deep breath."

"Then how about flowers and chocolates, Mom?" Riftan suggested, attempting to steer the conversation back to sanity. He paused, a memory surfacing. He recalled Maxi always ordering cheesecakes at “The Honeycomb Cafe.”

He thought back to how she'd eat huge meals, big enough for two people of her size, while laughing with her friend. He remembered how she'd take really big bites, and her cheeks would puff out as she chewed.

She ate like a tiny, determined hamster, he thought, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

"Mom, also get a cheesecake from The Honeycomb Cafe. I’m sure she’ll love it. And instead of buying random things, why don’t you give her a gift card to that fancy boutique you shop at?"

"Oh, my baby is a genius! I knew you took after me," Isabelle exclaimed, making Evan chuckle.

They chatted for a few more minutes, finalizing the gift arrangements, and then Riftan's parents hung up to prepare for their visit.

Riftan sank back into his pillows, a wave of frustration washing over him. He cursed Dr. Leon's name under his breath, wishing for a miraculous discharge. Lost in his self-pity, he heard a boisterous commotion echoing from the hallway.

He recognized that booming voice that was flirting with the nurses outside in the hallway. He counted to three, and, as predicted, his motley crew of friends barged into his room.

Hebaron, the robust, orange-haired fellow, greeted his friend, “Yo, bro, how are you faring?” Before Riftan could respond, his other companions entered in Hebaron's wake. Riftan's friends, though possessing diametrically opposed personalities, were united by an unwavering loyalty.

Riftan smiled at them before sighing, “I was actually in a good mood until this bonehead showed up” he said, while pointing to Hebaron.

Hebaron, who's in the middle of plopping down on the sofa, clutches his right side, all dramatic. “Ouch, it hurts, you heartless human!” he groans.

Elliot, who's sitting by the window, in this little chair, he just laughs and goes, “Stupid heart is on the left side, not right.” So, Hebaron switches his hand to his left side, and he says, like he’s serious, “I was just checking your IQ” making everyone laugh.

Riftan, shifted slightly, a faint wince crossing his face. "How's the gym doing, Hebaron?" he asked. Hebaron, his large frame comfortably settled on the small sofa grinned, his broad shoulders filling the space. "Thriving, Riftan! Absolutely thriving. 'Ironclad’ is packing them in. So many new memberships, if this keeps up, we'll be the best gym in Anatol, no question."

Riftan managed a small smile. "Good for you, Hebaron. You've put in the work." He shifted his gaze, landing on Ursuline, who sat slumped in a chair closer to the bed, his usual boisterous energy noticeably absent. "And you, Ursuline? How are things?"

Before Ursuline could answer, Elliot, seated quietly by the window, peeled an apple with a small, sharp knife, offering slices to Gabel, who leaned against the wall, his eyes fixed on the view outside. The scent of fresh apples filled the sterile hospital room.
Ursuline let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his blond hair. "Jessica got married."
Riftan's eyebrows shot up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "What? Married? I thought you two were on a break."

"That's what we decided a month ago," Ursuline said, his voice laced with bitterness. "And now I'm seeing her wedding photos on Instagram. Not to mention, she married that good-for-nothing Jared Wilson."

"Who's Jared?" Gabel asked, taking a slice of apple from Elliot.

Ursuline's expression soured. "He's her father's employee. From what I hear, he's been trying to charm her for months, and he's a major male gold digger."

Riftan chuckled, a low rumble in his chest, though it was slightly strained due to his injuries. "At least you're saved from that screaming maniac of a girl." He shifted slightly in the bed, finding a more comfortable position. The movement caused a slight wince. "Though, I suppose it's still a blow.”

Ursuline scoffed, "I dated her because my father told me to. I didn't even like her."
Gabel laughed, "He's just down because he heard an earful from his daddy dearest." Ursuline glared, but remained silent.

Elliot, ever the voice of wisdom, spoke, "It's a good thing you two didn't get married in the first place, if you weren't sure about her." Ursuline nodded.

Riftan said, "Don't worry, bro. Your father's just worried because the Millers are his huge clients. I'm sure he'll understand."

Hebaron, who was scrolling through his phone, suddenly erupted in hysterical laughter, making everyone look at him. "Guys... you gotta see this," he said between fits of laughter. He stood up and held his phone out. “ I think Ursuline’s father does not have to worry about losing clients.”

It was a video of Jared sneezing violently, as if suffering an allergic attack, while Jessica tried to calm her parents. Mr. Miller was holding Jared by his collar, screaming, "You rascal, you married my only daughter!" He turned to Jessica, saying, "I'm not going to give you a single penny, you ungrateful brat! I'd rather donate my entire fortune!"

Everyone was too astonished to speak, but Gabel was the first to laugh, chuckling, "Karma's a bitch," making everyone else join in. Riftan laughed a little, still wary of his ribs, but then felt a pang of guilt, thinking that a wedding was a very special day, ruined for Jessica, even if by her own foolishness.

Suddenly, they heard footsteps approaching rapidly from the hallway. Someone was running straight towards them. Then Ruth burst through the door, heaving, a clipboard clutched to his chest, his other hand on his hips.

Hebaron said, "That's why I tell you to join my gym, you weakling. A few seconds of running and you're like an old man on his deathbed." Ruth glared at him before saying, "Riff... Riftan... nurse... here... interview," he huffed out.

"Whoa, whoa, Ruth, just calm down first," Riftan said. After a solid minute, Ruth regained his composure and practically screamed, "Maxi is here to give an interview for the nurse's post here!"

As expected, the moment he heard Maxi's name, Riftan's brain went haywire, and a barrage of questions erupted. "What?! Maxi's here?! Like, right now?! Ruth, if this is some kind of a prank, then I swear I'll rip you—"

"She's really here! I just saw her taking the elevator." His friends just stared, shocked, at their interaction, not uttering a single word.

"Maxi, as in Maximillian Croix? Our Riffy boy's first crush!" Hebaron exclaimed, breaking the initial stunned silence. Ruth offered a silent nod in confirmation.

Elliot, with a thoughtful expression, added, "The girl with the curly crimson hair, who always seemed to be... encountering gravity more often than others." Ruth nodded again.

Gabel, as if needing absolute clarity, chimed in, "The cute little redhead who used to blush like a peach and—" He abruptly stopped mid-sentence, catching the murderous glint in Riftan's eyes as Riftan's head snapped in his direction. Gabel, raising his hands defensively, stammered, "I was just... confirming, that's all. I know she's your girl," and gave an awkward laugh.

Hebaron, after a moment of unusual quiet, suddenly declared, "This is your chance, you doofus! You have to make a move before she's gone again!" Riftan stared at him, dumbfounded, as if Hebaron had sprouted horns.

Hebaron turned to Ruth, commanding, "You, call her here, by any means necessary, so Riftan can talk to her and make a good impression." Ruth opened his mouth to protest, "How am I supposed to do that?"

Gabel, regaining his composure, offered, "I have an idea." But amidst the chaos, Riftan's mind was a whirlwind.

Call her here? Maxi here? How do I talk to her? What do I even say? Should I thank her for saving me? Of course, you oaf.

Then, touching his cheek, he thought, But first, I need to shave!

He turned to Elliot, "Hey Elliot, can you please help me shave, brother? I really need to." Elliot nodded, "Of course."

Then, Ursuline, out of the blue, instructed Ruth, "Why don't you attach a heart monitor to him?" He pointed at Riftan.

Ruth looked bewildered, "Why would I do that? He's completely fine." Ursuline slapped his forehead, "That way, she'll be more empathetic if she thinks he's seriously injured." Riftan, picturing Maxi being worried for him, found the idea oddly comforting.

Ruth scoffed, "She's a trained nurse; she'll know in a second that it's—" Hebaron interrupted, "It's a good idea! Ruth, just do as he says!" Ruth sighed, "Fine."

Seeing Riftan's growing panic, Ruth added, "Calm down, man. She just went up to the meeting room for her interview. It'll take at least half an hour." Riftan nodded.

"Come on, guys, get to work! We need to ensure our friend succeeds in winning over his love!" Hebaron declared, setting everyone into motion.

Thank goodness that went well, Maxi thought, emerging from the meeting room. She'd been offered the job, starting tomorrow, and was told to collect her uniform before leaving.

So, she sat near the reception, scrolling through her favorite romance novel. Suddenly, a tap on her shoulder startled her. She turned to see Ruth and Gabel, their presence making her face pale as if she'd seen a ghost.

"Hey, Maxi! How are you? Do you remember me? I'm Gabel! I used to date your classmate, Ava!"

Maxi cleared her throat, her voice timid. "Of course, I remember you, Gabel. Who wouldn't?" Then, she noticed Ruth standing beside him, his eyes underscored by his ever-present dark circles. Do they ever leave his eyes? she wondered. "Hi, Ruth."

"Hi, Maxi! When did you return to Anatol? I thought you'd moved away?"

"Oh, yes, I did, after college," Maxi replied. Thinking about the reasons for her departure and return, her mood began to dip. Sensing this, Gabel asked, "What are you doing here, by the way? Did you come to meet someone?"

