?<strong>Chapter 1141:</strong>


    At the Grand ins General Hospital,


    After spending some time with Kenia, Belinda hesitated for a moment before deciding to check on Darwin in his hospital room.


    The room was quiet when she entered. Darwin was alone, resting against the pillows.


    The moment Darwin spotted Belinda, his eyes brightened slightly. “You’re here…”


    “Why are you here all by yourself? Where’s your family? Didn’t theye to visit you?” Belinda asked as she walked over and took a seat in the chair beside the hospital bed.


    Darwin looked at her before replying, “Ata is old, and she has heart issues. I didn’t want to worry her, so I chose not to tell her about this.”


    Belinda noticed that he only mentioned Ata when referring to his family, which made her hesitate before asking, “What about your parents…”


    Darwin’s expression shifted slightly. “My mother passed away a long time ago. As for my father…” He trailed off as if searching for the right words. After a brief pause, he simply said, “He’s busy.”


    Belinda felt a bit awkward.


    Maybe she shouldn’t have asked that.


    But before she could change the subject, Darwin unexpectedly continued, “Growing up, I didn’t have many people around me. My personality pushed others away, and no one really wanted to get close to me. Even my mother barely paid me any attention. Ata was the only one who truly raised me, and I never really had friends. That’s why, Ms. Wright… I’m really grateful that you’re willing to be my friend.”


    A shadow passed over his face as he added, “But I never imagined that because of Minna, you’d end up getting hurt time and time again. And this time… You were even kidnapped by Rhys. I hate that it happened. That’s why I had to save you, no matter what. Because you’re one of the few friends I have. And I don’t want to see you get hurt because of me ever again.”


    Hearing his words, Belinda felt aplicated mix of emotions.


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    She, too, had spent much of her childhood without friends.


    Back then, no one had wanted to befriend her. She had been overweight, awkward, and an easy target for ridicule. People had always bullied her. Only Bethany and Kylee had treated her differently, making her believe in the warmth of friendship.


    She had cherished them and trusted thempletely.


    Butter, she had learned the truth. Kylee’s kindness toward her had never been real. It was all an act—a carefully crafted lie. Kylee had only befriended her to use her, all because she had married the man Kylee loved… Looking back now, Belinda found the matterughable.


    Because she had experienced that, she understood Darwin’s pain.


    Just as she was about to respond, Darwin spoke again, his voice cautious. “Ms. Wright… Could I ask you not to avoid me because of everything that’s happened? I just… I just want us to be friends like before. Maybe we could have a meal together sometimes, talk like we used to… Would that be okay?”


    Everything he had said earlier had been leading up to this moment.


    This was what he truly wanted to say.


    Given the circumstances, Belinda found it hard to refuse Darwin.


    He had risked his life to save her—how heartless would she have to be to refuse his simple request now?


    He wasn’t asking for much. All he wanted was to keep their friendship intact.


    After a moment of thought, Belinda nodded. “Alright. Let’s be friends like before.”


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