Twisted Ties of Love novel Chapter 501

It was hard to tell if Casey heard her words, his face obscured by the oxygen mask. His breath was weak, silent for a long time before he finally managed to respond with a faint, "Hmm."

Izabella smiled, "I have some good news. Our movie, 'Ghost Snatchers', has been nominated for an international film award. In a few days, I'll be attending the film festival to accept the award. How does that make you feel?"

Casey's lips, pale as water lilies, moved to form a word, "Like."

His voice was so faint Izabella could barely hear it. She leaned in, "What did you say?"

Casey took a deep breath before saying each word distinctly, "Like Cry Baby."

When Izabella heard his words, she froze. Her heart ached, the sensation rippling through her nerves and throat. She was speechless for a long time.

At this point, Casey was almost unconscious. The only thing he heard was Izabella's question, "Do you like it?"

Yes, he liked it.

"Like Cry Baby."

"Like the cotton candy at the carnival."

"Like the wisteria tree at the orphanage."

"Like Izabella."

Tears uncontrollably streamed down Izabella's face as she crouched down to hold Casey's hand.

"I also like you. I like the eight-year-old you who carried me home, the you who gave me cotton candy, the you who called me Cry Baby, and the you who turned into a little fool. I like you, whether you are Casey, or Ryker, or just Casey, I like you, you were never a burden to me."

Casey had once said that she was the surprise that one could only encounter once in a lifetime, but wasn't he her unexpected surprise too?

Casey fell asleep again. When he was asleep, he wouldn't have to suffer. When he was asleep, she could finally touch him.

Izabella stroked Casey's thin jawline, his pale lips, her voice choked with emotion, "You can sleep, but don't sleep too long. If you sleep too long, you won't be able to see me. Don't you like me? If you like me, hold me tight. Don't let go this time. You promised to carry me home, you can't break your promise. I'm still waiting for you to marry me."

Izabella looked at the heart monitor next to the bed and understood the data it displayed. Casey's condition was deteriorating day by day.

The 20th was fast approaching. The surgery was scheduled to last ten hours.

The film award ceremony was on the 21st. It was in a different city.

Secretary Hansen had called her several times to ask if she would attend. The film festival was a big deal, with live broadcasts on all the major screens.

This was the first domestic film to be nominated abroad, and the chances of winning were almost a hundred percent. The question was how many awards they would win.

The director had also arranged the itinerary and was waiting for Izabella's confirmation.

"Go ahead and book the flight for me, and prepare the dress."

"Sure thing, Ms. Salotti."

After hanging up the call, Presley began to prepare. The surgery agreement had been signed three days ago, and the Dempsey family had all arrived.

Izabella made the call in front of them, and Wendy Dempsey, who was closest, heard everything clearly.

"Izabella, are you leaving? My brother's having surgery today." Wendy's worry was evident in her eyes. Although she often argued with Casey, even going so far as to say "I don't want you as my brother" during their fiercest fights, she still cared deeply for him. He was her brother, who would always have her back, protect her and fulfill her little wishes.

"I can't be with him until the very end of his surgery today. I'm going to leave to get the honour that belongs to both him and me."

Wendy looked at Izabella in front of her, not understanding how she could be so calm, so indifferent to Casey's fate.

"Izabella, aren't you afraid that my brother won't make it? This might be your last chance," She couldn't finish her sentence.

Izabella shook her head, her voice firm, "No, he promised me he won't. I believe in him. Once I get the award, I'll come back to see him."

Casey had survived two life-threatening events - a fall that resulted in a head injury and being shot in the chest by Nathaniel. He had come back to her each time.

There was a saying, right? The right person will always find their way to you, no matter how many detours they take. She and Casey had been through life and death, regret, and all sorts of trials. Why should they fear this surgery?

But what if he didn't make it?