"Oh, no, no. I actually came for a job interview," Maxi answered.

"And how did it go? All good, I hope?" Ruth inquired."Yes, yes, it went amazingly! They even said I can start tomorrow. I was just waiting here to collect my uniform."

"Congratulations, Maxi!" Gabel said, a sly smile playing on his lips. "We can't thank you enough for saving Riftan, Maxi! In fact, we were here to visit him today. He said if it wasn't for you, he wouldn't have made it."
Maxi's cheeks flushed crimson. "Oh, no, no. I just called 911. They saved him."

"Ah, so humble," Gabel smiled. "You should come with us to visit him. I'm sure he'd love it."

He would? Maxi thought. "Oh, I don't want to cause any trouble, to be honest," she hesitated, the thought of meeting Riftan making her incredibly nervous.

What would I say in front of him? Of course, you stupid girl, you'll first ask how he's feeling, and then... and then what?! You can't even talk to people normally, how are you going to talk to the love of your life?! Maxi internally screamed.

"What nonsense! You're no trouble, Maxi. Plus, you said you have to wait for your uniform, so instead of sitting here, why don't you come with us?"

Maxi was practically ushered by Ruth towards the elevator. Gabel said, "I'll join you guys in a sec; I have to take an urgent call." Ruth nodded, a sly smile on his lips.

Am I really doing this? I'm going to meet Riftan! I'm so excited, but nervous at the same time. I know I shouldn't meet him right now, but I'm going to work here, so I'm going to cross paths with him anyway. Why not have a chance to talk and know the real him while I still can? It's a bonus that I wore my pretty green top today!

As they entered the elevator, Maxi began to fix her hair, glancing into the elevator mirror, and discreetly reapplied her lip gloss when Ruth wasn't looking.

The elevator doors dinged, and Maxi thought, Here I go.

Chapter Text

Elliot's voice was a soothing balm against Riftan's frantic energy. "It's alright, Riftan. Just breathe. She's just a girl... a girl you like, a girl you need to talk to. That's all there is to it."

Riftan ran a hand roughly through his hair, his jaw tight. "I know, Elliot, but my heart... it won't listen. What if I say something utterly stupid? What if I completely ruin this?"

Ursuline, ever the pragmatist, let out a dry guffaw. "You negotiate with people twice your age in boardroom meetings, always have the upper hand in deals that take weeks to craft, and you're telling me you're terrified to speak to a girl who barely clears five feet one inch?"

Riftan shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel. "You'll understand when you're the one standing here, Ursuline. When your entire world hinges on a single conversation."

Just then, the insistent trill of Elliot's phone sliced through the tense atmosphere. He answered, his tone shifting to one of calm efficiency. "Gabel? Yes, go ahead... Okay, okay... Hmm, alright. We've got this." He snapped the phone shut.

Riftan, his anxiety a palpable thing in the room, rounded on Elliot. "What? What did she say? Is she coming? Did she... did she say no?" His voice was a tight knot of desperation.

Hebaron, who was wrestling with a tangle of wires connected to a heart monitor, swore under his breath. "Jesus Christ, Riftan, calm down, will you!!? I swear, your anxiety is radiating off you in waves. I can feel my own pulse quickening."

Elliot offered a small, reassuring smile. "They'll be here in about five minutes."

A visible tremor ran through Riftan. He closed his eyes, taking a deep, shuddering breath. Riftan, this is it. Your chance. Your only chance. Don't be an idiot. Please, for the love of all that is holy, don't ruin this.  

He kept going over the words in his head, hoping he wouldn’t mess them up when he finally saw her.

Hebaron, meanwhile, was muttering to himself, his brow furrowed in concentration as he poked and prodded the medical device. "Dear Lord in heaven, how in the blazes does this blasted thing work?" he grumbled, mentally cursing Ruth. Why didn’t that stupid pig attach this himself? Or let a nurse do it? He was half-convinced Ruth had handed him a defective heart monitor just to mess with him.

The next few moments seemed to blur, time accelerating as anticipation thickened the air. The door creaked open, and Ruth stepped aside. Riftan stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat.

And then, Maxi was there.

Her entrance seemed to steal the very air from the room. Her eyes, wide and luminous, went directly to Riftan, a magnetic pull drawing them together. Their gazes locked, and in that instant, the world outside the small room ceased to exist. The only reality was the connection between them, the unspoken history and the fragile hope of a future. It was a chance, a precious second opportunity granted by some unseen hand.

Riftan's eyes held a raw vulnerability, a hopeful daze as he drank in the sight of her. She didn't know that she was a constant presence in his thoughts, a silent melody playing beneath the surface of his every action.

Maxi's gaze held a profound relief, tinged with a nervous excitement. Riftan looked… better. Not ashen and broken as he had been the last time she saw him. Her heart fluttered in her chest, a frantic bird trapped in a cage.

It didn't matter if he ever truly understood the depth of her feelings, the unwavering devotion that bloomed in her soul. Just seeing him alive, breathing, a flicker of his old strength returning – that, she had always told herself, was enough.

They were suspended in their own perfect, fragile bubble, oblivious to the anxious energy of their friends, uncaring of the mundane world outside. But fate, it seemed, had a less romantic interruption in store.

With a triumphant grunt, Hebaron finally managed to jam a plug into a socket. The sudden, piercing beep… beep… beep… beep… beep… of the heart monitor shrieked through the room, making Maxi jump so violently she nearly stumbled.

Elliot reacted instantly, delivering a sharp kick to Hebaron's shin. He yelped and instantly unplugged the monitor, silencing the wild beeping.

Ruth groaned, slapping a hand against his forehead in exasperation.Ursuline, on the other hand, threw back his head and roared with laughter at the sheer absurdity of the moment.

Color finally flooded back into Riftan's face, his cheeks and the tips of his ears turning a furious red. He abruptly broke eye contact with Maxi, his gaze darting anywhere but at her, a wave of mortification washing over him.

Maxi couldn’t help but let out a giggle—light and airy, her laughter like a bell chiming away the last bits of tension in the room. Riftan’s face, a fiery red, seemed to instantly relax everyone. All the boys burst out laughing, their earlier worry dissolving into easy amusement. 

Riftan, inside, was practically doing a happy dance. Oh God! How can someone be so cute! he thought, his heart doing a frantic little jig in his chest.

The nervous energy that had been buzzing around Maxi completely left her. How can a six-foot-tall guy look so adorable while blushing? she wondered, a soft smile blooming on her face. “Hi Riftan, how are you?” she said, her voice small but full of warmth, offering a tiny wave.

It took Riftan a moment to catch up. He was completely lost in her eyes, caught in a blissful daze. “He… hello Maxi… I mean, Maximillian,” he stammered, feeling a thrill run through him. He absolutely loved the way his name sounded on Maxi’s lips, like a melody. Maxi, in turn, felt a blush creep up her own neck. His voice is so deep and husky, she thought, loving how her own name sounded when he spoke it.

“Oh, you can call me Maxi, it’s okay, no need for all those formalities,” she told him, making a small, dismissive hand gesture as she tried to sound casual. Riftan’s smile widened a little. “Okay, Maxi.”

It was at that moment that Maxi seemed to truly register the other men in the room – Riftan’s friends. She gave them a timid wave. Hebaron, the big, friendly giant, was the first to speak. “Hey Maxi, how you doin’?! I hope you didn’t forget me,” he said, ending with a playful wink in her direction. 

Maxi’s cheeks went red again. Riftan frowned, a childish sulkiness creeping into his thoughts. I should be the only one allowed to do that, he grumbled internally.

Maxi let out a light, bubbling laugh. “Of course, I remember you, Hebaron! I remember all of you! You were the star rugby players of our college!” She glanced at Elliot and Ursuline, giving them a silent nod, as if to prove to Hebaron that she really did remember them all. Elliot, ever the gentleman, offered Maxi a chair, pulling it very, very close to Riftan’s bed. “Here Maxi, have a seat,” he said. Maxi thanked him, grateful for the thought. Ursuline simply nodded and offered quiet greetings. Meanwhile, Riftan was still staring at Maxi, looking utterly lost, like a puppy who’d just found its favorite person.

Maxi thought, This is new. I’m not usually so comfortable around so many people. Her eyes, as if drawn by an invisible thread, went straight back to Riftan. All the clever lines she had practiced in her head to talk to him vanished. They were just looking at each other again, completely at a loss for words, not knowing what to say next.

Just then, the door creaked open again and Gabel stepped in. “Hey guys, would you like some coffee?” he asked. Everyone in the room immediately reacted. “Yes, please!” they all chimed in. Maxi, however, quietly denied. Riftan, without thinking, turned to Gabel. “Please bring hot chocolate for me and Maxi.” The words were out before he could stop them. He saw Maxi’s eyes widen a little, and he instantly regretted it. 

Should have asked her first if she still liked hot chocolate, he mentally scolded himself.

Coming out of her slight daze, Maxi stammered, “Well, ah, I would like that,” running her hands through her curly red locks as if to untangle them. Gabel smiled, a knowing look on his face, and took Ursuline and Hebaron with him. After the three of them left, Elliot and Ruth also excused themselves, leaving Riftan and Maxi finally alone.

