CRAZY IN LOVE WITH YOU

Karina's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, problem?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Max hesitated, his eyes scanning the worried faces of the two women. "The doctor performed surgery on him, but noticed something," he said, his voice trailing off.

Lily's eyes locked onto Max's, her expression urgent. "What is that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Max's expression turned grave. "Well... His liver is seriously damaged, and he needs an urgent donor," he replied, making Karina's and Lily's eyes widen in shock.

Karina's face fell. "Oh my, that's indeed serious. So, what will you do?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Max waved his hand dismissively. "I'll deal with it myself. You don't need to worry. Anyways, thank you for your help. Honestly, without you, who knows what would have happened to him?"

Lily smiled humbly. "I just had to do what a good citizen would do."

Max's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Why don't you give me your account number so I can give you a small token to show my appreciation?"

Lily began to protest, but Karina cut her off. "Sure, I'll give it to you." She walked over to the receptionist and asked for a paper and pen. She scribbled down some numbers and handed the paper to Max.

"Here it is," she said with a smile.

Max took the paper, his eyes scanning the numbers. "Alright then, I'll do it when I get home. Thank you once again," he said, turning to leave. But just as he reached the door...

Karina called out, stopping Max in his tracks. "Wait..."

Max turned around, a hint of curiosity on his face. "Anything else?"

Karina handed her phone to Max. "I want your number. I don't trust anyone," she said, her eyes locked onto his.

Max chuckled, taking the phone from her. Lily, on the other hand, gave Karina a "done" face, as if to say, "Really, Karina?"

Lily whispered to Karina, "There's no need for all these."

Karina whispered back, a sly smile spreading across her face, "You'll thank me later."

Max handed the phone back to Karina. "Here. I should get going then."

Lily and Karina nodded in unison, watching as Max walked away.

As they stepped out of the hospital, Lily turned to Karina, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Seriously, why did—"

Karina cut her off, her eyes glinting with a knowing look. "Instead of worrying about me, you should worry about yourself."

Lily's confusion was palpable. "What do you mean?"

Karina's smile grew wider, her voice dripping with malice. "The cafe."

Lily's eyes widened in shock, her face paling as the implications sank in.

"Oh no!" Lily exclaimed, her eyes wide with panic as she hastily hopped on her bicycle and pedaled away.

Karina smirked, watching Lily's frantic departure before yelling, "Wait for me!" She quickly followed suit, hopping on her own bicycle and pedaling furiously to catch up.

Meanwhile, at the Smith's residence, Jack Smith, Kyle's father, stormed out of the house, his face red with rage. He was a tall, imposing man in his late 40s, with a thick beard and a menacing scowl. "What! Accident!" he thundered.

Moana Smith, Kyle's mother, followed closely behind, her eyes brimming with tears. She was a petite woman in her mid-40s, with long, curly brown hair and a kind face that was now etched with worry. "How did it happen?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Max explained, "His car tire deflated, which made him hit a truck on his way to our base."

Jack's face darkened, his fists clenched in anger. "I'm sure Mark planned all this. I'll kill him myself."

Moana's eyes widened in horror. "How many died?" Jack asked, his voice cold and detached.

Max replied, "Three."

Moana's face crumpled, tears streaming down her face. "What of my son?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Max hesitated before delivering the devastating news. "Luckily, he was brought to the hospital on time, but..."

Moana's eyes locked onto Max's, her face pale with fear. "But what?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Max took a deep breath before dropping the bombshell. "His liver is seriously damaged."

The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the shocked family members.

Chloe Smith, Kyle's sister, descended from the stairs, her long, blonde hair cascading down her back like a golden waterfall. Her black eyes sparkled with curiosity, and her petite nose scrunched up in concern. "Who has a damaged liver?" she asked, her voice sweet and melodious.

Jack's face was grim. "Your brother."

Chloe's eyes widened in shock, and she let out a loud yell. "What!" Moana's crying grew louder, and Jack tried to comfort her.

Max cleared his throat, trying to interrupt the chaos. "Ummm... Well, I've already found a donor, but I need your consent to start the surgery."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Max. Jack's face was red with anger. "Why didn't you say it sooner, before she began crying?" he almost yelled, patting Moana's back as Max scratched the back of his head.

