Chapter 25

Emily Smith's voice was completely gone, every breath burning like fire.

At lunch, she stared longingly at the steaming bowl of spicy beef in front of William Johnson. Just as her chopsticks reached for it, he blocked her without hesitation.

Her eyes glistened as she held up one finger.

When he remained unmoved, she quickly raised two.

William chewed slowly, his gaze lingering on the faint redness at the corners of her eyes. The memory of her hoarse pleas in the bathroom made his throat tighten.

"Call me 'William,'" he said, setting down his chopsticks, voice low.

Emily opened her mouth, but only a whisper escaped.

"Louder," he teased.

She took a deep breath, mustering all her strength. "Will...iam..."

Satisfied, he picked up a slice of beef, rinsed it in his water glass, and held it to her lips.

Emily glared at the now-flavorless meat, cheeks puffing in frustration. She shoved rice into her mouth, clattering her bowl loudly.

He chuckled and piled bland vegetables into her bowl.

After lunch, Emily prepared to visit her sister at the hospital. The doorbell rang.

The family doctor stood at the entrance, greeting William respectfully.

"Come here," he ordered without looking up.

The moment Emily approached, he pulled her onto his lap. "Open."

After the examination, the doctor prescribed medication. The soothing lozenge eased the pain in her throat.

At the hospital, her sister's brainwaves remained flat—except for the faintest flicker when Emily spoke.

"It's just a normal response to external stimuli," the doctor said, each word like a dull knife twisting in her chest.

Around five, Daniel Chen called. "I've arranged dinner with two experienced anchors tonight. A great chance to learn."

Emily's eyes lit up. She checked the time and texted William: Something came up. I'll be back late.

At that moment, William's car idled outside the hospital. He stared at his phone, jaw tight.

When she answered his call, her voice was apologetic. "I might not be back until eight or nine."

He watched her walk past his car toward the main entrance. Hanging up, he pressed the accelerator, the black sedan following silently behind.