Maxi looked at Riftan, her curiosity piqued. “How… how did you know that I don’t like coffee?” she asked, her voice soft. Riftan smiled a little, a hint of shyness in his eyes, as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Ahh, I never saw you drink coffee at the café back in college. You… you always used to order hot chocolate.”

Maxi was taken aback. She was genuinely shocked that he would remember something so trivial, that he would remember her . She recovered quickly, a small laugh bubbling up to lighten the mood. “You have a really good memory, Riftan.”

Riftan’s smile turned crooked, a charming, lopsided grin. “I should at least make sure that my guardian angel gets her favorite drink now, shouldn’t I?” he said, loving the way she blushed yet again. 

She blushes so easily, he thought, a warmth spreading through him.

Before she could reply, Riftan continued, his voice dropping slightly, filled with a raw sincerity. “No words in this world can convey how grateful I am to you, Maxi. Thank you, thank you for saving me. If it weren’t for you, I… I would have…” He trailed off, his gaze becoming distant, remembering the storm. “I mean, you could have just left me there and saved yourself the trouble in that freaking storm and…”

Before he could finish the sentence, Maxi gently placed her hand on his, as if to stop him from saying what she thought he was about to say. “Please don’t,” she whispered, a sudden, almost fearful look in her eyes. Riftan was taken aback by her expression. He thought, Maybe she was also very scared that night. Of course she would be. He didn’t dwell on it much, consumed by the overwhelming feeling of her hand on his.

Maxi, as if trying to steer the conversation away, quickly said, “You don’t need to thank me, Riftan. I could never have just walked away and left you there alone. I wouldn’t—couldn’t.” Her voice trembled slightly as she looked into his eyes, brimming with compassion, her hand gently rubbing the back of his. Feeling the unexpected warmth of Riftan’s hand, Maxi looked down and instantly snatched her hand away as if burned. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

“It’s alright, Maxi,” Riftan said, his voice a little hoarse. His hand was still burning with the warmth where Maxi had touched him, and he had a sudden, overwhelming urge to bring it to his cheek, to savor the lingering sensation. But he refrained, not wanting Maxi to think he was some kind of creep.

Maxi bit her lip, her heart still thrumming from the contact. "So," she began, her voice a little shaky, "how are you really feeling? I mean, besides being able to order hot chocolate." She attempted a small, teasing smile, hoping to diffuse the lingering intensity.

Riftan, still acutely aware of the spot where her hand had rested, managed a weak chuckle. "Better, much better, thanks to you." He shifted slightly, trying to get more comfortable in the hospital bed. "Doctor says I'll be out of here in a few days. Just some bruising and a minor concussion." He paused, his gaze searching hers. "It was... a bad crash, Maxi. The car was a write-off. I still can't believe I walked away from it."

Maxi's smile faltered. She remembered the twisted metal, the smell of gasoline, the icy rain. "I know," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "When I found you... I thought..." She trailed off, unable to articulate the fear that had gripped her. A shiver ran down her spine at the memory.

Riftan saw the shadow in her eyes. "You were amazing, Maxi," he said, his voice soft, almost reverent. "You didn't hesitate. You were just... there. And you called 911 in that storm. Most people would have just driven by." He reached out slowly, his fingers brushing against the edge of the blanket near her hand, a silent question in the gesture.

He hesitated, then added quietly, "Ruth told me you stayed the whole time… even while I was in surgery." His eyes searched hers, full of something unspoken. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Maxi looked at his hand, then back at his earnest face. She saw the genuine gratitude there, and something else, something she couldn't quite name but felt deep within her own chest. "Anyone would have done the same," she said.

"No, Maxi," Riftan countered, his voice firm. "Not everyone. And I'm not just saying that. You saved my life. I owe you everything." He shifted again, trying to push himself up slightly, a faint wince crossing his face.

Maxi leaned forward slightly, concern etching her features. "Careful," she cautioned, her voice gentle. "Don't overdo it. You're still recovering." She wanted to reach out, to steady him, but hesitated, remembering the earlier accidental touch and the rush of heat it had caused.

A comfortable silence settled between them. It wasn’t awkward, but something unspoken lingered in the air. Maxi shifted in her seat, her fingers fidgeting in her lap as she started biting her lower lip without realizing it. A nervous energy bubbled inside her, and she felt the strong need to say something—anything—to break the stillness.

She wanted to keep the connection between them alive, to reach across the space that had quietly formed. More than anything, she wanted to keep talking to him, to hear his beautiful voice just a little longer. But the words wouldn’t come. Her thoughts were all tangled, and her mind had gone frustratingly blank.

Riftan, observing her anxious habit, felt an instinctive tug of concern. Without conscious thought, his hand reached out, his fingers gently touching her chin, halting her self-inflicted torment. "Stop it," he murmured, his voice soft yet firm. "You're going to hurt yourself."

The moment hung suspended, charged with an unexpected intimacy. Realization dawned on Riftan then, swift and sharp, like a cold splash of water. He recoiled his hand so quickly it was as if he had touched a hot stove. 

Maxi, her cheeks already aflame, found herself looking anywhere but at him, her gaze darting around the polished floor, the distant wall, the empty flower vase on the windowsill.  

Oh god , she thought, a familiar self-consciousness washing over her, I think I am always going to look like a tomato in his presence. Yet, a strange warmth bloomed in her chest. The thought of always blushing if he was the reason behind it… she didn't dislike it at all.

Riftan, sensing the sudden shift in atmosphere, quickly tried to lighten the mood. "What are you doing these days?" he asked, his voice a little too hasty.

Maxi, in the middle of jotting down the sweet moment they’d just shared in her imaginary book of fake scenarios, looked at him and tilted her head slightly, as if to ask, What do you mean by that?

"As in," Riftan clarified, a small, awkward smile playing on his lips, "where do you work?"

A bright, almost incandescent smile spread across Maxi's face. "Well," she began, her eyes sparkling, "I was unemployed about two hours ago. But I had an interview today, right here, just before meeting you, and I cracked it!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Riftan found himself smiling back, genuinely pleased. "They said I can start tomorrow!"

"Well, that's wonderful!" Riftan congratulated her, his voice warm. "I'm sure you're an amazing nurse!"

He then leaned in conspiratorially, cupping a hand around his mouth as if passing along a top-secret tip. "But be careful while eating in the cafeteria. The food here is like eating rat poison." He delivered this warning with such seriousness, such gravity, that Maxi couldn't help but erupt into a peal of bright, unrestrained laughter. 

It was a laugh that was truly contagious, impossible to hold back, and soon, Riftan was laughing with her, his earlier awkwardness completely forgotten. He looked at her, truly looked at her, and a silent thought bloomed in his mind: If only he could click a picture of her right now, so he could always look at this smiling, cute angel.

Just outside the room, a bunch of curious people had gathered. Hebaron, leaning casually against Gabel's head, who in turn was crouched down to peer through the small glass pane, tried to maintain an air of discretion. Elliot, Ruth, and Ursuline were sprawled against the opposite wall, all five acting as a self-appointed intervention team, ready to swoop in should the conversation between Riftan and Maxi descend into awkward silence.

Hebaron, witnessing the scene unfolding within – Riftan and Maxi laughing like blissful maniacs – couldn't help but smile, a soft, proud expression creasing his face. "Didn't know he had it in him," he whispered to the others, feeling like a proud dad showing off his kid’s messy finger painting. A chorus of chuckles rippled through the group.

"What are you all doing standing here?" A deep, resonant voice rang through the silent hallway. All five pairs of eyes snapped towards Evan Calypse, who stood before them, one eyebrow arched in an expression of amused suspicion. Knowing full well that, with the exception of Elliot, these were Grade A troublemakers, Evan's curiosity was piqued.

"Nothing, Uncle! Absolutely nothing!" Ursuline replied hastily, practically tripping over his own words.

"Oh dear, why are you still standing here? Let us go in!" Isabelle's cheerful voice cut through the tension as she approached them. "Oh, hi, boys!" she greeted them, her gaze already drifting towards the door. Before any of them could utter a word of protest or attempt to block her, the formidable Lady Boss simply nudged Gabel aside, pushed open the door, and swept inside.

What she saw made her take an involuntary step back. Her son, Riftan, was laughing, truly laughing, with a girl . Evan, who had followed close behind, looked past his wife and saw the young woman sitting opposite his son. A slow realization dawned on him, explaining why those baboons had been standing guard at the door. 

The girl, caught in the sudden glare of attention, looked like a deer caught in headlights, her eyes wide and startled, while Riftan simply smiled, a relaxed, unburdened smile. It shouldn't have shocked them, perhaps, but knowing their son, who typically avoided female attention like the plague, made them more than a little curious as to who this beautiful girl truly was.

Chapter Text

Evan's face held a sly smile as he watched Riftan and Maxi, a thought buzzing in his mind. I've seen this girl before. Next to him, Isabelle's eyebrow went up as she looked at them. Her voice, sweet and gentle, broke the quiet. 

