After all, he was everything anyone could hope for.

But Catherine never dared to entertain the idea of being with him. It was the kind of admiration a fan might feel for a distant idol-silently wishing them well without ever daring to reach for the stars.

She returned to her desk and gazed at the flowers and the gift, lost in thought.

The bouquet was stunning, and the message on the card carried a heartfelt sentiment.

When she opened the gift, she found a dazzling diamond necklace— the very one she had admired before.

From the moment she first saw this necklace, she had been deeply drawn to it.

But even before her family went bankrupt, it was something she could never have afforded.

Yet Jerrold had gifted it to her so effortlessly.

It was as if her quiet admiration for him—thinking she wasn't good enough-had been completely upended by his sudden confession.

It felt unreal, filling her with a hope she knew she shouldn't have.

The entire day, Catherine found herself lost in thought, unable to concentrate.

Later, when she visited the hospital, she discovered that her father had been moved to a private room.

Previously, he had shared a room with other patients, but now he had a single room to himself.

Her mother greeted her with a cheerful smile.

"Catherine, you're back! I have good news. The hospital just received a new batch of highly effective medication that's effective for your father's condition. They're collaborating with the university for observation, so as long as your father cooperates, a significant portion of the costs will be waived. Plus, we get this private room!" But Catherine knew it wasn't that simple.

Finding an opportunity, she asked Jerrold about it. When he admitted to being involved, her heart filled with warmth and gratitude.

Jerrold had a charm that made him utterly irresistible.

Perhaps, Catherine thought, she should give herself a chance-even if the ending might not be perfect.

At least, she would have been brave just this once.

Brave enough to chase what she loved.

With this thought, a smile of relief finally appeared on Catherine's face.

It seemed as though this had always been her belief, buried deep within her heart. But until now, she hadn't had the courage to face it. Now that she had clarity, when she returned to the hospital room, her eyes sparkled with a joy she couldn't hide.

Thanks to the new medication and the improved environment, her father, Mr. Yun Lee, was recovering quickly. The doctor even mentioned that soon, after a bit more observation, he could be discharged to rest and recover at home.

When Catherine heard this news, the whole family was overjoyed.