Scent.**Genevieve's POV**

I cut Dad off before he could spiral further. "Dad, I know. I forgot what Xavier looked like a long time ago. I left early because Dennis is an asshole, and I have no intention of having five kids with him."

Dad's weak voice hit me through the phone, each sentence heavier than the last. "Dad just wants someone to take care of you, not like last time when you collapsed in your rental and no one even knew. Just thinking about you hitting your head and bleeding, crawling up but too scared to even go to the hospital—it breaks my heart."

How did Dad find out about that! It must have been Mike, that unreliable guy who let it slip. None of my other siblings would be so careless.

I forced a smile to comfort him. "Dad, that was just an accident. Besides, I have a friend I get along with really well. No need for more introductions."

"Good. Bring them home for Dad to meet when you get a chance."

"What? You're home? You got discharged?!" My throat tightened, my voice cracking.

Dad deliberately used a light tone. "I feel great now. Being in the hospital was just giving them money. I can recover just fine at home."

He had no idea he had cancer! I'd been hiding it from him to spare him the psychological burden. How could he possibly get better after being discharged?

I knew it was because we hadn't paid enough for medical insurance. Dad's medical bills were astronomical.

I tried to hold back the tears, but everything blurred, and tears rolled down my cheeks in streams.

"Dad... I'm coming home right now."

Dad laughed on the phone, refusing. "Wait until your time off. It's too far from the city here. A few days won't matter."

After a few more words of advice, he hung up. I set down my phone with trembling hands. The next second, a tissue was handed to me from across the table.

Reginald's expression was serious, like he was ready to jump out and fight someone.

I took the tissue and wiped the tears from my face roughly, taking a deep breath. I just wanted to go back to my rental and have a good cry.

"Thank you. I need to go. I have another job."

Reginald stood up immediately. "I'll drive you back."

I was too much of a mess right now. I didn't want anyone to see me like this. I forced a smile and refused. "No need, I can take the subway."

My expression must have looked terrible, otherwise why would he look so worried?

He insisted. "It's on my way. Please don't refuse."

I looked up at him. His expression seemed even more pained than mine, his handsome eyebrows tightly furrowed. My heavy mood inexplicably lightened a bit, and I couldn't help but say, "I haven't even told you where I live. How do you know it's on your way?"

"For someone who really wants to take you home, anywhere you live is on the way."

I suddenly remembered hearing those words before. That person was now about to walk into a church holding someone else's hand.

I really did need to hurry, so I didn't refuse again. "Ha, well, thank you then."

He quickly brought the car around. After I got in and settled, he leaned over close. A rich, fresh cedar scent instantly enveloped me, warm breath sweeping across the side of my neck, carrying a heat that didn't belong to normal body temperature.

My body instantly tensed.

He pulled the seatbelt across and buckled it. The whole process took less than five seconds.

But before he pulled away, I heard an extremely soft sound—almost like a deep inhale.

He was smelling me.

This realization made my spine tingle. This wasn't quite normal. No one smells another person like this.

His driving skills were excellent. Even the narrow street in front of my building was easy for him to navigate. Only his gleaming car seemed completely out of place in this run-down corner of the city.

I sniffed and nodded my thanks. He got out and walked me to the building entrance, agreeing to see each other again when we had the chance.

I opened the door and collapsed onto the sofa. The old secondhand couch made an awful creaking sound.

My phone buzzed with a message notification. It took almost all my strength to reach for it and pick it up. When I opened it, I saw a transfer of fifty thousand dollars. The sender was Reginald, whom I'd just added.

I covered my mouth in disbelief. He dared to transfer this much money to someone he'd just met?

He quickly sent a message: I heard what your father said on the phone.

My finger hovered over the screen for a long time without pressing down. I rubbed my hair, trying to clear the mess in my head.

My God, he must have been sent by God to test me.

Heaven knows how much I needed this money. The credit card about to be overdue, the unpaid rent, the car loan, Dad's medical bills...

Then he sent another message: If we can get married, this is a pre-wedding gift. If you think we're not compatible, consider it a loan. Don't feel burdened. Please accept it.

As if worried I wouldn't take it, he added: Getting your father back to the hospital for continued treatment is what's important.

Thinking of Dad's gaunt body, I wiped the tears from my face.

I opened the dialogue box. My hands were shaking so badly I had to type it three times before I could send the message: I don't understand why you're doing this. But I'll pay you back, no matter how long it takes. Thank you.

Just as I was about to leave for my second job at the fast food restaurant, Reginald sent another message.

"I know you want to ask me why I'm doing this."

I froze. How did he know what I was thinking?

"But you're not a stranger. You just don't remember."

Don't remember what?

I typed to ask him. After I sent the message, there was silence on his end for a while. Finally, he only replied: "Good night, Genevieve. Someday you'll remember."