"Hi honey," she began, her eyes still on Maxi, "I hope we're not interrupting anything." The question made Maxi quickly look down at her lap, her cheeks turning a soft pink.

Just then, the room started to fill. Hebaron, Gabel, Ursuline, and Elliot came in one by one. Hebaron glanced at Riftan, giving him a look that said, "I tried to stop them from coming." But Riftan didn't care. Actually, he was happy. He could finally introduce Maxi to his parents. 

He looked at Maxi, who seemed very small and scared, like a little mouse caught under a cat's paw.

Riftan spoke, his voice calm and certain, but his eyes were fixed on Maxi with a quiet admiration that softened every word. "Mom, Dad, this is Maxi—Maximilian," he said, like her name alone was something precious. He didn’t look away, as if introducing her was a moment he'd been waiting for.

"She's the girl you were going to meet tonight for dinner," he said, his eyes fixed only on Maxi, his voice wrapped in quiet admiration.

On hearing this, Isabelle passed her purse to Evan, already moving toward Maxi with eager steps.

Maxi felt a sudden rush of shyness flood her. Oh no. Not now, Anxiety. We talked about this. We had a deal! she screamed internally, her thoughts spiraling like a tornado in a teacup. She quickly stood up, discreetly wiping her clammy hands on her pants, and extended one toward Isabelle.

In a soft, almost sheepish voice, she said, "It’s a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Calypse."

Isabelle glanced briefly at Maxi’s outstretched hand, then up at her nervous, uncertain face—and without hesitation, pulled her into a warm, enveloping hug. "Thank you," she whispered, holding Maxi tightly. "Thank you so much, sweetheart… for bringing my boy back to me. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you."

Riftan watched them, his heart full, a soft smile tugging at his lips as if the universe had finally given him everything he’d ever wanted. My two favorite women… finally in the same place, finally together, he thought, the words echoing in his chest like a quiet vow.

Meanwhile, Maxi—caught somewhere between surprise and flustered affection—awkwardly patted Isabelle’s back, her voice gentle. “It’s okay, Mrs. Calypse… really.”

Suddenly, Isabelle pulled back, gripping Maxi by the shoulders like she’d just discovered her long-lost daughter. Her eyes sparkled with dramatic warmth as she declared, “No, no, call me Aunt Isa!”

Maxi blinked, wide-eyed, like a deer caught in a very affectionate headlight. “…Okay,” she squeaked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Evan let out a chuckle, shaking his head. “Calm down, dear. You’re scaring the poor girl.”

The boys burst into laughter, and Gabel added with a grin, “Yup, that’s just Aunt Isa for you—comes in like a hug tornado.”

"Mom, weren't you both supposed to be getting ready for dinner?" Riftan asked, looking at his mother.

Maxi snapped out of her daze. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" she blurted out, rushing to explain. "I was the one who canceled at the last minute because the interview came out of nowhere, and I didn't know when it would end. I didn't want to keep you guys waiting and—"

Riftan sensed Maxi growing tense beside him.  After a moment’s hesitation, he reached out and gently took her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in quiet reassurance.

“Relax,” he said softly, his voice meant just for her. “It’s okay. They don’t mind.”

Maxi glanced down at their intertwined hands, then up at Riftan. She gave him a soft, grateful smile and nodded gently.

Evan’s smile deepened as he watched his son gently soothe Maxi—just as he often did with his wife whenever her excitement got the better of her. Settling comfortably onto the sofa, he said, “Yes, Maximillian, it’s quite alright. Your interview was more important. I hope it went well?”

"Oh, yes, Mr. Calypse, it went great!" Maxi beamed. "They said I can start tomorrow." Evan looked at her warmly. "The CEO of this hospital is a close friend of mine, so if you ever have any problems with your job in the future, I'm just a call away."

Maxi offered a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Mr. Calypse. I'll keep that in mind."

A comfortable conversation then flowed easily between them all. Before long, the boys said their goodbyes and left.

Maxi glanced briefly at her wristwatch, then looked over at Riftan and said, “I should probably head out now. It was truly a pleasure meeting you both, Mr. and Mrs. Calypse. And please, get well soon, Riftan.”

At Maxi’s words, Riftan felt a sudden pang of panic. He didn’t want her to leave—not yet. 

Sensing his hesitation, Isabelle gently took Maxi’s hands in hers and said, “Already? But dear, we just got to know each other.”

Maxi gave a small, apologetic smile. “I’d love to stay, really, but I have to go pick my mom up from work.”

Isabelle clearly didn’t want to let go of the only girl her son had ever shown interest in. She raised her eyebrows, determined. “Fine,” she said firmly, “but you and your mom are coming to our house for dinner next weekend. No excuses. It’s final.”

Maxi couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “Of course,” she said with a nod. Then she turned to look at Riftan.

He shook his head with a half-smile and said, “No one can say no to the lady boss.”

Evan chuckled quietly at that.

Just then, the door of the room swung open. A tall man dressed in a black suit, black tie, and white shirt—clearly a bodyguard—stepped inside. He wore dark sunglasses and carried several large shopping bags in both hands.

“Oh, Brandon, please put those on the table over there,” Isabelle said with a casual wave of her hand.

The man, Brandon, gave a respectful nod, then glanced at Riftan. “How are you feeling, boss?” he asked in a deep, calm voice.

“I’m fine,” Riftan replied with a shrug. 

Isabelle turned to Maxi with a glint in her eye and said in a mock-serious tone, “Now listen, dear—as you’ve already seen, I’m the boss around here, and everyone follows the boss’s orders. That means you don’t get to say no to these little gifts I picked out for you.”

She gestured toward the shopping bags Brandon had just set down.  “They’re nothing fancy—just a couple of handbags, some skincare goodies, a spa voucher, and a gift card to my favorite boutique—for you and your mom.” Maxi blinked, startled. “Oh—but I really can’t—” she began, clearly overwhelmed.

Before she could finish, Riftan gently cut in, his voice low and warm. “Please, Maxi. They're for you. It’s the least we can do. Don’t say no, hmm?”

Something about the way he said please , his deep voice wrapping around the word, made Maxi’s heart flutter. She looked at him, at the bags, and then back again—then finally gave a small nod. “Okay… thank you.” Hesitantly, she took the bags from Brandon.

“I should really be going now,” Maxi said, shifting the bags in her hands. She shook Evan’s hand, gave Isabelle a warm hug, and then turned to Riftan with a small wave.

He smiled softly at her and met her gaze. “I hope to see you again soon, Maxi.”

“Likewise, Riftan,” she replied. They simply stared at each other, eyes locked, the rest of the world fading away—until Evan loudly cleared his throat. Both of them flinched slightly and looked away, flustered.

“Oh! Before I forget,” Riftan said quickly, “I hope you don’t mind..… could I get your Instagram?”

“Oh! Sure, sure—it’s @MaxiPaws,” she replied, a little breathlessly.

Riftan immediately pulled out his phone, found her profile, and sent a request. Maxi accepted it on the spot. Then, glancing at her wristwatch, she gasped softly. “I really have to go now!”

She waved hurriedly and turned toward the door—but made the unfortunate mistake of glancing back at Riftan one last time.

Bad idea.

With a soft thud, she walked straight into the wall next to the doorway.

“Maxi! Are you alright?!” Riftan exclaimed, instantly getting out of bed and reaching her in three long strides.

Isabelle was beside her in a flash too. Maxi, clutching her forehead with one hand and her pride with the other, looked up at Riftan just as he gently tilted her chin to inspect the bump.

His fingers gingerly brushed against the small swelling forming there, and he looked at her with such deep concern beaming from his eyes that it took her aback. For a moment, she could do nothing but stare at him with wide, startled eyes.

“Please look where you’re going,” he murmured, his voice low and soft. Flustered, Maxi gave him a sheepish nod. Then Evan’s voice cut in gently, “Are you sure you’re alright, Maxi?”

She blinked, quickly snapping out of it, and nodded hastily. “Yes, yes, I’m fine,” she muttered. Bending down, she scooped up the bags she had dropped, gave a quick little bow, and blurted, “Bye, everyone!” before bolting down the hallway at full speed.

The room was quiet for a beat. Then Evan and Isabelle looked at each other… and burst into laughter.

“Well,” Evan chuckled, “looks like we’re finally getting a daughter-in-law.”

Riftan, still standing by the door with a stunned, half-amused look on his face, glanced back at them, shook his head, and muttered under his breath:

“I fucking hope so.”

Arian nudged Sidina, who was deeply engrossed in the shop's monthly accounts. "Look!" she whispered, pointing towards the street. Maxi had just gotten out of her car, practically bouncing as she walked.

Sidina glanced up. "I didn't know she wanted the job that badly," she mused.

Arian's gaze drifted to her daughter, who was outside their flower shop, sniffing the roses displayed in a flower stand.

She leaned closer to Sidina, lowering her voice as if Maxi might hear them through the closed glass door. "It's not about the job, I've never seen her act so silly over getting a job. Something's happened."

