Chapter 1602
In the Grand Plains General Hospital, as midday approached and Belinda completed her demanding shift, she prepared to make her way toward the cafeteria for lunch. However, the moment she stepped out of her office, she discovered Faye approaching with a radiant smile.
“Belinda,” Faye called out with infectious cheerfulness.
“Faye, what an unexpected surprise to see you here. Shouldn’t you be busy with work today?” Belinda asked with genuine curiosity.
Faye explained, “Yes, but my boss closed a big deal today, so he gets a day off. Since I helped with the deal, I get a day off, too.”
After a thoughtful pause, she continued with growing excitement, “When I arrived home and found myself with plenty of free time, I decided to prepare a special lunch for you and personally bring it here.”
“How wonderfully thoughtful of you.” Belinda recognized that refusing would be impolite, considering Faye’s effort. She graciously accepted the carefully packaged lunchbox and asked, “Have you eaten yet?”
“Not yet.” Faye shook her head, still smiling warmly. “Actually, Belinda, I want to have lunch in your cafeteria.”
“Let’s go then.” With that, Belinda led the way to the cafeteria with Faye.
After getting their food and finding a place to sit, Belinda began eating the meal Faye had prepared. Faye’s cooking skills were genuinely impressive.
While eating, Faye suddenly looked at Belinda. “Belinda, I want to apologize to you again. The weight of guilt continues to torment me for the harm I inadvertently caused you.”
Belinda gazed at Faye. As Faye spoke, Belinda noticed the remorse and anguish deeply etched on her face. For a moment, she couldn’t tell whether this display of remorse was genuine or if Faye’s acting skills had reached such perfection that not even the slightest crack showed.
Belinda smiled gently. “It’s all in the past now, so just let it go. I know you didn’t do it on purpose.”
Faye bit her lower lip, clearly distressed. “Belinda, you’re too kind to be angry with me, but I can’t escape the reality that I made a mistake. Me getting hurt is one thing, but I almost put you in danger, and that continues to plague my conscience relentlessly.” Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke.
Belinda remained silent.
After several minutes of contemplative quiet, Faye let out a soft, trembling sniff before saying, “Not only that, but I also kept feeling jealous of you, Belinda. I really shouldn’t have. You and Uncle Lucas are in a relationship, and you will eventually get married, while I’m just his niece. How could I be so immature and compete with you? When I reflect on my past behavior, I realize how incredibly childish I was. Belinda, please don’t hold it against me, okay? I promise I’ll change from now on. What happened before will never happen again.”
Faye’s words carried the unmistakable ring of sincerity, each syllable delivered with heartfelt conviction. Yet somehow, an inexplicable sensation kept gnawing at Belinda’s mind—a persistent whisper suggesting that this entire emotional display was nothing more than an act.
Belinda found it difficult to explain why she felt this way. Nevertheless, since Faye had shared her vulnerable confession, social courtesy demanded an appropriate response.