Chapter 74

Each of the seven white roses was elegant and full. I admired them closely. Suddenly, Teri leaned in and asked, "Ari, have you noticed something?" "What?" I asked. She pointed to my face. "Look in the mirror." Curious, I glanced at my reflection and was taken aback. My face was glowing with a bright, genuine smile. My eyes sparkled, and my lips curved in a way that felt almost impossible to contain. It was such a contrast to how I had looked just two weeks ago when I was discharged from the hospital. Back then, I had felt exhausted and lifeless. Now, I looked vibrant and cheerful. I couldn't help but touch my face in surprise. Teri leaned in even closer. "Come on! Are these from Mr. Wood?" Panic set in as I quickly fabricated a lie. "No! They're from a store I've shopped at before. They send birthday gifts to their VIP customers." Teri looked skeptical. "Really?" To keep her from probing further, I nodded vigorously. Disappointment flickered across Teri's face, but she quick