Chapter: 1700

"Uh-huh."

“Why don't we call the hospital, just in case?" Rachel still couldn't help but worry.

“No need. I just got a little dizzy. Though, if you didn't stop shaking me, I would have passed out for real," Alberto said.

If he could still joke, then he must be really fine.

Feeling guilty, Rachel bit her lower lip.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault."

Alberto looked at her and remained silent for a moment before saying, "It's very late."

"Huh?" Rachel didn't immediately understand what he meant.

Alberto coughed and cleared his throat before explaining, "I need to go to work at seven tomorrow morning. If we don't go to sleep soon, I won't be able to wake up on time."

“Oh! Right," Rachel said, suddenly remembering she also had to go to work tomorrow morning. She prepared to get up, but Alberto was still holding her. Her gaze lowered to his hand on her wrist.

“Well, you can let go of my hand now."

Alberto followed her gaze and immediately released her.

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine." Rachel smiled briefly before leaving his side, climbing into the bed, and turning off the bedside lamp. She lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

Silence returned to the room, but neither of them could fall asleep.

In the next moment, all they did was listen to each other's breathing, pleading for sleep to visit them soon.

The silence was so profound that it seemed Rachel could hear Alberto's heartbeat. She shut her eyes, willing herself to fall asleep, but her scattered thoughts kept her awake.

"Rachel." Suddenly, Alberto spoke.

Rachel opened her eyes and looked down toward the floor bed but said nothing.

After a moment, Alberto's voice filled the silence again.

His tone was unexpectedly soothing as he said, "Good night and sweet dreams."

Oddly, Rachel felt at ease after hearing that. Her troubled heart calmed down.

She pulled the blanket up to her chest, rolled over so that her back was to Alberto, and replied, “Goodnight, Mr. Gibson."

The next morning, Rachel woke up early by a fit of coughing. It must be due to her cold the day before. She sat up on the bed and instinctively reached for the thermos flask, only to find it wasn't there.