Chapter 373
The doctor shot a hesitant look at Joshua.
Joshua said, “Go ahead, just say whatever’s on your mind.”
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The doctor let out a sigh. “The chip is in a delicate spot. The surgery is really risky. You should brace yourselves for the
worst.”
When they walked out of the hospital, Xylia’s eyes were red from crying.
oshua didn’t seem fazed at all. Instead, he tried to comfort her.
Sure, it’s risky, but it’s not like there’s no hope. Relax, I’ll be fine,” Joshua said.
Xylia turned to look at him, and she couldn’t hold back her tears anymore.
She looked at him through her tears, her voice trembling but her gaze steady.
I won’t let anything happen to you,” she said.
oshua wasn’t sure if he should comfort her or thank her.
He stepped forward, pulled her into his arms, and gently patted her head.
Don’t worry, I’ve got nine lives, you know,” he said.
He’d made it through car wrecks and explosions back in Daltonia.
It’s just a surgery–no way that’s gonna take me out.
Kylia wiped away her tears while nestled against him, then pulled herself together and looked up at Joshua.
Let’s head back,” she said.
Just as Xylia was about to leave, Joshua grabbed her hand.
She turned to look at him.
Joshua said, “Let’s not tell Mom and Dad about this just yet, alright?”
Xylia’s nose prickled with emotion again.
She nodded softly. “Yeah, I know
Joshua took her hand, lacing their fingers together, and they walked toward the parking lot.
After they left, Kael stepped out from behind a pillar near the hospital entrance, carrying a bag of meds, watching them leave, looking confused.
‘Why are they crying like someone’s about to die? Kael thought to himself.
He paused, then turned and walked back into the hospital.
Josie found out from Karl that Joshua was going to have surgery.
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Kael had already come up with a solution for Josie.
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“I checked into that surgery–it’s insanely risky and needs a surgeon with super steady hands. Turns out, that surgeon is a close friend of mine. If we offer Xylia access to him in exchange for her going to Alverland to help you out, she’ll definitely agree,” Kael said.
Josie’s brows knitted–she wasn’t having any of Kael’s idea.
“Isn’t that basically blackmailing her? That would totally ruin our friendship,” Josie said.
“Who knows, maybe Xylia would just cut me off for good after this,‘ Josie thought.
Kael could see Josie was torn, so he just waved it off and flopped onto the couch.
“Then just be straight with Xylia and ask her to help you. You two are tight–she’d never say no to you, would she?” Kael said.
Josie paused, something clearly on her mind, then shook her head.
“Xylia’s all about her family right now. She wouldn’t put herself on the line for me,” Josie said.
“You haven’t even asked her, so how do you know she wouldn’t take a risk for you? Or maybe you’re just afraid–afraid of hearing the answer you’re not ready for?” Kael said, watching Josie closely.
Kael stared Josie down, his gaze unwavering.
Josie looked up at him, her eyes icy and unyielding.
Kael caved under her glare and averted his eyes.
He threw up his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright, I’ll drop it.”
He turned to Josie. “If you don’t just tell her the truth, then the only option left is to threaten her. Think it over and give me your answer tomorrow. If you won’t do it, then I’ll be the one to step in.”
If Kael had to get involved, he definitely wouldn’t bother sugarcoating things.
Josie knew exactly what Kael was getting at.
She bit her lip, wrestling with herself, and after a long moment, finally made her choice.
She stepped out onto the balcony, pacing back and forth, torn with hesitation–then, at last, she pulled out her phone and dialed Xylia’s number.
Xylia took her time picking up.
When she finally answered, Josie could instantly tell Xylia’s voice was hoarse–she’d clearly been crying.
Josie was at a loss for words.
‘How could I even think about using my own problems to threaten my friend? Josic thought, her heart twisting with guilt.
Xylia was Josie’s ride–or–die, her best friend for life.
“Xylia, are you free tomorrow? Want to have dinner together?” Josie asked softly.
“Josie, I’ve got some things to deal with these days… Xylia started to say,
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Before Xylia could finish, Josie cut her off.
“I know an amazing doctor–maybe they can help you,” Josie said.
There was a noticeable pause on the other end.
Finally, Xylia agreed.
After Josie hung up, Kael’s voice echoed in her ear.
You’re really just going to introduce Jasper to Xylia?” Kael asked.
Josie jumped, instinctively sidestepping to get away from Kael.
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But Kael stepped forward on purpose, wrapped her up in his arms, and bent down so his face was just inches from hers.
Their breaths mingled in the charged space between them.
osie pushed against his chest, her face heating up. “You… stay away from me!”
Josie, I’ve made it obvious how I feel about you, haven’t I? I know you feel something for me too. So why do you keep lodging me?” Kael said, his voice low.
osie pressed her lips together, not replying.
Are you scared you’ll drag me into your mess?” Kael asked quietly.
Kael’s voice was low and steady.
osie’s lashes trembled, but she didn’t say a word.
Kael let out a low chuckle, his voice husky with a teasing edge.
osie had no idea what he found so funny–she just couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.
She was about to push him away.
But in the next instant, he wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her.
Her breath caught, the warmth of his lips on hers left her frozen in place.
Seeing Josie wasn’t fighting him off, Kael got even more daring.
He cupped the back of her head, kissing her like he was claiming victory–completely unrestrained.
By the time Josie finally came to her senses, she was already at his mercy.
She had no choice but to endure his intensity, powerless against his strength.
He only let her go when she was nearly out of breath.
She buried her face in Kael’s chest, gulping for air.
Kael held her close and couldn’t help but tease, “Can’t even catch your breath, huh? You’re hopeless.”
That was the last straw–Josie was absolutely furious.
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She shoved Kael away. “You bastard! You stole my first kiss!”
Kael wasn’t the least bit scared. Instead, he grabbed Josie’s hand and stole another playful kiss from her.
“Fine, consider it returned,” he joked.
Josie was absolutely livid.
She tackled Kael onto the couch and started wailing on him.
Kael was totally at her mercy, unable to fight back at all.
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When Josie finally finished venting, Kael sat up, clutching his now–black–and–blue face, giving her a look that was equal parts pitiful and dramatic.
‘Seriously? Did you have to go that hard? Ever heard of not hitting someone in the face?” he whined.
Josie didn’t want to talk to him at all. She shot him a death glare and stormed off to her bedroom.
After Josie left, Kael finally let his hand drop.
He ran his thumb over his lips, like her lips were still there, soft and warm.
Since the deal’s sealed, time to get down to business,‘ Kael thought.
He pulled out his phone and made a call.
A few seconds later, the call connected.
Jasper, I need a favor,” Kael said.
After Josie called, Xylia’s heart started racing with nerves out of nowhere.
She didn’t doubt Josie’s intentions for a second.
But one thing bugged her: ‘How did Josie even know about what’s going on with Joshua?‘
She stood at the edge of the balcony, the night wind whipping around her thin figure. She looked so heartbreakingly fragile. like you just wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe.
Joshua came out of the shower and saw Xylia just standing there in the cold wind.
He frowned, tossed his towel aside, grabbed a blanket, and headed straight out to the balcony.
“Why are you out here freezing yourself in the middle of the night?” he asked.
Without waiting for an answer, he bundled her up in the blanket.
When he glanced down, he noticed Xylia’s eyes were red and swollen from crying
His chest tightened with worry–he just couldn’t stand seeing her cry.
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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