Seven years had passed while she was in a coma. Gerard had changed; he appeared more handsome, with a distinguished aura.

Laura attempted to sit, her strength failing her. Walter offered assistance, but she pushed his hand away, looking tenderly at Gerard.

“Gerard, can you help me? I'm very weak," she asked.

Gerard approached, his eyes dark and cool, but Walter intervened.

"Let me help. Gerard's just off a flight and tired."

As Walter assisted her, Laura felt a mix of helplessness and warmth, knowing Gerard had just landed. "Did you come right after hearing I was awake?"

Her eyes were soft, giving her an endearing and gentle appearance.

“No, Gerard was returning from a business trip," Walter explained.

“We ran into each other at the airport, so I brought him here.”

Laura hid her disappointment, grateful nonetheless. “Thank you."

“How are you feeling?" Gerard inquired, his voice deep.

“Just a bit weak and easily tired. The doctor says regular exercise will help me recover quickly," Laura responded, showing her determination. "I want to go mountain climbing with you again."

Walter was incredulous. "Mountain climbing again? Aren't you scared?"

Laura's accident had occurred during a mountain climbing trip.

They had set out to conquer Eleywood's highest peak, but a sudden attack on Gerard near the cliffside had caught them off guard. In the ensuing chaos, Laura had heroically tackled the assailant, leading to both of them tumbling down. She had hit her head on a rock, losing consciousness. Laura was critically injured in the fall, and upon reaching the hospital, she was diagnosed with severe injuries, rendering her comatose.

Laura had slept for seven years, her peaceful slumber stretching from the age of eighteen to twenty-five.

A substantial chunk of her youthful existence had slipped through her grasp, lost to the sands of time.

The assassin had been sentenced to ten years of imprisonment. And because of Gerard's special arrangement, the assassin's days in the penal system were akin to a nightmarish existence, which was a way to help Laura seek revenge.

In a moment of solemn reflection, Laura, her unwavering resolve and sharp wit fully intact, declared, "How could I possibly be disheartened by a mere trifle? My personal motto is to always be brave."

Walter, in sincere concurrence, nodded approvingly. "Then it's incumbent upon you to cheer up and get better."

Resolute, Laura affirmed, "I shall, but... The physician has advised that I require supervision during my physiotherapy. Doing exercise alone could leave me vulnerable to mishaps. My parents are busy with their demanding schedules and the thought of strangers overseeing my progress is disconcerting."

Turning her gaze toward Gerard, her eyes shone with a glimmer of hope as she implored, "Gerard, would you be willing to accompany me through this physiotherapy journey?"

Without hesitation, Walter raised his hand and interjected, “Laura, I'm at your service. How can you possibly favor one over the other?

I've got no pressing engagements anyway. Allow me to be your steadfast companion during this physiotherapy. Gerard is often tied up with work and might not be as attentive as I am."