Ophelia’s smile widened as she saw her friend, and she pulled up a chair to sit beside her. "Did you change my clothes last night?"
"Who else would have done that?"
"Thanks a bunch!" Ophelia playfully tapped her friend’s cheek, her voice bubbling with gratitude. "And you even got that adorable towel and toothbrush set."
"That was Sean’s doing."
At the mention of Rosemary’s words, Ophelia’s hand, which was holding a bite-sized piece of a sandwich, froze in mid-air.
"They are a bit childish." Rosemary said with a smile. "Sean thought all girls would like cute patterns."
Ophelia hadn’t expected it to be him.
"Crap!" Suddenly, something occurred to Ophelia, and she hurriedly fished out her phone. "I forgot to check in with my folks."
She hadn’t been home all night, and her parents must have been worried sick!
"Don’t sweat it. I’ve already called your mom. Calm down." Rosemary poured her a glass of milk and set it before her, then began recounting the events of the previous night.
"You’re always on top of things, Rose. So reliable." Ophelia took a sip of the milk and sighed contentedly. "This milk is so creamy"
After another bite of her sandwich, she felt curiosity getting the better of her. "But really, what’s the deal with those guys from last night?"
Why were they after her?
Could it be that her enemies from abroad had followed her here?
"It’s a long story." Rosemary thought about how to keep it short and sweet as she gave an overview of the past events, and then continued, "So, Erik’s guys split into two groups. One broke in to rescue him,
and the other went after you, in case the first group failed. They were planning to use you as a bargaining chip to exchange for their boss."
"So that’s it. I thought it was weird they suddenly started tailing me and were so persistent." Ophelia chuckled. "For a moment, I thought my overseas enemies had tracked me down here. So, you’re saying you came to my rescue last night??"
"The one who saved you was Sean."
Rosemary’s revelation caused Ophelia’s smile to freeze on her face.
Really him?
How could that be?
"When the first group barged in, me and a few of the guys were dealing with them. Then it hit me that you might be in danger, so I sent Sean to check on you. Sean said when he got there, about a dozen hitmen were shooting at your car, and turning it into swiss cheese."
Rosemary loaded Ophelia’s plate with a lavish breakfast spread and continued, "Under such circumstances, you were still sending me voice messages, and worrying about whether the flowers will survive and whether the soil had spilled. In the message, you cared about my issues with Romeo, but did not mention a word about your own safety."
The night before, Ophelia had not revealed to Rosemary how dire her situation had been, as well as how alone and vulnerable she felt.
She hadn’t told Rosemary that she feared she might never see her parents again.
Worried that she might die at the hands of those men, she had asked Rosemary to visit her parents if she had the chance. After all, she was their only daughter.
Knowing Rosemary’s character, she was clear that if Rosemary found out her death was due to an assassination, she would stop at nothing to seek vengeance.
Ophelia didn’t want Rosemary to take such risks; she only wished for Rosemary to live a happy and peaceful life with the one she loved. That would be enough for her!
That’s why she had been so insistent the night before.
"Sweetheart." Rosemary added more to her breakfast. "Next time you’re in trouble, just send me your location. No matter what, no matter where you are, I’ll find a way to save you."
"I don’t need your saving!"
She would rather face danger herself than have her best friend risk everything.
"Thank goodness Sean got there in time." Otherwise, Rosemary would never forgive herself.
The thought of Sean triggered a flood of memories in Ophelia’s mind, especially the moment of his confession.
"I’m Sean, I like you, and you damn well better not die."
What was going on?
Could it be that she misremembered it??
How could Sean possibly like her??
But the memory of last night felt too real.
Ophelia was even more stunned.
So, Sean knew she wanted the Kowloon Bay track, and he found a way to give it to her indirectly?
If Sean really liked her, that would explain why he didn’t want her to call him by his first name as Rose did the night before.
Because Sean didn’t want him to be like a brother to her!
Rose knew about Sean’s feelings, which was why she kept speaking for him last night.
Everything made sense.
Ophelia’s heartbeat quickened; could it really be that Sean liked her?
When did it start?
And why?
A while later, when Sean joined them for breakfast, he coolly nodded at Ophelia, "Morning."
"Morning." Ophelia replied, suddenly feeling uneasy. The thought of Sean possibly liking her sent her heart into overdrive, and made it thumping harder than usual.
"Thanks for last night."
Sean was about to dismiss the thanks when he heard her continue, "Rose, I’m full. You take your time. If there’s nothing else, I better head back... You’ve got your trip coming up."
Sean thought of her drowsy question before he lifted her into the car the night before, ’Why are you holding back my project?’
He had wanted to explain then, but the next second, she had passed out!
Watching her leave now, Sean thought the project issue might have upset her, which was why she seemed in such a rush to get away from him.
He felt a pang of urgency to follow her, yet unsure of how to explain himself.
"The ointment on the coffee table is for her," Rosemary mentioned nonchalantly.
Grateful for his sister’s thoughtfulness, Sean hurried after Ophelia.

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