His movements were a bit slow, but his charming, energetic aura remained untouched.


    Karina internally whispered, “Barlow, my love!”


    Tears sprang to her eyes.


    All she wanted at that moment was to rush into his arms and hold him tight.


    She paused, taking a tentative step forward before pulling back.


    The jerk! Since he wanted to keep his real identity from her for now, she decided to y along.


    Barlow had just swung by the hospital for a routine leg check, never expecting to bump into Karina.


    Approaching her, he saw her puffy eyes, his face shifting to concern.


    “Why are you here? Are you feeling sick?” he asked.


    His eyes showed worry, breaking down her defenses and triggering a flood of tears.


    She fought to hold back, but the dam burText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    st, and tears streamed down her face.


    He hesitated, a bit flustered.


    Then he reached out, wiping her tears away gently.


    “Don’t cry, okay? What’s the problem?” he asked, his voice soft.


    Karina noticed the worry etched in his eyes and blurted out, “I’ve got a terminal illness.


    ”


    Barlow scowled slightly.


    “What did you say? A terminal illness?”


    “Yeah,” she replied, ncing away to shield her emotions.


    She couldn’t quite exin her sudden urge to feign illness.


    Maybe she just wanted to gauge his reaction.


    After all, he always teased her.


    A little payback didn’t seem like too much, did it?


    “What kind of terminal illness?” Barlow asked.


    His grasp on her shoulders tightened, his eyes wide with shock and concern.


    She kept her gaze lowered, saying nothing.


    Swallowing his own rising fear, he spoke gently.


    “Hey, don’t panic.


    Modern medicine can work wonders, you know? Talk to me, what’s going on?”


    Karina lifted her head slowly, meeting his worried gaze, feeling something soften inside her.