Moana sniffled, wiping her tears. "Don't yell at him. I'll cry because I don't know if the surgery will be successful."

Chloe rushed to her mother's side, hugging her tightly. "Mom, it's okay. Dad will arrange for the best doctors in the country to attend to him."

Moana looked up at Jack, who nodded reassuringly. "Who's the donor?" Moana asked, her voice still shaking.

Max explained, "One of the dead bodyguards, but don't worry, the doctor has already examined it and found it healthy."

Jack nodded, his face set in determination. "Okay. Let them proceed."

Max let out a sigh of relief. "Okay, sir."

Moana stood up, her eyes red from crying. "I want to see my son."

Jack nodded, his face softening. "We will all see him together. Prepare the car."

Meanwhile, in a cozy cafe called "The Cozy Cup," Lily and Karina stood in front of the cafe owner, apologizing profusely. The cafe was a charming little spot, with warm lighting and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. The walls were adorned with vintage coffee grinders and colorful artwork, giving the cafe a welcoming and eclectic atmosphere.

The cafe owner, Mr. Thompson, was a stout man in his late 50s, with a bushy gray beard and a kind face. He had a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye, which put his customers at ease.

Lily and Karina stood before him, looking sheepish. "We are very sorry, sir. It won't happen again," Lily pleaded, her eyes wide with apology.

Karina rolled her eyes good-naturedly, and Mr. Thompson chuckled. "I understand the situation. But won't you apologize?" he asked, turning to Karina.

Karina shrugged. "She did that for the both of us," she said, nodding towards Lily.

Mr. Thompson sighed, glancing at Lily, who gave him a pleading look. "Fine then. It's okay, but be careful next time," he said with a smile.

Lily's face lit up with relief. "Thank you, sir!" she exclaimed, beaming.

Mr. Thompson waved his hand. "Alright, go back to work."

Lily breathed a sigh of relief as they left the cafe. "That was close."

Karina shrugged, walking away. "That's not my business."

Lily returned to work, puzzled. "What's wrong with her?"

Moana's tears fell silently as she prayed. "God, save my son."

Chloe comforted her, patting her back. "He'll be alright, Mom."

Jack pulled Chloe aside, concern etched on his face. "How's Mason doing?"

"He's on his school trip," Chloe replied.

Jack's expression turned thoughtful. "Come with me." He led Chloe to a quiet corner.

"Dad, what's wrong?" Chloe asked.

Jack's voice dropped to a whisper. "How can I comfort your mom? She's falling apart."

Chloe's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously?" she whispered, stifling a laugh.

Jack's finger pressed against her lips. "Shh, don't yell."

A sly smirk spread across Chloe's face. "Okay, but one condition," she said, her voice low.

Jack raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Chloe's hand extended, palm up. "Your black card."

Chloe's smile broadened as Jack handed over the black card. "Alright, now go: sit beside Mom, hug her, caress her back, and give her a reassuring smile. Let her know everything will be alright."

"Is that all?" Jack asked.

Chloe nodded. "Yes. What else is there?"

Jack's curiosity got the better of him. "How do you know all this, and I don't?"

Chloe's grin sparkled. "They don't call me Chloe Smith for nothing."

Jack nodded and approached Moana, his nerves evident. He sat beside her, attempting a comforting hug.

Just then, the doctors emerged from the ICU, and Moana stood up anxiously. Jack's relief was palpable.

Chloe shook her head, amused by the scene, and walked toward them.

Moana and Chloe rushed to the doctors, anxiety etched on their faces. "Doctor, how's my son?" Moana asked, her voice trembling.

The doctor smiled reassuringly. "He survived the surgery, but please ensure he avoids smoking and drinking to aid recovery."

Moana and Chloe exhaled deeply, relief washing over them.

"Can we see him now?" Chloe asked.

"Wait until he's transferred to a ward," the doctor replied.

"Okay, thank you, Doctor," Jack said, his face etched with gratitude.

As the doctor walked away, Moana whispered, "He's fine, that's all that matters."

Jack's phone rang, shattering the momentary calm. His expression darkened as he answered, his eyes narrowing.