They were both practically hanging over the counter now, straining to get a better look at Maxi. They watched as she touched her chin, smiled to herself, then suddenly kicked the ground and punched the air. Arian and Sidina's eyebrows shot up to their hairlines. They looked at each other and whispered in unison, "Something really has happened."

Maxi lightly slapped her forehead, as if she'd forgotten something important. She then darted back to her car in the parking lot and pulled out a stack of large bags from the back seat. Sidina chuckled. "You're real rich, Aunt Ari."

Arian playfully slapped her on the shoulder. "If we were, we wouldn't be using that stupid car of hers." Before Arian could say anything more, Maxi burst through the shop door.

Both Arian and Sidina jumped, quickly trying to look like they hadn't been spying. Arian started vigorously cleaning the counter with a rag, while Sidina pretended to be engrossed in her account reports.

"Hey, look what I got!" Maxi exclaimed excitedly, dumping the bags onto the counter. Arian and Sidina immediately began sifting through them while Maxi pulled a chair from storage and sat near the counter.

"Wow, Maxi!" Sidina cried out, picking up a designer bag. "Where did you get these bags?! They cost more than my apartment's four months' rent!"

"Yes, dear, where did you get these?" Arian asked, genuinely concerned, "And why is there a bump on your forehead?"

Maxi waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, I bumped into a wall," she said casually. "And for your first question, it's a long story."

Intrigued, Sidina leaned forward, a smirk playing on her lips. "We've got all the time, baby girl."

Maxi then launched into her tale. She explained how her job interview went well, and then how she met Gabel and Ruth. She described how they took her to Riftan's room, and how she met his parents and received all the wonderful gifts. She carefully left out the part about bumping into the wall while staring at Riftan.

It took Arian and Sidina a moment to fully process everything. Sidina was the first to break the silence. "So you're telling me you met your dreamy-eyed hottie?" she exclaimed, her voice rising. "And then you met his parents, who gave you all these amazing gifts? And you also mentioned that his mother, the Isabelle Calypse, invited you to dinner at their house! Come on, Maxi, how many more hints do you want, Dummy?"

Sidina went over to Maxi, grabbed her shoulders, and shook her gently, as if to jolt some sense into her. "Don't you dare run away again! Go grab your man! Do. You. Understand. Me?"

Maxi was a little taken aback by her friend's sudden outburst. Meanwhile, Arian watched them, looking as if they had both lost their minds. "Love can't be forced, my darling girls," she said calmly. "If he loves her, he would come find and knock on her door even if she runs away again. So let's not fret on this topic anymore and open these expensive skincare products!"

Sidina immediately let go of Maxi's shoulders and started jumping up and down, eyes gleaming at the gifts. Maxi shook her head at them.

"I didn't even mention Riftan and me even becoming friends, and here you are already making those stupid speech things." Maxi elbowed Sidina, but Sidina just stuck her tongue out in response. "By the way, Sidi, you can have one of these bags and skincare products if you want."

Sidina gasped dramatically, looking at Maxi as if she had just declared the Earth was flat. "Really?" she squealed like a kid in a candy store, then threw her arms around Maxi, making both Arian and Maxi laugh.

Arian chuckled. "After everything you've done for us, this is the least we can do, Sidi."

They continued to talk and laugh while going through all the items. About an hour later, Maxi and Arian arrived home, both too tired to cook. They ordered pizza and decided to watch "Legally Blonde."

Arian looked at her daughter, who was engrossed in the movie, and saw that Maxi was truly happy after a long time. She hoped she would always stay this way.

She didn't ask her questions about what she talked about with Riftan or if they were meeting again, because she knew what he meant to Maxi, what had happened all those years ago, and she didn't want all those horrible things to happen again. After eating, they cleaned up the living room and went to bed.

Maxi flopped onto her bed and giggled to herself, replaying the moments from her day.

But suddenly, she remembered why she had distanced herself from Riftan. The thought was like a cold bucket of water thrown over her. She sat up and screamed into her pillow, then flopped back down. She knew she should stay away from Riftan, for both their sakes.

But every time she tried to even imagine a life without him, the void in her heart kept getting bigger and bigger. But maybe, she thought, I should enjoy whatever time I have with him until he finds the truth.

Her phone beeped, pulling her out of her thoughts. She looked at it: a notification that @Riftan_Calypse had liked her post. Maxi smiled.

I will not let this chance go, Riftan.

Chapter Text

A gentle pitter-patter of rain tapped against the hospital room window, like tiny fingers trying to sneak inside. On any normal day, Riftan would be in his sleek office by now, buried in project files, probably barking at someone over the phone. But instead, here he was—lying flat on a hospital bed, glaring at the bland white ceiling as if it had personally offended him.

His thoughts were a mess, tangled and restless, and his mood was nothing short of sour. If only I could stay here for a few more days, he mused bitterly. Then he scoffed at himself. Three days ago, I was dying to get out of here. And now?

The door creaked open before he could spiral any further. Ruth walked in, clipboard in hand, his usual smile plastered on his face like a sticker that refused to come off.

"Thank God I don’t have to see your face here anymore," Ruth announced dramatically, as if he'd just been freed from a long, torturous prison sentence. But Riftan didn’t even blink, let alone smile.

With an exaggerated sigh, Ruth tossed the clipboard onto the foot of the bed and flopped onto the stool beside him with a thud. He folded his arms and narrowed his eyes.

“What’s with the sour face now?”

Riftan stared at him in dead silence for a full ten seconds before letting out a long, theatrical sigh. “Do I really have to leave so soon?” he groaned. “Can’t you delay my discharge by a few more days? Look—my hand’s not even fully healed!” He dramatically thrust his right hand toward Ruth, as if that alone should buy him at least another week.

Ruth blinked at him, clearly unimpressed. “You must be the first patient on this entire planet who doesn’t want to leave a hospital bed.” He shook his head and added, “And no, I can’t delay your discharge. You know I’m just a resident. Leon would have my head if I pulled a stunt like that.”

Riftan groaned again, louder this time, and buried his face in his uninjured hand. Then he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

“It’s been three days,” he muttered miserably, “three days Ruth and I haven’t seen her. NOT EVEN A SINGLE GLANCE !! I can’t just leave like this!”

Ruth just stared at him for a moment, a bewildered look on his face and then he burst into laughter—loud, carefree, and completely inappropriate for a hospital setting. He clutched his stomach, looking at his friend as if he were the star of a particularly absurd romantic comedy.

It was ridiculous, really. Here was Riftan—CEO, workaholic, polished to the last cufflink—acting like a love-struck teenager who’d just missed the last bus to Prom.

“You dimwit ,” Riftan snapped, glaring at him. “If you’re not going to help me, then get out!”

But Ruth only straightened his white coat with a smirk and said smoothly, “Who said I can’t help you?”

Riftan’s eyes narrowed. His brows arched suspiciously.

Now he was listening.

“Thank you so much for covering for me, Maxi!” Annette chirped, dramatically clasping Maxi’s hand and performing a theatrical little bow.

Maxi snorted softly. “It’s alright, Annette. I can handle this bit—I used to do double shifts all the time at my old workplace.”

It wasn’t ideal. Being assigned night duty for the first few weeks had utterly drowned all her carefully built plans of casually—totally accidentally—bumping into Riftan during the day. And of course, she didn’t want to disturb him during his rest hours. She wasn’t that selfish. Mostly.

“But… will you really be alright?” Annette asked, looking hesitant now. “I wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t urgent—I know you’re tired…”

Maxi waved her hand, brushing off Annette’s worries, and gently nudged her out of the nurses’ station. She was genuinely touched by Annette’s concern—but little did her colleague know, Maxi had an ulterior motive of her own for taking the double shift.

As soon as Annette disappeared down the hallway, Maxi pumped her fist and screamed in her thoughts:

“I can finally meet him during my break!!”

She made a quick beeline for the cafeteria and scarfed down the bland cheese sandwich she’d ordered—barely tasting it, but grateful for the excuse to sit down. As she chewed, she texted her mother:

Won’t be home till 6. Double shift. Ask Sidi to drop you home. Love you <3

The moment she hit send, she was up again, headed for the elevator. Inside, she checked her reflection in her phone screen, subtly fixing her hair, patting down flyaways with the kind of focus usually reserved for medical charts.

The elevator dinged, and her heart did a little flip. She stepped out and walked purposefully toward her destination.

Riftan’s room. 

She was just a few steps away— so close —when a familiar voice called out from behind.

“Heyyy, Maxii!”

Maxi froze. Her shoulders dropped as she closed her eyes and released a dramatic sigh, the kind that said: Why now, universe? Why now?

Turning around slowly, she saw Ludis, grinning and waving.

Maxi mustered a polite smile and gave a little wave in return. “Hey, Ludis. How are you?”

“Perfect timing! I was just about to come looking for you,” Ludis said cheerfully.

“Me?” Maxi blinked, a little confused, trying to figure out why Ludis would need her.

But before she could come to any sort of conclusion, Ludis grabbed her hand with zero hesitation and started marching toward the elevator.

“I’ve got a double shift too,” she chattered brightly, “but it’s not so bad today—because it just so happens to be Emma’s birthday! Her mom brought cupcakes, and she’s throwing a little party for all the kids on the floor and the staff!”

