Cross Lines

Chapter 45: Compensation

Two days later, the dog's condition had worsened significantly. Both Maggie and Emily Luo were exhausted from the continuous strain, yet they still had to go to work—excusing themselves with the reason of a sick dog was not something either of them could bring themselves to do. Fortunately, Ryan Ding came over to look after the dog during their absence, partly out of guilt for the dog's condition and partly to get closer to Emily Luo.

In the afternoon after work, Maggie was busy discussing design plans with Zachary. Given that their previous design had been stolen, they needed to produce a new one as quickly as possible. The design team was under immense pressure, and Maggie couldn't leave at this critical time.

Worried that Dr. Luo might be anxious waiting at home, Maggie called her during a bathroom break to let her know they would be going to the vet a bit later. However, Emily Luo exploded on the phone, “Don’t you know the dog's condition? Later? Until when? Can it even wait? Aren’t you afraid that it might not make it if you delay?” After a series of questions, the call was abruptly ended before Maggie could respond. She was left staring at her phone, bemused by Emily Luo’s temper.

Not daring to delay further, Maggie quickly wrapped up at work, informed her boss, and rushed to the vet. Upon arrival, she saw that the dog’s IV was already set up. Since Emily Luo had to stay with the dog, she couldn’t drive, so they had to wait for the infusion to finish. The sight of the dog’s severe illness was disheartening.

When Maggie approached, Emily Luo’s expression was tense, and she turned away when Maggie came close. The vet greeted Maggie warmly, and after a brief update on the dog’s condition, Dr. Luo remained silent, clearly uncomfortable. Maggie, noticing this, offered a gentle explanation, “I’ve been caught up with urgent work…”

Dr. Luo, realizing her outburst was unwarranted, felt regret. She understood that Maggie had been doing her best, and with the additional stress from work and the situation with Zachary, it was unfair to blame her. Maggie’s calm response only made Dr. Luo feel more embarrassed. Maggie suggested, “Shall we go home?”

Emily Luo looked up, hesitated, but said nothing. After having dinner and waiting for the infusion to complete, Emily Luo cleaned up and took a moment to rest. Maggie brought out some fruit and placed it on the coffee table.

“I wanted to say…” Dr. Luo began, contemplating her apology. Maggie looked up, “Yes?”

“I shouldn’t have yelled at you…”

Maggie smiled, “It’s alright, it’s no big deal.” She paused and added, “We’re all upset about the dog’s condition…”

Emily Luo’s expression grew somber. Both women were dreading the worst outcome but reluctant to face it. Dr. Luo, though accustomed to illness and death in her professional life, found it difficult to accept when it affected something so personal, even if it was a small, seemingly insignificant life.

Seeing her distress, Maggie gently placed a hand on Emily Luo’s, trying to offer comfort, “We’re not at the point where we need to give up yet, okay?”

Dr. Luo turned to look at Maggie, exhausted, seeking support. She leaned her head on Maggie’s shoulder, sighing softly, which tugged at Maggie’s heartstrings.

After a brief moment, Emily Luo straightened up, smiled faintly at Maggie. The closeness, combined with Maggie’s clear, sincere gaze, made the atmosphere even more charged. Maggie, feeling a surge of affection, leaned in and placed a tender, brief kiss on Emily Luo’s lips. The kiss, though soft, was real. Emily Luo did not respond but also did not pull away, emboldening Maggie to linger slightly longer.

The moment was far from ideal, and if Emily Luo had been angry, Maggie would have understood. Nervous, Maggie ended the kiss and instinctively touched her own ear. Emily Luo remained expressionless and still, making it hard to read her feelings. Maggie, feeling anxious, braced herself for whatever might come next.

The tension was palpable until Emily Luo finally broke the silence. She picked up a fresh strawberry from the fruit platter, bit into it where Maggie’s lips had been moments before, and chewed silently. Maggie, puzzled by the strange gesture, found herself struggling to keep up with Emily Luo’s unpredictable behavior.

After several strawberries and another dose of medicine for the dog, Emily Luo suddenly asked, “Maggie, have you ever had a girlfriend?”

The question hit Maggie like a flashbang, filling her with unexpected clarity. “Yes, I’ve had one.”

Dr. Luo, eyes narrowing, inquired further, “Just one?”

“Yes,” Maggie replied.

Dr. Luo fell silent, prompting Maggie to continue, “We broke up when I graduated. She went to the U.S. for an internship, driven by an intense desire for success. Nothing, not even love, could hold her back.”

Maggie’s tone turned melancholic as she recounted the story. Dr. Luo listened intently, no longer mocking.

“At that time, my mother had just passed away. I was extremely vulnerable and needed support, but she insisted on leaving, saying I needed to be strong to catch up with her. I was too afraid to even ask her to stay, only crying in secret. She knew, but still left.”

Maggie looked at Emily Luo, her smile bitter. “How could I have kept her?”

The memory was painful, leaving both women with a sense of melancholy. Dr. Luo, feeling she had touched a personal wound, turned red with embarrassment. To change the subject, she asked, “So, what happened next?”

“Nothing,” Maggie said, a touch of innocence in her expression. “There was no next.”

Dr. Luo was curious about why Maggie hadn’t started a new relationship in the years since. Maggie’s answer was sincere, “I haven’t met anyone I liked.”

Dr. Luo frowned, “Too picky?”

Maggie smiled, “Not really. I just don’t want to start something casually and then break up if it doesn’t work out. Love is serious, and rushing into it feels disrespectful.”

Dr. Luo admitted that Maggie’s perspective was compelling.

“I wouldn’t want to count on my fingers how many past relationships I’ve had when I finally meet the right person. For example—just like now…”

Maggie trailed off, making Emily Luo blush deeply. Embarrassed, she turned away, avoiding Maggie’s gaze.

Seeing this, Maggie’s heart raced with affection. She tilted her head and spoke in the softest, most assured tone, “Dr. Luo, will you promise me?”

Emily Luo looked up at Maggie, silent for a long time, finally nodding slowly but clearly.