The convoy pulled away, leaving Charlotte still standing there. She glanced down at her hand, replaying the memory of Patricia’s pulse in her mind.

Just as she was lost in thought, a large, warm hand slipped over hers. Anthony pulled her gently into his arms. His voice was soft, a little rough. “Are you worried about Grandma?”

Charlotte frowned a little. When someone was good to her, she wanted to be just as good to them. And Grandma? She loved her like no one else.

“She has a doctor who checks on her regularly,” Anthony said, holding her close and rubbing his chin on her hair. “If you’re worried, we can go back and visit her this weekend.”

“Okay.” Charlotte let out a quiet reply, resting her forehead on his shoulder. She looked tired, worn out.

Anthony smiled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Let’s go home and get some sleep.”

Late that night, though, Charlotte found herself wide awake. For someone who’d been so tired, it was frustrating. She rolled over again and again. On her fifth turn, Anthony, who’d seemed half asleep, suddenly rolled over and pinned her gently beneath him. His eyes were dark in the dim light.

“Are you doing this on purpose?” His hand circled her waist. He looked down at her, his breathing uneven.

Charlotte looked back at him, wide-eyed and innocent.

“You really can’t sleep?” he asked, shifting so she could settle comfortably in his arms. He let out a soft sigh. “You’ve been having trouble sleeping a lot lately. What’s going on?”

“I don’t know yet.” Charlotte relaxed into him, breathing in the familiar scent that always made her feel safe.

“It might be something genetic.” She frowned a little. “After school tomorrow, I’m going to the research institute.”

She didn’t want to hide anything about her health from him.

Genetic? The word made Anthony think of her last medical report.

“I’ll come with you,” he said quietly, running his fingers through her hair.

“Okay.” Charlotte smiled softly, taking his hand and pressing it to her cheek. “I’ve

had genetic issues since I was a kid. I’m not afraid.”

Anthony’s fingers stilled, his face turning serious.

He was afraid, though. It wasn’t just the gene stuff. Even if Charlotte so much as frowned, he’d worry for days.

Imet

The next day after their morning classes, Charlotte headed to The Cabinda University with Stella, Andrew, and Parrish. There was preliminary round for a big physic Competition that day. Whoever won would get a ticket to the finals and a coveted spot in the university’s Physics Society.

Shirley, who was being mentored by the legendary Mr. Lane, still had to put in the work on her own, especially with all the complicated theory stuff. The Cabinda University Physics Society had a huge reputation, not just in the country but internationally, and they worked with other top schools around the world. Getting in meant access to new research and big opportunities.

But with so many people applying and only a handful of spots available, making it

into the society was no small feat.

The preliminary round was held in

the student activity center. Anyone from freshmen to grad students.

could enter. Each vel picked

their best, and only the top students moved forward.

Charlotte and her friends sat in the back row, watching Shirley on stage.

“I heard Shirley pulled a few all-nighters to prepare,” Stella whispered. “She looks great, and she seems pretty calm, but I think she’s a little nervous.”

She was the only freshman up there, and standing among the older students, she looked especially young.

Charlotte nodded, crossing her arms and tilting her chin up. “She’s got nothing to worry about. She’s more talented than most of them, even if she’s just a freshman.”

She glanced over at Andrew, who was staring at Shirley, completely dazed. “What about you?” she teased.

“Me?” Andrew snapped out of it and gave an awkward nod. “Yeah, she’s… really pretty.”