Maxi stumbled slightly, barely keeping pace, utterly helpless as she was dragged down the corridor. Her gaze darted longingly over her shoulder—right back at Riftan’s room, just a few steps away.

So close.

So cruel.

“Ludis, I–I…” she stammered, trying to come up with a reason, an excuse, anything.

Ludis turned back with a smile, eyes twinkling. “Were you going somewhere else?”

Maxi’s mouth opened… but no words came out. After a beat, she simply shook her head, utterly defeated.

“No,” she mumbled.

And with that, she let herself be led away, throwing one last wistful glance at the closed door behind her.

“There you go, little missy,” Maxi said with a grin as she gently placed a paper tiara on Emma’s head.

“Thank you, Nurse Maxi!” the little girl beamed, the gap from her missing front tooth making her smile all the more adorable.

Maxi practically melted. Okay, that’s an illegal level of cuteness.

Even though her plans to visit Riftan had once again been mercilessly foiled, she couldn’t bring herself to mope. Surrounded by cheerful children, party streamers, and a buzz of innocent laughter, her heart felt oddly full.

Shaking off the lingering disappointment, she made her way to the corner where Mrs. Grant—Emma’s mother—was sorting out cupcake boxes.

“Thank you, Mrs. Grant, for all this,” Maxi said, lifting a tray to help her. “It’s really thoughtful.”

“Oh, you’re welcome,” Mrs. Grant said with a soft laugh. “Emma was adamant about celebrating her eighth birthday with all of you. She thinks you’re all fairies, by the way.”

Maxi let out a quiet chuckle. “Really?”

Mrs. Grant smiled and nodded. “Yes. She told me this morning that nurses and doctors must be magical because they make pain go away.”

Then, her smile faltered just slightly. Her eyes drifted to her daughter, who was happily dancing with another little patient. With a sad smile tugging at her lips, she added, “I don’t know how much longer we can continue her treatment… We’ve already sold everything we had, and it’s still not enough. Her insurance reached its limit months ago.”

Maxi felt her heart clench. She’d seen stories like this far too often in her line of work—families breaking under the weight of medical bills—but no matter how many times it happened, she never got used to it.

She reached out and gently patted Mrs. Grant’s shoulder.

“It’ll be alright, Mrs. Grant. Emma’s a strong girl,” she said softly.

Mrs. Grant looked at her with grateful eyes. “Thank you. And… please, call me Amelia.”

“Of course,” Maxi nodded. “Amelia.”

Ruth groaned and turned around to glare at Riftan.  “Can’t you walk a little faster, dude?!”

Riftan, hobbling forward with the help of his crutches, shot him a murderous look.

“I told you to sit in the wheelchair I brought for you,” Ruth continued dramatically. “But no! It seems you’ve taken some kind of sacred oath to never listen to me.”

“Shut it. I’m not some old, sick man who needs to be wheeled around,” Riftan grumbled, ending with a small groan of pain as he shifted his weight to his good leg.

Ruth eyed him up and down—his face still bore faint bruises, his right arm was tightly wrapped in bandages, and his swollen left foot was carefully wrapped in a thick crepe bandage. With a huff, Ruth muttered, “You look like a mango that fell from a tree, rolled down a hill, and got trampled by a bicycle. And you're telling me not to fuss?”

Riftan ignored the jab and limped into the elevator beside him.

“Where exactly are we going?” Riftan asked once they got off.

“Oh, just to Emma’s birthday party. It’s in that room,” Ruth replied nonchalantly, brushing imaginary lint off his white coat and pointing to the door just ahead.

He frowned. “Who’s Emma?”

“She’s my senior’s patient,” Ruth replied, waving his hand casually. “A very close friend of mine. You’ll love her—I’m sure of it.”

Riftan stopped dead in his tracks and gave Ruth a deadly glare. “Ruth, I swear—if you’re trying to set me up with some girl, I’m gonna break your—”

“ Riftan?! What are you doing here?”  A soft, surprised voice cut him off mid-threat.

He turned at once—and felt his brain short-circuit as soon as his eyes landed on her.

There stood Maxi.

All coherent thought evaporated from his brain.

“Hi Maxi!! How are you?” Riftan blurted out, his voice embarrassingly enthusiastic.

“Hey, Maxi! I hope you're enjoying your time working here!” Ruth chimed in cheerfully.

Maxi, however, ignored Ruth completely and focused all her attention on Riftan. Her gaze dropped to his injured foot.

“Riftan! You shouldn’t be walking around like this! Look at your foot—it’s still swollen.”

She shot Ruth a glare. “What kind of doctor are you? You couldn’t even give your friend a wheelchair?”

Ruth threw up his hands defensively. “Hey! It’s not like I forced him to walk—he refused to use it—”

Before he could finish, Maxi was at Riftan’s side, her voice softer now. “Are you alright?”

Riftan was still too stunned by her outburst to form a proper answer, but nodded anyway.
“I’m alright, Maxi. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Her brows furrowed. “How can you expect me not to worry when you’re clearly in pain, Riftan?”

That made him pause. His eyes widened, heart doing a strange stutter in his chest.

Did she just say she was worried about me?

His ears turned a deep shade of red, and to avoid her seeing it, he quickly covered his face with his good hand.

Even though Maxi had already noticed, she didn’t want to embarrass him—so she turned to Ruth, whose presence she now registered. But the thought that she had made Riftan blush sent a fluttery warmth through her stomach.

Trying to sound casual, she asked, “Are you guys here for Emma’s birthday?”

Ruth, who had been staring at them with a bored expression, blinked and snapped out of it. “Yes!” he said quickly, his tone just a little too loud.

“Then what are you waiting for? Come in, she’s just about to cut the cake.”

Riftan opened his mouth to protest—he wasn’t in the mood to attend some random girl’s birthday party—but then glanced at Maxi, who had already walked ahead. Well. If Maxi was going to be there…

Then maybe—just maybe—he could survive a little party.

As long as she was by his side.

Riftan stepped into the room behind Ruth, his eyes immediately falling on the sight before him. Ruth crouched down near a little girl in a puffy princess dress, a tiny tiara perched delicately on her shaved head. An IV tube was taped to her wrist, but that didn’t seem to dull her excitement in the slightest.

“ Ruthieee! ” she squealed with pure joy the moment she spotted him.

“There’s my favorite girl,” Ruth grinned as he bent down on one knee. With a dramatic flair, he took the back of her hand and kissed it.

“Your Highness,” he said in a regal tone, making the little girl giggle and squeal again, clearly delighted by the attention.

Riftan stood silently, watching the interaction with a lump slowly forming in his throat.

“That’s Emma,” Maxi said softly beside him, her voice pulling him back to the present.

He turned to her as she continued, “It’s her 8th birthday today. She wanted to celebrate with her friends, but…” Maxi sighed. “When you’ve been living in a hospital since you were five, it’s hard to have friends your age. So… she’s celebrating with us.”

Riftan’s heart clenched painfully. His gaze returned to the little girl, who was now talking animatedly to Ruth and twirling a sparkly plastic wand in her hand.

“…Is she sick?” he asked suddenly, his voice low and tense.

Maxi turned to look at him, startled. “Huh? Oh. Yes. She is.” A shadow passed over her face. “She has a tumor… in her brain.”

Riftan inhaled sharply. “Poor child… she's suffered so much and she’s just eight,” he said, his voice rough and full of quiet hurt.

“Yes,” Maxi replied softly, her eyes never leaving Emma. “But she’s still the brightest light in this entire ward.”

They stood in silence for a moment, watching the girl who, despite everything life had thrown at her, laughed and smiled as if the world had never been cruel.

Just then, Riftan let out a small groan of pain, shifting his weight awkwardly. Maxi immediately turned toward him, concern etching her features.

“Oh—come here, sit here, Riftan,” she fussed, quickly grabbing a nearby chair and bringing it to him.

He sat down, biting back another wince. Maxi lowered herself onto the chair beside him, clearly still worried.

Riftan, now sitting beside her, finally got a clearer look at her face. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her usually bright complexion looked a bit sunken and pale.

“Maxi… are you sick?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

She let out a yawn mid-sentence and shook her head, covering her mouth with her hand. “No,” she said sleepily.

“Well,” Riftan murmured, “it seems that Miss Nurse should start taking care of herself too—not just her patients.”

Maxi tilted her head in confusion. “Why?”

Riftan gently reached out, brushing his thumb beneath her eye where the dark circles stood out. He withdrew his hand quickly, as if realizing the intimacy of the gesture, and said softly, “These… they mean you haven’t been sleeping well, Maxi.”

Maxi looked away, biting back a smile. How could I? You keep showing up in my dreams… like a sweet, exhausting kind of torture, she thought.

“Oh, it’s just because I’m covering a shift for a friend today. I already worked the night shift too, so I only got a couple hours of sleep in the on-call room.”

Riftan frowned, his expression turning stormy. “Why are they making you work double shifts? Do you want me to talk to your senior? I’m sure I can knock some sense into them.”

