Chapter 255 You Wish
Even after Erica got home, her heart still couldn't calm down.
She sat blankly on the sofa, her mind replaying the scene of the little girl's parents hiding in a corner, watching their child standing awkwardly in the crowd, trying to sell the flowers in her hands. That look of heartache mixed with restraint—she would probably never forget it for the rest of her life.
The parents had deeply shocked her, touching the softest part of her heart.
They had taught her how to sell flowers, showing her a way to survive. But their love was expressed by hiding in the shadows, saying thank you to countless flower sellers.
Before she knew it, tears were streaming down her face again. Erica sniffled and was about to get up when her phone rang.
Seeing it was Maddox calling, she hesitated but still answered.
"Hello?"
Maddox could hear the heaviness in her voice. "You've been crying?"
Erica composed herself before saying, "No."
"Why were you crying?" Maddox asked again. "Is it about the child? Don't be scared, I'm here."
Erica insisted, "I told you I wasn't crying. Do you need something? If not, I'm hanging up."
"Yes." Maddox, looking exhausted, closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. "You left your bank card in the car. I'll bring it over to you."
Erica said, "If you need the money urgently, keep it for now. I still have some cash. I'm a bit tired, I'm hanging up."
Before Maddox could speak, Erica hung up.
Half an hour later, the doorbell rang.
Erica looked through the video screen and saw Maddox standing outside. She opened the door, and he came in carrying takeout food.
"Why did you buy all this food?" Erica asked.
Maddox walked straight in, came to the dining table, and opened one of the containers. "I could tell you'd been crying, but I didn't know how to make you feel better. These are all your favorites."
Erica could see his cautiousness, and the words she'd been about to say to send him away stayed unspoken.
"I already ate. I can't eat now," Erica said.
Maddox paused slightly. "That's okay, you can eat when you're hungry. I heard pregnant women get hungry easily."
Erica frowned. "How many people work at your company? Just one receptionist who's a woman. Who told you that?"
Worried she might misunderstand, Maddox quickly explained, "Don't get the wrong idea. I've been going to the hospital a lot lately, right? I heard those pregnant women talking about it at the hospital."
Erica looked away, her gaze shifting to the side. "Alright, leave the food here. You can go now."
Maddox wanted to hold her hand, but Erica dodged it first. He pleaded, "Can I stay a bit longer?"
"I don't need company."
Maddox negotiated quietly, "I'll just sit for a while."
She didn't say anything, which meant she agreed.
Maddox said, "Making you face this alone, that wasn't fair to you. It's my fault."
Erica pulled out a dining chair and sat down. "I didn't let you in to hear you apologize. Don't feel bad about the money on the card. You can use Leopold's money, so why not mine? The workers in the hospital need money, and the location shoot at Solstice Mountain needs money. The most important thing is to get through what's right in front of you."
Maddox lowered his head, muttering quietly, "Using a woman's money, that's pretty pathetic."
Erica frowned slightly. "Using your buddy's money, that's not pathetic?"
Maddox said, "It's different."
"How is it different? His money is money, and mine is waste paper?"
"No."
"If it's not, then take it. I'm not saying I'm giving it to you—you still have to pay it back."
Maddox looked up and said, "I'll pay it back, definitely."
Erica noticed his tired expression and the dark circles under his eyes. "Didn't sleep well last night?"
Maddox rubbed his face. "There's been a lot going on lately. I go to bed late, and even when I lie down, I can't sleep. My head's full of thoughts about how to make things right with you."
"Okay, stop talking." Erica glanced at him.
Maddox immediately deflated. "Erica."
"What?" Erica responded irritably.
Maddox opened one of the containers. "You're not going to eat the garlic butter shrimp? It's freshly made, your favorite."
Erica's eyes flickered, her expression softening. "I'll try one."
Maddox's eyes crinkled with a smile as he quickly handed over the knife and fork. "Fresh out of the pan. Have another one, have another one."
Erica chewed slowly. She didn't know if it was her imagination, but her appetite had been really good lately.
Maddox took the opportunity to open the thermos. "There's also black chicken soup here, it's so fresh. Let me pour you a bowl."
He went to the kitchen and came back with a bowl and a soup spoon, filled a bowl and placed it by Erica's side, watching her eat.
Erica said while eating, "Don't think that just because I'm eating your food means I've forgiven you."
Maddox nodded with a smile. "I wasn't thinking that. Is the soup good?"
"It's okay. You should get a bowl and try some too."
"I had someone make it specially for you. I won't eat." Maddox's eyes seemed glued to Erica. "If you want to eat anything else, just tell me, and I'll bring it to you."
Erica's gaze slowly moved over. "Bring me food a few times, and maybe I'll be so touched I'll forgive you?"
Erica's smile disappeared as she rolled her eyes at him. "You wish!"
Erica walked him to the door. Maddox held onto the doorframe, smiling. "I'm a bit tired. Can you let me sleep on the sofa for the night?"
Erica asked, "Sleep on the sofa?"
Maddox nodded hard.
Erica said, "How could I let you sleep on the sofa? Sleep in the bed."
"That works too." Maddox grinned foolishly.
Erica opened the door and pushed him out. "You wish! Don't expect me to open the door for you again!"
The door closed right in front of him.
Maddox sighed, standing outside the door. Through the door panel, he said, "Go to bed early, okay? Call me if you need anything."
Silence inside.
Erica returned to her room and sent Caroline a message, telling her Maddox had just come by.
Caroline had just finished her shower and saw the message. She replied: [How did it go?]
Erica: [We didn't really talk. I'm not calm right now, and I can't make decisions about some things. I'm going to let things cool down for now.]
Since Erica had spoken, Caroline understood her attitude.
Caroline: [Whatever choice you make, I support you.]
Having known Erica for so many years, this was the first time she'd seen her cry on the street. It showed that she was really conflicted inside right now.
Over the weekend, Leopold's plane was already in the airspace above Seaside City.
Caroline checked the time. Ten more minutes until landing. She opened his WhatsApp and typed: [Go straight to my mom's place after you get off the plane. She's prepared food for you.]
At that moment, Erica left the office, preparing to meet a client.
Her car got onto the expressway. Traffic was heavy and fast. Her attention was fully on the road ahead. Just as she was about to exit at the ramp, there was suddenly congestion ahead. She had just pressed the brake to slow down when a force from behind pushed her car forward.
Several dull thuds followed as four cars, including Erica's, were involved in a chain collision.
Caroline got the call and frantically sent Leopold another message: [Erica was in an accident. She's at Seaside City Hospital.]