“Why would he ask?” Oblivious to the underlying implications, Charles’ ignorance showed as soon as he opened his mouth.
After doing a facepalm, Sonia wore a somber expression and explained, “I’m afraid Toby’s questions has to do with the fact that Tina is now hospitalized. Perhaps Tina’s disappearance was because she was kidnapped, and the kidnapper might be someone we personally know.”
“What?” Charles was taken aback by the revelation.
Sonia pulled her lips into a thin line. “It had been a while since Tina hurt me, but Toby chose to question us right after Tina was hospitalized. It’s apparent that he suspects we’re enacting revenge on him by having someone kidnap Tina.” That was the reason she was having a heartache in the face of Toby’s suspicion earlier.
Upon listening to Sonia’s conjecture, Charles’ gaze flickered for a moment as he caught on to the situation. “We’re done for. You told Toby that Carl is the only person who’s aware of what happened. He must think that Carl is the one who kidnapped Tina and is the reason she was subsequently hospitalized.”
“I’m also wondering if Carl was behind that incident because he’s the only one who knows the truth besides us. This won’t do. I need to ask him.” Sonia retrieved her phone from her bag to give Carl a call. Meanwhile, Charles stole a glance at her as an almost imperceptible sheepish look fleeted across his gaze.
Soon, the call connected, and Carl’s exhausted voice came through. “Sonia… cough… why are you calling so late at night?”
“Are you sick, Carl?” Worry was written all over Sonia’s face when she heard Carl’s cough over the phone.
Carl smiled feebly. “It’s cold here, and we’re shooting outdoors, so I caught a cold without realizing. Cough, cough…”
“Have you checked with a doctor? What about your meds?” Sonia inquired out of concern.
Carl felt warmth coursing through his heart. “Yeah, I’ve done both. Don’t worry, Sonia. I’ll be alright after a few days. Cough, cough…”
“How can I not? What if your condition develops into inflammation?” Sonia rubbed her face irritatedly. Long ago, Carl was sick when she went to provide aid in Jordain County with her father. His tiny figure was curled up on a small, tattered bed as he coughed his lungs out.
After she and her father rushed Carl to the hospital, they were informed by the doctor that Carl had edema and inflammation in his lungs. He would have been a goner if he was hospitalized any later. Therefore, Sonia couldn’t possibly be at ease when she heard him cough.
“Give me your address after this. I’ll send you some medicine that suits you.” Sonia didn’t allow room for negotiation.
Carl nodded smilingly. “Alright, I get it, Sonia.”
“By the way, I have one more question.” Sonia’s expression relaxed after hearing what Carl said.
Carl grunted. “Ask away.”
“Do you remember that I told you how Tina hurt me?” Sonia frowned. Charles was listening intently as he drove.
A peculiar look fleeted across Carl’s gaze despite the smile he wore while replying to Sonia. “Yeah, I do. What about it?”
“Tina was missing for some time tonight, and she’s now hospitalized. Carl, be honest with me. Are you the one behind this?” Instead of beating around the bush, Sonia cut to the chase.
With an unwavering smile on his face, Carl said, “Nope. How could I have done that when I’m currently so far away from Seafield? Sonia, why would you suspect I’m the one behind this?”
“Because Toby asked me about it, so I wondered if you played a part in it.” Sonia repeated her conversation with Toby at the hospital. After that, she smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry, Carl. I shouldn’t have doubted you.”
“It’s alright. I can understand why you did since President Fuller asked. It only makes sense that I would become the primary suspect. However, I really have nothing to do with this.”
“I believe in you.” A smile bloomed on Sonia’s face.
Charles almost felt like praising Carl. That innocent facade of his sure comes in handy during such moments. My darling bought it so easily. However, I won’t be deceived. Considering Carl’s true nature, I bet he is the mastermind. But I am inclined to praise him. He did a good job!
After chatting for some time with Carl, Sonia hung up and tucked her phone back into her bag. “I’m relieved that Carl isn’t behind this. Now Toby won’t be able to do anything to him.”
Charles smiled without saying anything. When Sonia saw a pharmacy by the road, she demanded, “Stop the car.”
“Are you really going to buy him meds?” Charles questioned as he pulled the car over.
Sonia nodded. “Of course. Wait here for me. I’ll be back once I get them.”
“Alright, go on.” Charles waved his hand.
Sonia headed toward the pharmacy. With a basket in her hand, she picked out various medicines either for the flu or boosting immunity. Since Carl was traveling all over the world while shooting outdoors, he could get sick easily due to different weather conditions in different places. Therefore, he could use the medicines to boost his immunity.
After picking out a basketful of meds, Sonia was satisfied and ready to check out at the cashier. All of a sudden, her pupils contracted when she caught a glimpse of some Levonorgestrel on the rack in front of her. I didn’t take any measures after that night. Could it be… Lacking the courage to dwell on it any longer, she stopped a shopkeeper. “Excuse me, miss.”
“Yes? Is there something you need?” The shopkeeper asked with a smile on her face.
Sonia pointed at the birth control pills. “Will these still work if I take them after a few days?”
“How long has it been?” the shopkeeper inquired.
Although Sonia already foresaw the outcome, she still held out hope. “It’s been almost half a month.”
The shopkeeper shook her head. “I’m sorry. It’s been too long, so the pills won’t work anymore.”
Sonia tightened her grip on the small basket. “Then… I’d like to know if I can get tested for pregnancy after half a month.”
“Nope. You’d have to wait at least a month for that.”
“I see. Thank you.” Sonia forced a smile.
“You’re welcome.”
After the shopkeeper left, Sonia’s gaze lingered on the pills for a moment before she checked out at the cashier with her basket.
When Charles saw Sonia come out of the pharmacy, he got out of the car to take the bag in her hand. Just when he was about to ask what took her so long, she already brushed past him with her head hung low, seemingly crestfallen.
“Darling, what is it?” Charles didn’t even check on the meds she bought as he checked in on her while walking after her.
Sonia shook her head without a word before getting into the car. Charles lingered outside the door for a moment, and then climbed into the driver’s seat. After chucking the bag of medicine onto the back seat, he buckled up while looking at Sonia. “Darling, did someone bully you?”
“Nah. It’s just that something is bothering me.” Sonia sounded irritated as she leaned back into her seat while pinching the bridge of her nose. How could I forget something as important as taking birth control pills? It’s too late now that I remembered about it. What if I got pregnant?
“What is it that’s bothering you? Why don’t you tell me? I might be able to offer you some advice,” Charles offered good-naturedly.
However, Sonia waved her hand listlessly. “Forget about it. You won’t understand. Just give me some time. Let’s go; I’m tired.”
Seeing that she was reluctant to open up, Charles shrugged and gave up. He turned the keys to start the car. Half an hour later, they arrived at Bayside Residence. Sonia got out of the car with her bag and turned to enter the building after bidding Charles goodbye. Upon entering her house, she took a shower and fell asleep after drying her hair. The next day, she was roused by someone pummeling on her door rudely.
