Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 150

Iris went quiet for a few seconds before messages started flooding in.

[Can't get away? Randal won't let you?]

[Willa, listen to me. I don't know what the hell is going on with you two, but you cannot throw away your life and your career for him.]

[You are talented and capable. You shouldn't be locked away in some little box. You need to do what you actually want to do.]

Willa was drowning in conflicting emotions. She could only send a vague reply: [I know. There's just a lot going on right now. I really can't spare the time.]

Iris didn't respond. She was probably furious with her lack of ambition.

Early the next morning, Willa woke up to two more texts from Iris, sent at three a.m.

[By the way, Martin said their platform is hosting a seminar on intangible cultural heritage this Friday. He wants to invite you. It's a great opportunity.]

[If Randal won't let you go, I'm breaking into your house to drag you out myself.]

Willa checked the date.

It was Wednesday. Just two days away.

A faint glimmer of hope rose in her chest.

Would Randal actually let her go?

She got out of bed and walked into the living room, instantly hit by the rich aroma of coffee.

Randal was in the kitchen. Hearing her approach, he turned around. He looked miles better than yesterday, his eyes sharp and alive.

"You're awake? I brewed some coffee and bought those shrimp dumplings you like. Come eat."

"Okay." She walked over and took a seat across from him.

He poured her a cup and set out the silverware.

Willa looked up at him, hesitating for a second before testing the waters. "Randal, this Friday... I'd like to go out."

Overjoyed and entirely relieved, Willa shot up, leaned across the table, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Randal!"

The sudden burst of affection caught him completely off guard. The tips of his ears turned pink, and a faint smile pulled at his lips. "Just a 'thank you'?"

Willa laughed and kissed his cheek again. "I'll give you a proper thank you when I get back on Friday."

Radiant with excitement, she grabbed her phone, hurried back to her room, and texted Iris.

[I can go this Friday! I can discuss the project with Mr. Jenson then. Please let him know for me.]

After hitting send, she noticed a new notification on her contacts list. Dr. Wallace had finally accepted her friend request.

She quickly opened the chat, agonizing over the phrasing for several minutes before finally sending a message.

[Hello, Dr. Wallace. I was hoping to ask about Randal Yates's treatments. He hasn't been doing very well lately.]

Unsurprisingly, there was no reply.