I had already run out of patience with today''s conversation. The task was alreadypleted, and it was time to bring this pointless dialogue to an end. "Don''t worry, I''ve already spoken with Nichs about- "Ariana!" Nichs interrupted sharply.


    "About what?" udia asked.


    "We''re almost there," he said abruptly.


    udia noticed his darkened expression and chose not to ask. more questions. She spoke tenderly. "Let''s park at the college entrance. We can take a walk and check out my new campus."


    The Hawks'' car had full ess to campus, but knowing she preferred to walk, we didn''t mind joining her. After all, today was all about ensuring her happiness.


    Nichs exited the car and gantly opened udia''s door. She smiled broadly and threw herself in his arms, hinting at a reconciliation between them.


    They seemed ready to enjoy their time together, while I prepared to embark on my journey. It felt rather liberating.


    I opened my door and stood on the other side of the car, observing as their conversation unfolded.


    "Nick, is it possible for me not to stay on campus?"


    "This college is quite a distance from home. Dailymuting would be tough."


    "We could look into houses near the campus, and you could move in with me," udia suggested.


    I was shocked, and my thoughts froze momentarily. I needed someone to help me understand the boundaries of sibling rtionships.


    I couldn''t help but chuckle, which drew udia''s curious look and Nichs'' disapproving frown.


    Clearing my throat awkwardly, I was about to speak when heavy footsteps suddenly echoed behind me. A disheveled, homeless man burst forth from nowhere, brandishing a knife. "Ariana, watch out!" udia shouted from the other side of the


    car.


    Instinctively, I sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the homeless man''s knife as it tore through my clothes and embedded itself in the car door.


    "I''ming for you rich folks!" the homeless man snarled.


    A small figure appeared before me as the man pulled his knife from the door.


    "udia!" Nichs yelled in rm. He knocked the homeless man aside with a powerful kick, while the driver restrained him and called the police.


    udia copsed limply into Nichs'' embrace. His eyes were rimmed with red as he urged, "Ariana, get behind the wheel!"N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    10000 (0000)


    As I saw the blood spreading from udia''s sleeve, I wished that de had found me instead. It wasn''t pity I felt for her, but a sinking realization that this debt of gratitude would be mine to settle. How could I ever fulfill it? Nichs'' piercing stare made me fear that even giving up my life wouldn''t suffice.


    He scooped up udia and yelled at me, "Why are you just standing there? Drive to the hospital!"


    Nichs'' eyes never met mine, and he didn''t even ask if I was alright. My clothes were torn as well. Watching him with udia felt like watching a stranger.


    He carefully settled in the backseat with udia in his arms while I gritted my teeth and climbed into the driver''s seat.


    "Nick, it hurts so much."


    Nichs was worried about her blood loss, so he pressed his hand against her wound, causing her pain. "udia, hang in there. I''m here with you. We''re almost at the hospital!"


    I had never experienced such gentleness from him before. I couldn''t help stealing nces at him in the rearview mirror.


    After Nichs spoke, he nced up at me, our eyes meeting in the rearview mirror. He let out an impatient sigh. "Faster, please!"


    I held


    my breath and looked away, unsure of what to say.


    udia''s face p


    and trembling as she asked, "Ariana, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine," I responded impassively.


    "Just stay quiet and save your strength," Nichs said, treating me as if I were something repulsive.


    It seemed he feared that any further conversation with me might exacerbate udia''s bleeding, potentially leading to her death.


    He gently pressed his finger against udia''s lips, urging her to remain silent.