The sterile, fluorescent lights cast a harsh glare across the expansive ward, their brightness failing to lend any warmth to the atmosphere within.

Dr. Anne surveyed the four individuals standing before her with a stern expression, her eyebrows knitting together in disapproval.

"Where did you go?" she demanded, her tone tinged with frustration.

"We went out to play..." Leora began tentatively.

Dr. Anne's brow furrowed even deeper, her disappointment evident. "You're a patient now, Leora. You should know better than to wander off."

Her gaze then shifted to Serena, who stood silently at the side. "And you, why did you join them in their mischief? You've never been one to behave recklessly, Serena."

Serena's head bowed slightly in apology. "I'm sorry, Aunt Anne..."

Before Serena could finish, Charlie interjected. "Doctor Anne, if anyone's to blame, it's me. I orchestrated everything today."

Charlie's confession was quickly followed by another from Lisa. "No, it's because of me... Everyone wants to celebrate my birthday with me... It's my fault for going along with it. If I hadn't, none of this would have happened."

Upon hearing this, Leora pulled Lisa back, insisting, "Doctor Anne, don't blame them. It's all my fault. I instigated everything."

Dr. Anne couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the four friends vying to take responsibility for their actions.

Dr. Anne's stern expression softened slightly. "You all seem quite loyal to each other."

Turning her attention back to Leora, Dr. Anne's tone became more serious. "Leora, as a patient, you must learn to take responsibility for yourself. Do you understand?"

Leora's stubbornness was evident in her response. "I only did it because I wanted to."

Dr. Anne pressed her lips together, her demeanor calm but firm. "That's not acceptable."

Leora pleaded, her vitality returning. "I promise this will be the last time. Please don't be angry, Dr. Anne."

Dr. Anne's gaze hardened as she issued her decree. "It will indeed be the last time. From now on, you will remain in the hospital until you recover."

Leora protested, "But... I still want to attend Charlie's birthday party next week."

Dr. Anne's resolve remained unyielding. "No."

Leora turned to Charlie, desperation evident in her eyes. "Please, Charlie, help me convince Dr. Anne."

Charlie, understanding Leora's desire to come to her birthday party, offered a solution. "You can ask Lisa to livestream the party for you."

Lisa nodded in agreement. "Yes, just stay in the hospital. I'll borrow the best phone to livestream it for you."

Charlie reassured Leora, "There will be other opportunities. Besides, I'll have a coming-of-age ceremony next year."

As the conversation unfolded, Leora's eyes betrayed a mixture of emotions.

Dr. Anne, sensing the need for resolution, intervened. "Alright, enough trouble for one day. The rest of you should go home. Leora needs to rest."

Lisa offered to stay with Leora, but Dr. Anne declined. "No, you've all caused enough trouble today. Go home and reflect on your actions. I'll stay with Leora tonight."

As Lisa reluctantly bid farewell, Serena, noticing Dr. Anne's intention to speak with Leora alone, gently guided Lisa away.

"Let's all go home for today and let's give Leora time to rest well..." Serena gently say.

Lisa and Charlie can't do anything more but followed Serena outside Leora's room.

Leora stood beside Dr. Anne, watching her friends depart with a sense of resignation in her eyes.

The veins on Charlie's hand stretched as it hung by her side, a silent testament to the tension brewing within her.

The evening sky was unusually tranquil, belying the turmoil of emotions swirling beneath the surface.

After dropping off Leora, the lively chatter in the car gradually subsided, giving way to a contemplative silence.

Charlie glanced out at the bustling street scene, breaking the quiet with her observations. "I feel like Leora is recovering well. She managed to evade the gangsters when we split up earlier."

Serena absentmindedly nodded while her thoughts are somewhere else.

Serena couldn't shake the guilt of keeping Charlie in the dark about her plans to confront the family of the most important person in her life—Charlie's own family.

"Charlie..." Serena began tentatively, her voice laced with uncertainty.

He longed to confide in Charlie, to unburden herself of the secrets she carried, but she feared the consequences of her disclosure.

However, before she could reveal her inner turmoil, Charlie preempted her, offering her an out. "It's okay, you don't have to say it if you don't want to."

Charlie understood Serena's reluctance as always to divulge the truth, respecting her decision to keep certain matters private.

She recognized the danger that Uncle Robert posed, and she knew that forcing Serena to reveal her connection to the bodyguard could only invite more trouble.

"Tell me when you're ready," Charlie whispered softly, her unwavering trust evident in her words.

Serena gazed at Charlie in astonishment, struck by her unwavering support and understanding.

As they continued their journey, the streetlights blurred past, casting fleeting shadows across Charlie's face.

In that moment, amidst the flickering lights and the gentle breeze of winter, Serena found solace in Charlie's unwavering trust like always.

With a determined resolve, she made a silent vow to Charlie.

"I'll tell you everything after your birthday."

Including the fact that I don't just like you... but I love you.

As they journeyed onward, under the tranquil moonlight, the unspoken words between them hung heavy in the air, a promise of revelations yet to come.

The time had finally arrived for Charlie's birthday.

As the winter sun slowly descended on the western horizon, painting the sky with a soft golden glow, the backyard of Charlie's house bustled with activity and anticipation.

Despite the winter chill, the party hall of the Vanderbilt Mansion had been transformed into a lively scene for Charlie's seventeenth birthday celebration. Cornelius had spared no expense, hiring a professional team to deck out the space with transparent hydrogen balloons and twinkling lights, creating a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere beneath the winter sky.

Charlie is in her room getting ready for the party. Charlie is wearing a black suspender dress exudes badass charm with its edgy yet chic design. Featuring sleek shoulder straps and adjustable suspenders adorned with bold buckles, it creates a flattering A-line silhouette that exudes confidence with every step. It was a dress that Leora picked for her.

Since Leora won't be able to come, Charlie asked Leora to pick the dress for her.

Leora also gifted Charlie a red lip gloss that she made Charlie promise to wear on her birthday as it will look good with the dress she picked.

After applying the red lip gloss, Charlie couldn't help but admire her reflection in the mirror. Her dark purple hair cascaded elegantly around her shoulders, framing her amethyst eyes, which sparkled with a hint of mischief. The red lip gloss added a touch of boldness to her look, perfectly accentuating the chic and badass vibes of the black suspender dress. It was a combination that felt just right. 

Charlie couldn't help but smile realizing how Leora knows her style so well.

'In tha manhua, Leora is supposed to die on this day... I'm just so happy that things turned out so well. After the operation of her glands, Leora seems to be doing well. I can't wish for anything more. This means that I don't have to worry of my future with Serena, it is clear to me now, that I can change the turn of events in this world.' Charlie smiled at her thought.

Her thoughts was interrupted by a gentle knock on the door.

"Charlie, it's me..." Serena said.

"Come in..." Charlie replied.

Serena can't help but smile at sight of her gorgeous alpha infront of her.

"You look so beautiful, Charlie." Serena said smiling while walking towards Charlie.

"Hmm... not as beautiful as you, my omega." Charlie smiled while she gently pulled Serena into a hug.

Serena gently pulled away from the hug.

"Are you ready? They were expecting you down there now." Serena said.

"Yes. Will you walk with me?" Charlie asked.

Serena smiled blushing.

"Um." Ser