His grin widened. “Nah, this was all for you."

The facade of patience crumbled; indignation took its place. With a swift motion, she let her foot connect with his shin.

He'd always had a flair for the dramatic, for turning the ordinary into heart-stopping moments. Yet she never imagined he'd carry that trait across oceans and through the years.

"Ouch!" He winced, but the sparkle in his eye remained undimmed.

Andrew yelped, "You've got quite the kick, Lilah. And here I was, coming to surprise you with good intentions."

Her eyes did an exasperated dance. "Well, surprise achieved. You know I can't stand your scares."

His grin never faltered as he leaned in, teasing her. "Oh, come on.

You were worried about me, right?"

Lilah, not one for games, pushed him back firmly. “Enough with your antics, or I'll leave you to your own devices next time!"

He raised his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. Don't get mad;

I came all the way here just for you. Anyway, check out the gift I brought!"

Andrew proudly presented a bag, the contents spilling over with luxury. Generosity wasn't new to him; his gifts had always been grand, and she, at times reluctantly, had accepted them. Yet now, as her heart belonged to another, she pushed the bag back. "I'm sorry, I can't take this."

His brows creased. "Why's that?"

She admitted, "I have a boyfriend."

The light in Andrew's eyes dimmed. "Gerard, is it? Are you two an item then?"

"That's right."

His smile was a strained one now. "I see... I guess I should let you be, then."

As he turned away, his body gave in, and he crumpled to the ground.

“Sir!" His assistant's panic was palpable.

The assistant faced her, worry etching his features. "Miss Phillips, Mr. Fowler was indeed in a car crash. He's been playing it cool so you wouldn't worry."

Upon closer inspection, Lilah noticed the dark fabric of Andrew's suit, poorly disguising the blood. His complexion, a stark contrast to his usually vibrant demeanor, was ashen. “Get him into the hospital, now!"

After doctors tended to him, Andrew's battered form rested on a hospital bed. The scene gnawed at Lilah.

“What happened?" she inquired, her voice a shadow.

Andrew held a special status in Mirello; he was a beacon, a magnet for unwanted attention. But a car accident in Hualand was unforeseen.