Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Tina was in the office discussing with Jared when to schedule physical education classes. Class 22D's progress had far exceeded Tina's expectations; in just one week, they had already advanced to Grade 9 material. Velma was progressing even faster because Tina had been tutoring her one-on-one-her performance was so poor initially-but she could now handle Grade 10 material. Nevertheless, Tina decided to keep her in Grade 9 with everyone else, which meant she no longer needed individual tutoring. The students in 22D had solid foundations; they played hard, but when it came time to get serious, they were more earnest and hardworking than students from other classes.

Tina decided to introduce physical education classes earlier in the schedule, but surprisingly, the students unanimously requested to skip PE. They argued that they had missed out on too much over the years, and with less than three months until the exams, they wanted to put in their utmost effort to get into college. They didn't aspire to attend top universities; they would be content with any college. Believing that PE would take up valuable time, they pleaded to forgo the classes, but Tina refused. She insisted that while academics were important, physical fitness was essential for taking exams-without good health, all their hard work would be for naught if they collapsed on test day. Seeing her determination, the students acquiesced.

"Today is Wednesday, so let's schedule PE for the first class this afternoon and the last class on Friday morning. We'll keep this arrangement for the next two weeks, and I'll adjust as needed later," Tina confirmed the schedule for PE classes with Jared.

Jared nodded, "I have no objections."

Tina grunted in acknowledgment, then looked at his leg, "Are you sure you won't need a wheelchair anymore?"

Previously, Jared had intended to teach on his wheelchair, but now he had publicly revealed his legs were 'healed' and had stopped using a wheelchair at school. Tina didn't know exactly who Jared was, but she suspected that someone who could feign disability for years must have extraordinary backing. His decision to reveal his recovery at this time was puzzling; it was unclear whether it was good or bad. Jared also had a sister who had once been targeted with Crimson Silk. Though the poison had been neutralized, whether Jared's enemies would go after Sophia again remained uncertain. Tina had grown fond of the young girl and hoped nothing bad would happen to her. Sensing her thoughts, Jared softly said, "Don't worry, I have everything arranged."

Tina nodded without further inquiry.

Jared pursed his lips, then whispered, "Tina, my legs shouldn't have been 'healed' at this time."

Tina looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"The Reed family is in chaos, and the Farrell family-also in chaos. If my legs weren't 'healed,' the Farrell family would face a major crisis," Jared spoke calmly, but Tina saw a hint of coldness in his eyes. "Understood."

After a pause, Tina looked up seriously, "Whatever you plan to do, don't involve my family, Mr. Farrell. I hope you understand that our engagement is not based on affection, and we won't be marrying in the future." Jared's lips tightened, and after a moment, he spoke hoarsely, "I understand."

He had known from the beginning that Tina's agreement to their engagement was not sincere. She wanted something from him, and he from her. Because she resembled that child, or perhaps because her mother was Rebecca, the last one to handle the serum, neither of them was truly committed.

"However, since we are engaged, we're in the same boat. If you need help and it's within my capability, I'll assist. Of course, if I need help, you must do the same," Tina said.

Jared smiled, "Agreed."

The conversation ended there, but then Tina's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and answered, "Grandma Lehman."

It was Velma's grandmother, Grandma Lehman, calling. She had given Tina her number when they parted at the hospital.

"Tina, are you busy?" Grandma Lehman asked kindly.

She had invited Tina over for dinner several times, but Tina had been too busy to accept. Class 22D had been required to stay on campus, so Velma could only come home on weekends. Sometimes, when bored, Grandma Lehman would call Tina for a chat. Tina, not minding the bother, always patiently conversed with her, bringing them closer.

"Not too busy. Is there something you need, Grandma Lehman?" Tina inquired.

"I'd like to ask you to look at a medical case, but I'm afraid it might inconvenience you, so I wanted to check first," Grandma Lehman said.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Tina was taken aback. The pills she hadGiven to Grandma Lehman were personally developed by her, and while they couldn't make her as vigorous as a young person, they should have improved her health significantly compared to her peers.

"It's not me," Grandma Lehman clarified. "Here's the situation: a dear friend of mine, who I've known for over fifty years, has a granddaughter who also suffered facial disfigurement. You treated her a few days ago, didn't you? But after taking the medicine you prescribed, she's been suffering from continuous high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Now her condition is dire. My friend says she's called you many times, but you haven't picked up. Knowing I'm acquainted with you, she's asked me to reach out in hopes you can come and help."

Tina frowned, puzzled. "Are they sure they're not mistaking me for someone else? The only patient I've treated recently is you."

Grandma Lehman was stunned for a moment, then turned to Mrs. Fanning beside her. "Are you sure it was Miss Reed?"

A foreboding feeling crept into Mrs. Fanning's heart. "Absolutely, the daughter of the Reed family. I've seen her myself; there's no mistake. What's going on?"

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Instead of answering her, Grandma Lehman just shook her head and continued speaking into the phone, "Tina, something seems off here, but could you still come and check? The child's condition is very serious." "Okay, I'll finish up what I'm doing and head over shortly," Tina replied.

Just as Tina was about to hang up, she heard a panicked and tearful voice on the other end of the line, "Mom! Mom! Call the driver, get the car ready for the hospital, Shonna is having a seizure, hurry up!" Hearing the urgency in the voice, Grandma Lehman quickly said to Tina, "Can you come right now? It's an emergency. I'm begging you."

Even without seeing the patient, Tina could tell from the voice that the situation was serious. She nodded, "First, loosen the patient's clothing, then make sure she's lying on her side to keep her airway clear. I'll be there as soon as I can... and send me the address."

After hanging up, Tina received an address from Grandma Lehman. She stood up and asked Jared, "Mr. Farrell, could you please drive me to this address?"

She showed Jared the address on her phone, not familiar with the roads of Ensford herself. Jared, who often traveled around, would likely know the way. "Sure, I'll take you," Jared replied. He had been close enough to overhear Tina's conversation and didn't delay, quickly escorting her out.

Tina was momentarily startled when Jared took her hand, but considering his urgency, she didn't protest.