Chapter 12

"I-I'm fine," I answered. Of course, it would be hard for mom to believe it.

"Katrine...!" Mom called my name, her eyes started to get wet. Mom really makes me feel very guilty right now.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Jenny, who had just returned with a glass of water, was followed by the twins, looking confused.

"I think Katie is starting to relapse, I should take her to the hospital," said mother.

"M-mom, no, I beg you. I'm fine!" I said.

"No, Kate! We have to go to the hospital to check on you!"

"No, I'm fine. We're not going to the hospital and there won't be anyone getting checked today."

"But your face is so pale!"

"Katie, I think this is right. You should go to the hospital now, you really-" said Jennie, who agreed with my mother regarding my situation.

I was silent for a moment, not understanding what they thought about my situation. I was fine and it was as if they knew better.

I got up while looking at my mother who was standing in front of me with an overly worried face.

"Today is a very important day for me, it's been a long time since I turned it off. So, I have to go!" I said flatly.

I moved away from the presence of my mother and my sister, leaving them with all their doubts and fears about me. They forget that in this world it's not me they need to worry about me, but Daniel.

Stockholm Building

I sat in the place that had been prepared, it was still 12.30 noon. Soon the event will start.

I'm nervous, very nervous. Seeing people starting to arrive into the hall, their faces looked enthusiastic. What should I do at a time like this? This feels like a dream.

How could it be possible that some time ago I was still lying in a hospital bed dying as if waiting to die. But now, things have turned 180 degrees from all the possibilities I thought at that time.

From my place, I could see my mother and Kelly chatting with several people who were probably fans of my work. Meanwhile, from the other side, Jennie and her two children are busy capturing moments that she considers precious.

I smiled a little, my heart was beating fast. Happy ? maybe, I feel much better now.

"Miss Sally Adam!" Ben exclaimed as he shook my hand, he smiled without feeling guilty at all for interrupting my thoughts.

"Ah...good afternoon, Ben?" I answered a little nervously.

"You're so beautiful today!"

"Really? Thank you for the compliment, I'm very flattered."

"Ah no no, I'm not complimenting. I'm just telling the truth!" Ben smiled while looking into my eyes, he made me even more nervous. Even before, I didn't feel this awkward with him.

"Okay, thank you." I said while looking down, I could feel my cheeks turning red. Come on, he was just praising me, he didn't mean to make me feel embarrassed like this.

"So, where is Jennie? Has she come?"

"Yes, she came with her children,"

"Where is she?"

"She's there!" I said while pointing at Jennie who seemed to be chatting with a man.

"Who is with her? Is that her husband?"

"Ah... no, her husband couldn't come because he had to work. Jennie came with my mother and my sister, Kelly." I answered, without realizing it, I also paid attention to who Jennie was talking to.

A man wearing a long cream-colored coat with a Sherlock Holmes-style hat, sunglasses and a mask. The man had a camera hanging around his neck. I couldn't see his face clearly.

"Oh so this is your new guy?" Suddenly, the voice of someone who was familiar to me was heard not far from where Ben and I were.

I turned to the source of the sound, Depney and Helga came with a man I knew, Alex.

"Oh, you guys just arrived?" I asked nervously seeing who they brought.

"Someone I told you yesterday, Alex also wants to attend the launch of your latest book. Isn't that right, Alex?" Said Depney with her trademark smile.

"Hi Kate, how are you? Nice to see you again, you look better!" Said Alex in all his nonsense. For some reason, deep in my heart, I didn't like him, although I don't remember why.

"Yes, thank you. how are you?" I asked nervously, I was reluctant to even look him in the eye.

"It wasn't so good before, but now I feel much better after meeting you." He said. He tried to smile and tried to shake my hand, but I felt uncomfortable with his gaze.

"So, you don't want to introduce us to anyone?" Asked Helga, who had been looking at Ben for a long time.

"Oh yeah? Sorry, sorry I forgot, this is Ben, my new editor. Ben, they are my friends, Depney, Helga and-"

"Benedict, just call me Ben!" Said Ben in a friendly manner as he shook their hands one by one.

"You don't want to introduce him to me?" Asked Alex who felt ignored.

I stared at him for a moment, trying to notice the details of his appearance. His body is quite

tall and athletic, with blonde hair and bright blue eyes. The lines on his face were very firm, making his smile seem cold.

"Ben, this is Alex, my friend from high school."