Did you miss any doses? Did you cooperate with the psychologist's guidance? " she demanded, but halfway through, she suddenly bent over, overcome with nausea.

Absolon, with a sense of helplessness, helped her into his room and poured her a cup of warm water.

"Why indulge so heavily at night?" He sighed, knowing it was only when she was not fully conscious that he could unabashedly gaze at her, without fearing his intense affection would be revealed.

Joselyn shook her head. "Those two can't handle their drinks at all, worse than me."

Absolon chuckled, “Indeed, you've always been a good drinker, but you should still drink less. Your health is important, you know?"

Joselyn paused, looking up at him with unfocused eyes. "What gives you the right to boss me around?"

Absolon stiffened, turning his gaze to the deep night outside the floor-to-ceiling window.

He had no words to respond.

Joselyn continued her rambling, "You're like this yourself, you've lost your fight, so what right do you have to lecture others? Absolon, I remember when you had guts and took charge.

How did you become so timid? Even Miranda said she could heal you, so why can't you..

.?" She suddenly retched, clutching the trash can, but nothing came out.

Absolon quickly fetched a wet towel to wipe her face.

Time seemed to have left no trace on her face. Even after all these years, it still moved him as it did in his memories.

Yet, it was a pity he could no longer hold her in his arms.

"Absolon, promise me you'll take care of yourself, alright?"

Joselyn suddenly lifted her head, looking at him quietly. Her eyes couldn't focus, misty and profoundly moving.

Absolon's mouth felt glued shut, unable to open.

He stared deeply at her face, his heartbeat gradually accelerating. His once lifeless heart began to beat warmly again.

He loved her.

This love had endured for over a decade, never wavering.

"What are you thinking about? Why aren't you speaking?" Joselyn grew anxious, fearing his silence, and even more so, fearing he might say something disheartening.

Absolon shook his head. "Let's see what destiny has in store, Joselyn."

"No!" Joselyn suddenly raised her voice, "You must do as I say."

Her expression and tone were all too familiar.