Take My Breath Away

Debbie couldn't believe her ears. "When's Kasie gonna wake up? And will there be any lingering aftereffects?" she asked.

Mia shook her head. "We did a functional MRI test, and expect her to wake up by tomorrow morning. She hasn't really been in a coma long enough for there to be any kind of aftereffects. She may be confused when she wakes up, but that won't last long."

Debbie heaved a long sigh of relief when she heard that.

The women chatted for a while, and then Emmett came in. He raced to the hospital as soon as he got back from his business trip. He was surprised to see Debbie in the ward.

Still, he checked on Kasie first. He stroked her hand softly, his heart broken. After a long time, he turned to Debbie and asked, "Mrs. Huo, when did you get back? Mr. Huo said he'd pick you up next week."

"I just got here. Kasie's in a coma. How could I wait till next week?"

Emmett nodded. "Does Mr. Huo know you're back?"

"Nope. Haven't told him yet." She was going to head back to the manor after bidding Kasie's parents goodbye.

"How about I have the driver bring you home? I'll stay here and take care of Kasie," Emmett offered.

Mia echoed, "Right. Debbie, you haven't seen Mr. Huo since you got back. Just go home now. We'll look after Kasie. Don't worry."

Debbie was exhausted after a ten-plus-hour flight. Now that she'd come by to see Kasie, she decided to accept their kind offer. Emmett told the driver to take her to the manor.

When she arrived at the manor, Carlos wasn't there. 'Carlos is probably still at work, ' she thought. It was still daytime, after all. She took a shower to wash off the day's grime, and then settled down for a nap to try and recover from her jet lag. By the time she opened her eyes again, it was already dark outside. She got into her car and drove off.

At ZL Group

Debbie's sudden appearance drew all eyes to her. Before she even approached the receptionist, someone recognized her. "Good evening, Mrs. Huo," a woman greeted her.

Debbie got more greetings after that, mainly because they'd heard the woman refer to her as "Mrs. Huo."

"Hi, Mrs. Huo."

Debbie nodded at them with a smile. "Good evening."

While walking towards the elevator, she could hear people gossiping. "I thought she was in England. Why is she back already?"

"She looks like a teenager!"

"Mrs. Huo rarely comes around here. Why now? Is she here to check on Mr. Huo?"

Upon hearing that, Debbie sighed helplessly. 'Seriously? How dare I check on the great Mr. Huo!' she thought to herself and rolled her eyes.

The receptionist trotted over to Debbie and offered, "Good evening, Mrs. Huo. You're here for Mr. Huo, I take it? He just got back in. Let me show you the way."

"Thanks, but I'm good. I know where it is."

"All right. This way, please."

The receptionist followed Debbie to the elevator and stayed until the doors closed. Debbie stepped out when she reached the top floor. She saw all the secretaries bend over their computers, working hard. No one seemed to notice her as she walked towards the CEO's office.

It was not until Tristan heard footsteps that he raised his head to see Debbie. Instantly, he sprang to his feet and ran towards her. "Good evening, Mrs. Huo."

The other secretaries also greeted her warmly. Debbie greeted them back and pointed to the closed door of the CEO's office. "Is he busy right now?"

"Yes. Mr. Huo is with a business partner."

After a short pause, Debbie told Tristan, "Make two cups of coffee for me. Thanks."

Despite his confusion, Tristan went to the tea room and made two cups as he was directed.

Debbie took the tray from him and gestured for him to open the door.

Just as Tristan had said, Carlos was talking business with another man in the office. He didn't even cast a single glance at the girl who came in. Instead, he was intent on business, explaining some of the latest stock figures and some other things Debbie didn't quite understand.

The businessman himself raised his head and looked at Debbie in confusion.

Debbie put the tray on the table and placed a cup of coffee in front of him. The man thanked her politely.

When she served Carlos, he thanked her as well. But then he realized something was off, as a familiar smell wafted into his nostrils.

He looked up and stopped talking. The girl he had been missing was standing there, right in front of him. He flashed a broad smile.

His eyes lit up. This was the best surprise!

He stood up from the couch. Despite the other man's presence, he pulled Debbie into his arms and kissed her on the lips. They held that pose for a long time.

The businessman was no dummy. He knew who she was now. "Ah! No wonder you look so familiar! You're Mrs. Huo! Good evening."

Debbie freed herself from Carlos' embrace and reached out to shake hands with the man. "Evening. Sorry to disturb you," she said with an embarrassed smile.

"Not at all. We're almost done here. I'll leave you two lovebirds alone now. Mr. Huo, we'll pick this up tomorrow. Cool?" The CEO merely nodded his assent, and the man began to pack up his stuff, taking files and folders and placing them in various places in his briefcase. He was wise enough to leave the couple alone.

Flashing Debbie a meaningful look, Carlos saw the businessman out and walked him to the elevator.

When he came back, he locked the door behind him. Carlos pressed Debbie against the couch, and before she could say anything, he kissed her passionately on the lips. Longer than last time. Debbie hadn't thought that possible. And now we fade to black.

It took awhile, but Carlos walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. He dried his hair with another towel and looked at an exhausted Debbie. "This is the second time you've made a surprise appearance. You want me to fire those bodyguards again?"

Last time Debbie had paid off her bodyguards and come back without Carlos knowing. He had fired all the bodyguards and hired new ones. He hoped the new ones would be more diligent.

This time, Debbie had bought off the bodyguards again. Carlos had no clue she was here until she showed up in his office.

Debbie pouted her mouth and complained, "I just wanted to surprise you. It's not their fault. If you fire them again, I won't come back next time."

Carlos pressed her against the bed; she could smell his unique fragrance. "You won't come back? Then I'll go to England myself."

"Liar!" Debbie snorted. "I've been stuck in England for several months. You only went there once, and it was because you had to pick me up and so we could fly to New York together. I've come back twice now!"

Carlos felt rather guilty. She was telling the truth. He had promised her that he'd stay in England after he handed his work to his trusted employees. But it was taking so long. He kissed her forehead and apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry. I've been really busy recently. I'll try my best—"

"Shh-shush!" Debbie shushed him with a forefinger to his lips. "I know how busy you are. Don't worry. I'll fly back whenever I miss you. You have a family to support, and a company to run."

Carlos curled his lips. "Thank you for understanding, honey. I've had my men looking into Kasie's accident, by the way."

"Thanks."

After some consideration, Carlos decided to tell Debbie something that he had been pondering on for a long time. "Honey, how about you come back and study here in Y City?"

"Why?" Debbie was confused.

"Arranging things at work is taking a lot longer than I thought. Every time I think I'm almost done, something new pops up. I don't want you studying abroad alone. I'm worried about you."

Debbie rolled her eyes and joked, "Don't worry. I had a wonderful time in England alone. Without my husband by my side, I can go to bars at nights and hang out with hot guys. As for you, since I'm not around, you can relax and have fun with other women... Aargh! Let go of me! You jerk!"