?Chapter 1188:


    But this time was different. The note beneath the invitation read, “All friends wee.” No membership, no titles, no restrictions—just an open door into the kind of world she used to dream about.


    Her pulse quickened. She turned the screen toward Marc, excitement sparking in her eyes. “Marc, look. This event seems wonderful. Why don’t we go? It might even help yourpany connect with the right people.”


    Marc nced at her phone, his expression shifting almost imperceptibly. After a moment, he said, “You’re still recovering. Crowds like that can be tiring. It’s better to stay home and rest.”


    “I’m much better now.” Ste slipped her hand through his arm, her tone half yful, half pleading. “Please? I haven’t gone anywhere in so long. I just want to get out and breathe a little.”


    But his voice remained calm, firm—almost too firm. “No. The doctor said no overexertion. You need peace and rest. Once you’re fully recovered, I’ll take you somewhere quiet. Just the two of us. I promise.”


    His words left no room for argument.


    Something inside her wilted a little. She lowered her gaze. “Alright.”


    She didn’t understand why he was so resistant, but she didn’t push. Maybe he really was worried about her health. Maybe two years of waiting by her hospital bed had made him overly cautious.


    So she smiled and told herself not to take it personally.


    On the night of the party, Marc went alone.


    Left by herself in the vi, Ste sat by the window, watching the night sink deeper into the quiet street outside. The house felt too still, too polished—every corner spotless, every sound swallowed by the hush. She had spent so many days theretely that time itself seemed to blur.


    Even when she went out, Marc insisted she return within a couple of hours, as though the world beyond might harm her. The confinement, onceforting, had begun to feel like a slow suffocation.


    She exhaled softly and rose from the couch. Maybe a short walk would clear her mind.


    Outside, the air carried a faint sweetness from the nearby park. The breeze brushed her hair back as she followed the path, the glow of streetlights stretching her shadow long and thin across the pavement. The soft rhythm of her footsteps was the only sound in the quiet night.


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    “Ste?”


    The voice came from behind her—familiar, uncertain.


    She turned, startled, and saw a young woman standing not far away, apanied by a man she didn’t recognize. Both looked surprised to see her.


    “It’s you!” Sandra’s eyes widened, her tone bright with disbelief.


    A small smile curved Ste’s lips. “Sandra. What a pleasant surprise.”


    Her gaze drifted to the man beside her. “And this is…”


    “This is my colleague, Elbert Green,” Sandra said quickly, making the introduction. Then her expression softened with guilt. “Ste, aboutst time—I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have approached you so suddenly. I hope I didn’t frighten you.”


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