Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

James stirred awake even with Esther's gentle touch.

"You're awake," James said, but his expression didn't match the expected excitement.

Esther asked with a little disappointment, "Why don't you look happy to see me awake?"

"No, not at all. You're overthinking." James forced a smile and stroked her hair.

"Did something happen?"

James hesitated, then decided not to burden her with worries while she was still groggy. "Nothing at all."

Esther always trusted him, so she sighed in relief and just chalked it up to him being tired after not getting enough rest. "By the way, am I going to recover after this surgery?"

James poured a glass of water for her, then held her hand tightly. "Yes, just focus on resting and preventing rejection. You'll be discharged soon."

Esther was so excited she almost sat up straight. "Really?"

"Absolutely. Rest well, eat on time, don't stress, and don't move around too much."

Esther nodded. "Of course I will. I'll get as much rest as I need." She added, "It's quite a coincidence that we found a bone marrow match. Who was it? I'd like to thank them."

Noticing the change in James's expression, Esther grew curious. "What's wrong? Did they want to remain anonymous?"

"Yes, they preferred not to reveal their identity. They simply said helping others was reward enough." James chose to withhold the truth to spare her grief over Mobius's sacrifice.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

"Oh." Esther scratched her head. "But I still feel I should thank them." It was a bone marrow transplant, not a simple surgery.

"Don't worry, I've made sure they could live comfortably for the rest of their life."

Esther smiled, a touch of embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she saw him respond so earnestly. "I should have been the one to do that. Why did you do it?"

"You're my girlfriend. It would be the same if either of us did it."

Esther squeezed his hand gratefully. "Thanks, James."

"Don't worry about it. Now rest."

Pearl, noticing Esther was awake, entered the room, trying to maintain composure. "You're awake, Este."

"Yes, it feels like I've been asleep forever. I thought I'd never wake up."

"Don't say that. You're going to be just fine."

Esther raised her chin proudly. "Of course I'll be fine. I'm a lucky star."

Her companions chuckled at her remark.

Esther frowned at their laughter. "Why are you laughing? Did I say something wrong?"

"Of course not, lucky star," Pearl reassured her, patting her head. "Let's get you some food now that you're awake. I'll get whatever you're craving."