ter

n an empty chair across from Colton. They chose to have breakfast by the s

ked as she placed bacon and

ll since he needed to take less than ten tab

in the morning to take medicine then after

she decided she would be the one to give it to him. But he

ttle while, okay? And if you want, you can call me, let's talk. It might help y

came around him, the easier

.." He bitterly whispered, ju

icing he seemed to have an appetite. She thought h

ing your medical background and all I can say is, you are a very strong man, Colton." He briefly looked up at her, then r

my life... to survive. I was thankful to God for giving me a second chance to live again. I shoul

ng he had overcome the challenges life had thrown at him. He was bra

e grateful to Him, because even in those moments, we're still here and free to see the beauty of the world." She took a sip of her milk, and Colton was looking

hard work and time be

es, I'm here... I'll be with you an

t get tir

e, I won't leave you, unless you ask me to. It's something you seem t

r. "Because I don't

e excelled in serving this man

why?" Sh

annoyance in his voice. "Howell's nurses may all be pretty, yes, but t

's Medical Center?" She asked i

see him often in the hospital. She had a se

s a close

in their conversation

scrutinized her. He caught on quickly. "Are you se

es him. He's a

him." He said irritably. She wasn't aware of that news. "Yo

tention to Colton, who was just watching her. She couldn't help

ey cleaned the water every day even though no one was actually swimming. She and Co

of the pool and reached

o swim?" Colton as

ned smile. "Yes, I love being in the water,

to

mm

l, bent her knees, rested her

everything associated

know how

of my favorite spor

suddenly s

e on her became intense, and she couldn't quite figur

he looked like he had drowned th

eak at that time b

gestured towards his bandaged

grets about what happened to me.

happened and he's even proud of it? Why? Is the

. But I am wondering what reall

head. "It's very

his calling her K. Is that his endearment for her? Why does it sound so good

olton seemed less gruff, and he rarely raised his voice at her. Perhaps talking to him about things w

Colton answered truthfully

e have to

ands. She really felt her cheeks warming up at h

n, com

sement in his voice. "I was j

rom her face. Her lips parted slightly as she saw h

d to say the words, as it was such a private and se

imm

les on the floor and the light blue walls. It really did resemble a calm ocean,

like that

"When I was a kid, all I ever wanted when I grew up was to join a swimming competition in the Olympics... but

y n

ce before returning his atte

elp them and my brothers manage our business, including Villa Al

on's parents being strict didn't escape her. Maybe sh

your childhood dream b

id when I grew up reall

asked, her interest i

er in the United States Navy."

e to be so attracti

ven more. He was already good-looking, that was a given, but his job really impressed her. She was fasc

the only word

wn decisions. With or without their consent, I will do what I want with my life." Colton's eyes l

it. She knew he wouldn't feel her touch, but she noticed the sli

s why they reacted that way to what h

hey'd prefer me to be like this

see you hurt, because you're their child, after all..." She con

what their son wanted. I won't let

who seemed so resolute, but she would try to o

your business. There's water here too. That's

the Philippine Navy, not to sit all day and do paperwork inside the four walls of a fucking office." She winced at the intensity of hi

r, your pare

ek to keep from smiling. He really seemed vehemently opposed to

parents, you won

he stopped caressing his injured

uttered soft

m the o

e breadwinner of the fami

t's why my job is important to me, be

re your

're g

Her parents passed away just before she graduated from college. It was a very sad and painful time in her life. She should have been c

o hear t

wn, it really wasn't. Her parents had left her with a great responsibi

ten the biggest lie she told to

re your

he asking out of pity? She didn't want that.

not tal

heavier tone, just as heavy as hi

tone heavier, matching the weight o

cusing her attention back on the pool, he

r aunt's house i

ou have?" His voice rem

ered, feeling the in

't be able to control the trembling in her voice. His gaze was making her heart race, a

side her for putting her three siblings through school. "Raissa is

azement in his voice bro

is, but the wonder in his voice c

them." She gave Colton a playful side-eye,

is comin

down on expenses

om them. When

ar often. Aside from it being far, she preferred to

often. I hope to mak

n visit

ow much it would cost made her cringe, and she'd

spend it on tickets for them to vis

t the expenses. I

lto

and authoritative. "You should spend more time with your siblings. I'm sure they miss their big sis