They dare make my Maxi do such exhausting work? he thought angrily, jaw tightening. Do they have any idea how precious she is?

Maxi waved her hands quickly in front of him, flustered. “No, no, Riftan! There’s no need for that. I used to do double shifts all the time at my old hospital.”

But the frown didn’t leave his face. “Still… it’s not good, Maxi. You can’t keep running on fumes.”

“Hey—quit talking about my sleep schedule,” Maxi said, narrowing her eyes. “What happened to your foot anyway? The day I visited, you were walking just fine, and now you’re suddenly using crutches?” Her voice was laced with concern… and just a hint of suspicion.

Still silently fuming over Maxi’s overworked schedule, Riftan replied calmly, “Oh, I use crutches most of the time after the accident. I don’t know what came over me that day… maybe call it an adrenaline rush.”

He paused, then added sincerely, locking eyes with her, “After all, I can’t stand seeing you in pain, Maxi.”

Her breath caught, heart racing a mile a minute at his words.

Before she could say something she might regret—or something stupidly honest—one of her colleagues called out from across the room, “Maxi, can you help us with the cake, please?”

Maxi blinked and stood up quickly, grateful for the excuse to escape before her mouth got ahead of her thoughts. She looked at Riftan apologetically.

He forced a small smile and nodded. “Go on. It’s okay.”

Even though deep down… he didn’t want her to leave.

As she walked away, Riftan remained seated, the voices of children filling the air around him. He had wanted to talk to Maxi more than anything—but now, sitting there, surrounded by children no older than ten, many with IV lines taped to their small arms and tiredness hidden behind brave smiles—he found himself reflecting.

Even here, in this sterile hospital room filled with too much pain for such small bodies, the laughter hadn’t stopped. The joy hadn’t faded.

They laughed, they played, they smiled.

And Riftan sat back, swallowing hard as a wave of emotion washed over him.

Life is so, so precious, he thought.

And I’m so incredibly lucky to still have mine… even in pieces.

Riftan was still seated in the corner, quietly watching Maxi as she moved around the room—smiling, chatting with the kids and she handed out slices of cake. There was a soft glow about her, something effortlessly comforting.

He didn’t even notice the tiny shadow approaching until a small voice cut through his thoughts.

“ Isn’t she pretty? ”

Startled, Riftan looked down to see a pair of glittery princess shoes, followed by the hem of a pink gown.

He blinked.

Emma stood before him now, wand in one hand, tiara slightly askew on her shaved head, the same IV tube gently trailing from her wrist. Her eyes—wide, bright, and far too knowing for her age—were watching him with a playful smirk.

Riftan opened his mouth, but before he could respond, Emma leaned in closer and motioned for him to come near.

He bent down slightly, offering his ear.

“ Don’t tell anyone… ” she whispered, cupping her hand like she was sharing the world’s biggest secret, “... but she's a fairy .”

Riftan let out a soft laugh, the sound rumbling from his chest.

“She definitely is,” he replied warmly, eyes flickering once more to Maxi.

Emma beamed proudly, clearly pleased with his answer, and took a seat beside him like they'd been friends forever.

A few seconds passed in companionable silence before she asked, completely out of the blue, “Are you a knight?”

Riftan turned to her, surprised. “A knight?”

She nodded seriously. “You have a crutch, bandages, and a really serious face. You look like someone who fought a dragon.”

A laugh burst from Riftan’s lips before he could stop it. The first genuine one in the past three days.

“Well…” he tilted his head, playing along. “I didn’t just fall—I crashed my horse. And I’m told I grumble like an old warrior.”

Emma’s eyes widened. “Woah. Was it a magic horse?”

Riftan leaned in slightly, lowering his voice like it was a great secret. “No… just a really stupid one.”

Emma giggled and covered her mouth. “You’re funny,” she declared.

“I’m injured ,” he corrected, gesturing to his bandaged foot and arm.

“Even knights get hurt,” she said matter-of-factly. “But they still show up for princess birthdays. That’s very brave.”

Riftan looked at her for a long moment, the humor fading from his face just slightly. “And what about you?” he asked gently. “Are you the birthday princess?”

Emma puffed up proudly. “Obviously. Can’t you see my crown?”

He gave her a small bow. “My apologies, Your Highness.”

Riftan lightly scratched the back of his head, a sheepish look on his face. “Sorry, Princess,” he said in an apologetic tone, “I forgot to bring you a present. But I promise—I’ll get you anything you want.”

Emma’s eyes widened, sparkling with delight. “Really?!” she gasped, looking at him with wide, doe-like eyes.

Riftan chuckled at her adorably excited face. He gently took her small hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “Anything,” he said with a smile.

Emma squealed in excitement. “Then I want a big Barbie dollhouse! And a unicorn! And… and—” She held her temples and closed her eyes dramatically, as if trying hard to remember the rest of her wish list.

Riftan leaned forward, holding both of her tiny hands in his left one. “Don’t stress this pretty little head of yours, Princess,” he said in a soft, playful voice. “I’ll get you your dollhouse and unicorn first. Then you can tell that guy”— he jerked his head toward Ruth, who was busy shoving cake into his mouth with zero awareness of his surroundings—“whatever else you want, and he’ll report it to me. I’ll make sure you get it all.”

Emma squealed, spread her tiny arms wide, and motioned for Riftan to lean down. He bent toward her with a curious smile—
and she threw her arms around his neck in a tight little hug.

“Thank youuuu!” she giggled into his ear.

Riftan’s heart bloomed with happiness. Something about the way this little angel clung to him so trustingly made his chest ache—in the best possible way. He gently patted her small back, holding her with the same care one would give to something precious and breakable.

Then, with great ceremony, Emma pulled back, reached into her goodie bag, and produced a glittery gold star sticker. Carefully, she peeled it and stuck it proudly on the sleeve of Riftan’s hospital issued T-shirt.

“There! Now you’re officially my knight,” she declared, eyes shining.

Riftan stared at the tiny sticker like it was a medal of honor, then back at her, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “An honor I will never take lightly, Princess.”

Emma smiled, then turned when a lady—presumably her mother—called her over to have some cake.

But just before she walked away, she leaned in again and whispered, “You can’t let the pain win, you know. That’s what my mom says.”Riftan nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. “She’s right.”

Then she was gone—back to the cake, back to the joy, back to being a little girl in a pink dress with a fighting spirit.

And Riftan… sat a little taller, a little lighter.

That tiny star on his sleeve meant more than anything else he’d earned in years.

Maxi returned just in time to see Emma pressing a glittery star sticker onto Riftan’s sleeve. Her heart clenched at the sight.

There was something incredibly tender about the way he looked at the child—eyes soft, expression open, completely unguarded.

She approached quietly and sat down beside him again.

“She likes you,” Maxi said gently, watching Emma swirl her wand and chant something that sounded suspiciously like a spell to turn Ruth into a frog before darting off to open her gifts.

“She’s… something else,” Riftan murmured, his gaze still following the girl.

They sat in silence for a moment, watching the celebration unfold. Cake was being served, party hats distributed, and soft music played in the background.

Maxi finally turned to him. “What are you thinking?”

He glanced sideways at her, then looked down at the little gold star still clinging to his sleeve.

“I’m thinking I’ve spent too much time sulking about things that could’ve been worse,” he said quietly. “And this kid… she's been through more than most adults I know, and she’s still smiling.”

Maxi nodded. “Emma’s... special. Brave, too. She's had three surgeries already. Still undergoing treatment.” Her voice dipped, as if choosing her words carefully. “Her parents are doing everything they can… but the costs are overwhelming.”

Riftan looked at her sharply. “They’re struggling?”

Maxi hesitated, then sighed. “Yes. Her father’s a mechanic. Her mom left her job to stay with Emma full-time. Hospital bills, medicines, therapy, special scans—it’s all piling up.”

There was a long silence.

Then Riftan asked, voice firm, “Why hasn’t the hospital stepped in?”

“They’ve tried,” Maxi replied. “Some of the cost is covered, and Ruth’s been advocating for her with his senior doctors. But even with that, there's always more—uncovered medication, out-of-network consultations, things the insurance won’t touch.”

Riftan didn’t say anything right away.

He simply stared across the room at Emma, who was now feeding Nurse Ludis a bite of her birthday cake, giggling as she made an exaggerated “yummy” face.

“She gave me a gold star,” he said at last, his voice distant. “Made me a knight of her royal court.”

Maxi smiled softly. “She’s very picky with her knights.”

He turned to her then, and something in his eyes made Maxi's smile fade slightly. There was a seriousness there—quiet but unwavering.

“Don’t say anything to her parents,” he said calmly. “Or to her.”

Maxi blinked. “What do you mean?”

“I’ll take care of the bills,” he said simply. “All of it. Anything she needs.”

Maxi’s eyes widened. “Riftan—”

“I’m not asking for applause,” he interrupted gently. “Or thanks. I just… I have the means. And she deserves a real shot at life.”

Maxi was silent for a moment, overcome.

“She’ll never know what you did,” she said quietly.

“I don’t need her to,” Riftan said. “Just knowing she can fight without worrying about money—that’s enough for me.”

