Chapter 669

Vivian Laurent deliberately took several extra turns around the garden, giving Fiona Grandelle ample alone time.

When she returned to the living room, she found Fiona curled up in the corner of the sofa, clutching her phone.

"Did the conversation with Dr. Fairsprene not go well?" Vivian sat beside her.

Fiona shook her head and buried her face in a throw pillow.

"Did you confess? Did he reject you?" Vivian probed gently.

"No..." Fiona's voice was muffled. "I couldn't even muster the courage to say anything."

Vivian sighed softly. She'd noticed Ryan Fairsprene's reservations at the hospital, but hadn't expected Fiona to be too afraid to try.

"How can you be sure he doesn't like you?"

"He said he doesn't have feelings for anyone." Fiona lifted her head, eyes red-rimmed. "And...he's seen me at my worst."

She bit her lip. "This face was surgically altered. What if he thinks...it's fake?"

Vivian was momentarily speechless. She hadn't anticipated Fiona's insecurities running so deep.

"These are just your assumptions." Vivian took her hand. "Why not give him a chance to share his true feelings?"

Fiona twisted her fingers together. "If he rejects me...we won't even be friends anymore."

"What about texting him?" Vivian suggested. "It's less pressure than face-to-face."

After a long hesitation, Fiona finally dialed his number.

"Hello?" Ryan's voice came through the receiver.

"It's me..." Fiona's voice trembled.

"I know." His tone remained gentle. "Is everything alright?"

Fiona dug her nails into her palm. The words "I like you" stuck in her throat, impossible to voice.

"I...just wanted to make sure you got home safely."

"I did. Thank you for checking."

The call ended abruptly. Fiona tossed her phone onto the couch, her eyes growing redder.

"It's okay." Vivian patted her shoulder. "These things take time."

Fiona nodded weakly before heading upstairs. Her slender frame looked as fragile as a falling leaf.

In the bathroom mirror, she studied her delicate features. This expensive face couldn't buy her courage.

She remembered Ryan's gaze—warm yet distant. Perhaps to him, she'd always remain that ugly duckling hiding in the shadows.

Tears splashed against the sink. She wiped them away, but couldn't erase the insecurity rooted in her heart.