The first time I met Ronald, he jumped in to defend me, and I was a total goner right then and there. But he never gave me a second glance—he treated me just like everyone else. He clearly had no feelings for me, always keeping his distance. Maybe sticking up for me was just a spur-of-the-moment thing, no big deal. So, I took the hint and kept my own distance. To me, he was this untouchable dream, forever out of reach.

Even now, I'm still not entirely sure why Ronald chose me.

"Honey, if you're miserable here, just come home with me. We'll go back to our little place. I'm done with the hospital—this sickness is dragging on forever and it's just not worth treating," Dad's voice cut through my thoughts.

"Dad, don't talk like that. We will find a way to treat your illness. I swear, I'm not going to let myself suffer or be unhappy anymore. I just want you to get better, so please... work with me, okay?"

I squeezed his hand tight. "You must be starving. Let me fix you something to eat. Just hang on a sec."

Dad let out a sigh. "Fine, fine. I get it."

That put my mind at ease for the moment. I hurried off to the kitchen to whip up some food. But soon, I caught the sound of the door—Ronald was back.

When Ronald stepped inside, he spotted my dad right away and stopped short. "Dad? What, uh, brings you here all of a sudden?"

Dad completely ignored him, turning his head away with a huff.

I stepped out of the kitchen just in time to catch that.

The moment he saw me, Dad stood up. "Sweetie, I don't think I can stomach anything right now. I'm just gonna head back."

"Have you given any thought to coming home with me? I don't see anyone around here taking good care of you. You'd be so much better off back home."

"Don't worry. As long as I'm around, Colette will be well taken care of. You have nothing to worry about," Ronald cut in before I could even open my mouth.

"Yeah, Dad… I'm doing fine here, really."

It hit me then—for my dad's health, I couldn't walk away.

Dad let out a sigh, said his goodbyes, and took off.

My heart sank. He'd come all this way, and I'd been hoping to make him a home-cooked meal.

"What's your game, dragging Dad all the way out here?" Ronald walked right up to me, his eyes locked on mine, questioning me.