Twisted Ties of Love

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.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

"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?

"Ms. Salotti, we're here."

Izabella snapped open her eyes. She was dressed in a black evening gown that resembled a wedding dress. She picked up her dress, her high heels clicking on the pavement.

As soon as she stepped out of the

car, she was greeted by a barrage of flashbulbs. Izabella squinted, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the harsh light before straightening hepback and walking in.

There were many reporters at the event, more than any previous film festival.

Firstly, last year's popular movie "Ghost Snatchers" had been nominated, and the two lead actors were the popular Izabella and Casey.

Secondly, the news of Casey's hospitalization had been leaked. The specifics were still unclear, but rumors were rife that he was on the brink of death.

However, Casey had been absent from the public eye for quite some time, which had only fueled the reporters' curiosity. Izabella's arrival was like a beacon to them.

She had anticipated this and had hired extra bodyguards. Apart from the noise in her ears, she didn't feel any other discomfort.

The international film festival was a grand affair. The big screens in the shopping malls were all broadcasting the event live, and it was also being aired on radio and television.

Before leaving, Presley had told her that if Casey woke up within 48 hours after the surgery, he would be out of danger. Otherwise, he could end up in a vegetative state or suffer organ failure.

Izabella had been on a plane for a

day, followed by styling and makeup. It had been 40 hours since she left. She looked up at the sky. It was a beautiful sunny day. She wished Casey could see it too.

Staring at the sun, Izabella felt a sting in her eyes. To her, Casey was her sun, warming her life.

Her past life was like a houseplant, well-nourished and cared for, yet lacking sunlight and freedom, eventually wilting away.

She followed the crowd into the venue, lost in her thoughts. Many tried to approach her, but were repelled by her aloof demeanor.

Soon, the host took the stage to announce the top awards.

Best Picture Ghost Snatchers

Best Director - Jerome, Randy, for Ghost Snatchers

Best Screenplay - Bell

Best Actor Casey

Best Actress - Izabella

The film Ghost Snatchers had swept the board. Many had predicted such results, but it was still a shock when announced.

Only three people were present to collect the five awards. Izabella, lifting her gown, approached the stage and faced the camera.

Ghost Snatchers was the first domestic film to win all major international awards. The glory wasn't just personal anymore, but had elevated to a national level. With these awards, Izabella had secured a formidable position and future in the international film industry.

Because it was live, the announcement of these awards caused Twitter to crash, inundated with trending topics.

Those who had once criticized Izabella and ridiculed Ghost Snatchers were silenced, watching the historical moment unfold on their screens.

Such an event was unprecedented. Izabella rarely made public appearances, but when she did, it was breathtaking.

Who could link the Izabella now, shining brilliantly, facing the limelight with bright, spirited eyes, to the Izabella who was once slandered by the netizens?

This was the most dazzling part of the film industry, the pinnacle for any actor. With these awards, Izabella could dominate the entertainment industry upon her return to her home country.

Izabella was calm. Others who received the awards either cried with joy or trembled with excitement. But she, accepting the trophy, began her acceptance speech.

A speech? Izabella hadn't prepared one. She had heard that others had prepared speeches in advance, but she didn't. One of these awards was enough for her.

On her first day back, looking at her reflection, she made a vow. She would live well, for herself and for Bell. She would help Bell fulfil her wishes.

Reflecting on her journey, looking at the familiar faces in the audience, it all felt like a fleeting memory.

Standing here, could Casey hear her words?

Izabella began, "I would like to thank

Bell. Because of her, this film exists, and so do I. I thank the directors for bringing this film to life. I thank Casey for showing me the meaning

of life. Thank you all for your

I

support. I would like to take this opportunity to announce something. Starting today, I will be leaving the entertainment industry, stepping away from the film world. The way ahead is long; we may not meet again." After saying this, Izabella

tightened her grip on the

microphone, bowed deeply towards the audience, facing the countless cameras.