Brittany's heart lurched, and she suddenly fell silent. The success of the surgery was something worth celebrating. As for the possibility of recurrence, she had never thought about it.

Harold looked into her eyes. His bushy brows furrowed slightly. His playful attitude was gone.

"In other words, perhaps shortly, you'll have to donate your marrow again. I only have one brother. To find you, we've exhausted all my connections. So, it's my best policy to keep you at Mullen's house for the next six months."

His non-negotiable tone showed his determination.

"I totally understand your feelings, but do I have to stay? If your brother relapses, you can always find me. I will do my best to help!" Brittany said anxiously.

"Sorry, I'm a meticulous person. I'll feel secure only when important things are in my care."

"Argh…" Her words of rejection got stuck in her throat.

A sly glint flashed across his eyes. Howard curled his thin lips and smiled playfully, "Besides, you wouldn't accept my money, and I don't want to owe others, nor can I think of another way to repay you. So, I'll spend the money on your daily necessities. In so doing, my conscience will be in peace."

Brittany looked at his profound handsome face, felt depressed, and sought for the second-best, "Can you offer me the cheque once again? I'll accept it this time."

"No, I can't give out rejected money once again. My pride doesn't allow me to do it. You have to stay!"

She opened her mouth, but words wouldn't come out. There was compulsive buying and selling, but she had never heard of compulsive staying. Wasn't this house arrest?

She carelessly blurted out her thoughts. Harold raised an eyebrow and snorted, "Something like that."

"Can I refuse?" Brittany felt helpless.

"No."

She cried, shed a crystal tear, and begged bitterly, "Please, I have to go to school and work part-time. It’s inconvenient for me to live here! I promise I'll take good care of myself, stay healthy for the next six months, and wait for the marrow donation!"

"Sorry, I refuse to believe in your promise." He shrugged and snuffed out her idea mercilessly, "Take tonight, for example. If I didn't bump into it, you should have been tarnished. Who knows if you would commit suicide by hitting the wall, jumping off the building, or cutting your wrist because of the loss of your chastity? From where could I find another match? Could I borrow you from Satan for one day?"

Brittany was rendered sleepless.

His tongue was venomous. Couldn't he talk like a normal person?

His mouth was pretty, but the words from it were dripping acid!

Brittany was sad and indignant. At the thought that she would stay with this temperamental, sharp-tongued man for six months, she felt that her world was going to collapse. Her peaceful days were coming to an end!

Early the next morning, Brittany jumped off the bus, rushed to the teaching building, and panted.

She finally made it to the classroom in time. Her friend and roommate, Veda Crane, had occupied a seat for her. From a distance, the girl waved at her.

Carrying her backpack, Brittany scurried to her seat.

"Brittany, why didn't you come back last night?" The professor hadn't called the roll yet, and Veda took the opportunity to ask about her.

At the thought of the turmoil last night, Brittany felt down, pursed her lips, and grumbled in a muffled voice, "Taken away by a viper."

(To be continued)