Maxi reached out and placed her hand over his, squeezing it softly. Her touch lingered, warm and steady.

“You’re a better man than you think, Riftan.”

He gave her a lopsided smile. “Well, I am a knight now. Comes with the job description.”

Maxi chuckled through the emotion welling in her eyes. “Sir Riftan of the Shimmering Bandages.”

“And bruised dignity,” he added with a smirk.

They sat like that for a while longer, hand in hand, quietly watching Emma laugh like the happiest child in the world.

 “Would you like some cake?” she asked gently.

“Definitely,” Riftan replied without hesitation.

With a small nod, Maxi stood up and walked over to the table. A few minutes later, she returned—balancing two plates of cake and, in her other hand, a bright pink birthday hat.

Riftan’s eyes immediately locked onto the hat. He raised a brow and gave her a warning look.

“Don’t even think about it.”

Maxi chuckled, unfazed. “Come on, Riftan. I think you’d look adorable in this.”

“‘Adorable’ is not typically how you compliment a grown man. A grown man in hospital clothes,” he grumbled.

Maxi pouted dramatically, jutting her bottom lip out. “Pretty please?”

Riftan stared at her for a moment. God, how am I supposed to say no to that?

“Fine,” he sighed, trying—and failing—to suppress a smile.

“Yay!” Maxi beamed and carefully placed the birthday hat on his head.

She took a step back, admired her handiwork, and clapped lightly. “See? Didn’t I tell you? You look adorable .”

Riftan rolled his eyes but didn’t take the hat off.

Then Maxi hesitated, pulling her phone from her pocket and fumbling with it nervously as she sat down beside him again.

He watched her with a knowing look. “Maxi,” he said, “I just wore a children's birthday hat. In a room full of people. With Ruth—who, by the way, is definitely snapping pictures of me as we speak. So whatever you’re about to ask… don’t be nervous. Talk to me.”

Maxi smiled sheepishly, still looking a bit uncertain. “Um… can I get a selfie with you? I promise I won’t post it or anything. Just… for the memory.”

Without missing a beat, he said, “Of course, Maxi.”

Just then, Ruth walked by, spotted them, and grinned.

“Oh, no way I’m missing this!”

He dove into the frame behind them without warning, throwing up peace signs and exaggerated expressions. Maxi laughed and kept clicking as Ruth squeezed himself right between them.

Riftan’s smile faltered for a second. He didn’t like Ruth wedging himself between them—and with one swift push of his good hand, he shoved Ruth sideways so that he was no longer blocking the space between him and Maxi.

“Hey!” Ruth exclaimed, nearly losing his balance.

“Oops. My hand slipped,” Riftan said deadpan, not even trying to look innocent as he reclaimed his spot beside Maxi.

Maxi burst out laughing. “Be nice, Riftan!”

“I am being nice. I didn’t throw him out of the room,” Riftan muttered, but a small grin tugged at his lips.

Ruth huffed and crossed his arms dramatically from his new position beside Riftan. “Rude. And here I thought this knight still had honor.”

Maxi giggled and snapped one more photo—Ruth pouting, Riftan smirking triumphantly, and her in the middle laughing like she hadn’t in days.

Riftan turned to Ruth and said with mock sternness, “Alright, that’s enough. Now scatter.” He gave him a light shove with his good hand, sending him stumbling a step back with exaggerated drama, clearly more amused than offended.

With Ruth finally out of the frame, Maxi raised her phone again. “Just us now?” she asked, a shy smile playing on her lips.

Riftan nodded, his smirk softening. They took a handful of photos—some awkward, some goofy, all of them brimming with something unspoken but deeply felt.

Then, to top it off, little Emma came bounding over, a plastic fork with cake in her hand.

“Knight Riftan, say ahh!” she giggled, climbing onto his lap with all the ease of someone who owned the room.

Riftan glanced at Maxi helplessly, who was already doubling over with laughter, phone poised to capture the moment. He opened his mouth obediently, letting Emma feed him a bite of cake while she beamed like she’d just saved the kingdom.

Snap.

Another photo, another memory—Emma perched on his lap, proudly feeding her knight, while Maxi captured it all with a heart fuller than it had been in a long time.

“I think these might be my favorite pictures ever,” she said, scrolling through the photos.

Riftan glanced at her, softer now. “Will you send them to me?”

“Already done, Sir Adorable ,” Maxi said with a teasing grin, tapping her phone screen before slipping it back into her pocket.

Then, they ate their cake in comfortable silence, while Ruth wandered off to—well, God knows where.

Maxi leaned over to hand Riftan another napkin, her fingers brushing lightly against his. Then, with a playful smile, she said, “You’ve got frosting on your cheek, Sir Knight.”

Before he could respond, she gently wiped it off—and winked at him.

Riftan froze.

Did she just wink at me? he thought, momentarily stunned. A light blush crept up his neck, tinging the tips of his ears red.

Maxi sat back down beside him, clearly enjoying the cake and the company. Trying to shake off the flutter in his chest, Riftan cleared his throat and said casually, “By the way… Emma thinks you’re a fairy.”

She laughed, her shoulders shaking slightly. “Yeah, her mom told me. Apparently, she’s fully convinced.”

“She told me not to tell anyone,” he added with a small smile.

“She tells everyone that,” Maxi said, chuckling. “But only the special ones get to hear it whispered like a secret.”

He glanced across the room at Emma, who was now twirling with her wand again, her tiara even more crooked than before. He couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips.

“Then I feel honored,” he said softly.

“You should,” Maxi replied, nudging him playfully. “You’ve been knighted and now you’re part of her secret fairy circle. Not everyone makes the cut."

He smiled, and then silence settled between them—but it was not quite so in his heart. His mind was a blizzard, thoughts swirling wildly, wanting to ask her something… but afraid of the answer.

After much contemplation, he finally turned to Maxi and asked quietly,

“Do you… have a boyfriend?”

He tried to sound casual, but his heart was pounding so hard he could hear it in his ears.

She choked on her cake. “What? No! God, no—I don’t. Never had one.”

His eyes widened. “Really? Never?”

Maxi nodded, still recovering from the unexpected question. “Yeah, really.”

“Can I ask… why?” he asked, voice softer now.

“Of course,” Maxi said, gently poking at the cake crumbs on her plate. “I guess I never really had the time. In college, I was the girl in baggy clothes with a so-called ‘boring personality.’” She gave a small, self-deprecating smile, eyes focused on the crumbs like they held all her secrets.

Riftan blinked.

Boring? Baggy clothes?

If only she knew.

If only she knew she had made him—a fully grown, allegedly mature, very composed man—completely lose his mind over her back then.

Baggy hoodie. Messy bun. No makeup.

Still the prettiest thing in every room he ever walked into.

He nearly blurted that out, too—“You made me crazy over you, Maxi. In those cute, oversized hoodies."

But instead, all he managed was an awkward cough and an even more awkward sip of water, trying to shut his brain up before it said something truly stupid out loud.

“Then after graduation, my mom and I moved to another country for work. Between settling in and starting at the hospital, I never got around to, you know… putting myself out there.”

I didn’t date because it was never you, she thought, but the words stayed locked in her throat.

“Oh,” was all Riftan could manage.

Maxi tilted her head. “What about you? A rich, handsome man like you must’ve had girls lined up for miles.”

Riftan chuckled and shook his head. “Not exactly. I went on a few dates my mom arranged, but nothing really clicked. Honestly, I never made time for it. I’ve always been focused on building my business. I’m very passionate about it—and maybe a bit of a workaholic. I’ve even been warned that my future wife might divorce me over it,” he added with a dry laugh.

Maxi frowned slightly at that. If I were her, I never would.

She looked at him sincerely. “It’s a good thing to be passionate about your work, Riftan.”

He gave a small shrug and then met her eyes, holding her gaze. “What kind of guys do you like?”

Maxi’s heart skipped a beat. She blinked, then gave him a thoughtful smile.

“Hmm… I like someone authoritative. Responsible. A man who values his family… someone gentlemanly, who gives me space, respect, and who is understanding.”

Riftan, trying to keep a straight face, mentally fist-pumped so hard he nearly pulled a muscle.

Heck yeah—authoritative? Check. Responsible? Double check. Gentlemanly? Obviously. Respectful, understanding, gives space? Please, I offer space, patience, and a full emotional support package with lifetime warranty!!

Just as Maxi opened her mouth to say more, a voice called from the hallway. “Maxi! Time for our shift!” It was Ludis.

Maxi stood up quickly, brushing crumbs from her lap. “I’ll be right there!” she called back.

Riftan panicked a little. “Wait—you’re leaving?”

She turned back to him with an apologetic look. “Yeah, duty calls. I really have to go now. Bye, Riftan!!”

She started walking toward the door, but he called after her, “At least finish what you were saying!”

Maxi paused at the doorway, glanced at Emma playing in the corner, then looked back at Riftan with a pink flush on her cheeks and a shy, teasing smile.

“Boys who are good with kids,” she said—and before he could react, she turned and dashed out, leaving a stunned Riftan staring after her, heart doing somersaults.