Briony grimaced. She stared at the kid on the asphalt. The boy seemed to have regained consciousness. He began to cry.

"Isn't his condition vulnerable? I mean, we'd better call an ambulance," Briony was worried that the child's arm would get worse if moved.

"You refuse to take responsibility?" the middle-aged woman raised her tone.

"It's not like that. It's just ...." Briony was at a loss for how to explain it. On the one hand, she did feel guilty.

"Just take the child to the hospital, Miss. It would be a shame to leave him here any longer. He's already in so much pain," said a young woman kneeling near the kid.

After a brief deliberation, Briony finally agreed. Several people worked together to get the child into her car. Thanks to their help, Briony was able to quickly get him and his nanny to the hospital.

There, the poor boy was immediately taken to the X-ray examination room. Because his nanny had to take care of the registration, Briony was forced to accompany him inside. She felt awkward, as she didn't know the boy at all. When he struggled, Briony could only press his shoulders to keep him on the table. Her mouth was tight, unsure of what to say.

"Excuse me, Ma'am. Could you please calm your son down? We can't take an X-ray if he keeps moving around," a radiographer asked. He was having trouble positioning the patient.

Briony grimaced. "Sorry. He's not my son."

The radiographer furrowed his brows. "Then? Who are you? Why did you accompany him here?"

Briony bit her lip. She was ashamed to admit that she was the cause of his broken arm.

"No problem. Let me try it," Briony said, avoiding the question. Then, she moved her face closer to the boy. With a sweet smile, she said, "Little man, don't be afraid. The machine doesn't bite. It's just for taking photos. It won't hurt."

Unfortunately, the boy kept struggling. "You're lying! You must be trying to cut off my arm. I don't want to lose my hand. I still want to use it!"

Briony was stunned. She hadn't expected the boy to give her such an out-of-this-world answer.

"Cut off your arm?" Briony repeated the boy's assumption in disbelief. A second later, she burst out laughing. Not only the radiographer, but the whining child was also confused.

"Why are you laughing?" the boy inquired, still with his wrinkled face.

Briony pinched his cheek. "That's because you're so cute. Why did you think the doctor would cut off your hand?"

"Because my hand is broken? I heard doctors usually remove damaged body parts during surgery. Isn't this an operating table?" the boy replied timidly, his eyes occasionally glancing at the radiographer.

Briony laughed again. "You must be mistaken. This medic isn't a doctor, but a radiographer. And this isn't an operating table, but an X-ray table. Do you know what a radiographer and an X-ray are?"

The child blinked in confusion. Briony asked again, "Now answer my question. Can you see your bones?"

The boy shook his head. "No."

"That's right. Our bones are covered by skin, so we can't see them directly. However, the doctor needs to know the condition of your bones so they can provide the right treatment. Fortunately, this hospital has an X-ray machine. With this machine, we can get photos of your bones. This radiographer will be the one operating the machine," Briony explained patiently.

The boy thought for a moment. "So this isn't an operation?"

"No. It's just an X-ray examination. You won't feel anything," Briony nodded reassuringly.

"Yes, it's just a photo shoot. It feels like you're taking a photo," the radiographer added.

The boy's eyes narrowed. He was scanning the faces before him for lies.

"So, what would you say? You're not going to fight anymore, are you?" Briony asked, coaxingly. "The sooner you agree, the sooner the doctor can treat your arm. You want it to heal, right?"

The boy sighed in resignation. "Okay, I won't fight anymore. Hurry up and treat my arm."

Briony clapped her hands in relief. "Great! Then, I'll wait for you outside."

"Why are you waiting outside?" the boy scowled. "Remember what Mrs. Powell said. You're the one who hit me. You have to take care of me."

Briony was stunned. She hadn't expected the boy to be so articulate. "Okay. I'll stay here with you."

Then, the radiographer began positioning the broken arm. The boy winced in pain. Fortunately, he didn't cry anymore.

"You're a brave kid, apparently. Now hang in there for a moment. You can close your eyes if you're scared," Briony said, trying to lighten the mood.

The boy shot Briony a sharp glance. "No. I won't close my eyes. If that machine shoots out a sword or a knife, I'll pull my arm away real fast."

The radiographer chuckled. "Nothing like that will come out of this thing. Now, hold on. Ma'am, please make sure the arm stays still."

"I would still pull my hand away if a knife appeared," the boy insisted.

Briony laughed again. Her heart tingled at how intently the boy was watching the machine. While holding his shoulders still, she whispered, "By the way, we haven't introduced ourselves yet. What's your name? I'm Briony."

"Briony? What a weird name. Why did your parents give you that?" the child looked up to see Briony, who was standing near his head.

Briony pursed her lips. "Hey, my name isn't weird. It's actually pretty. My parents chose the initial B on purpose, so it's the same as my mother's. You understand what initials mean, right?"

"Then we're the same. My initials are the same as my father's. I can't read yet, but I know that both of our names start with the letter A."

Briony raised an eyebrow. "What's your name anyway?"

"Andrew."

Briony's heart sank to her stomach. Of all the names in the world, why was the boy's name the same one she had chosen-the name Alex had used for his and Caroline's child? Could it be ....

Briony swallowed hard. Her body felt tense. "So, what's your father's name?" she asked hesitantly.

Before Andrew could answer, the radiographer returned to them. "Done. We have an X-ray picture of your arm."

Andrew's eyes widened. He'd forgotten Briony's question. "Really? That fast? Where is the result? I want to see my bones."

"You can see it in the doctor's office. Now, let me move you to the wheelchair. Please don't move too much so you won't feel pain," the radiographer said as he carried out his duties.

Meanwhile, Briony was still pondering her question. Could Andrew be Alex's son? But the world was bigger than her backyard. How could her fate be so absurd?

"Yes, this must be just a coincidence. Andrew isn't just Alex's son. It's a common name," she thought, convincing herself.

However, when the door of the examination room opened, her confidence wavered. The nanny called Andrew by a familiar name. "Young Master White ...."

Briony's eyes widened completely. She had no idea what the nanny said after that. Her ears were too busy with her own voice.

"Young Master White? His last name is White? Could it be ... Andrew is really Alex's son?"

Upon arriving at the doctor's office, Andrew refused to let Mrs. Powell in. He only wanted Briony to accompany him.

Briony reluctantly complied. She accompanied Andrew to see the doctor. During the examination and treatment, she couldn't focus. She was busy studying Andrew's face, her mind constantly assessing his resemblance to Alex.

"What should I do if Andrew really is Alex's son? He'll kill me if he finds out I broke his son's arm. Should I just run away? But what if he isn't? Should I investigate Andrew's parents first before making a decision?" Briony thought to herself, over and over. Even after Andrew's arm was cast, she was still wondering. That's why she didn't realize when Andrew talked to her.

"Briony, look at my arm! Isn't it so cool? I look like a robot. The doctor said that I can put my favorite stickers on it later," Andrew said, rubbing the cast with his other hand. Getting no answer, he looked up again. "Briony?"

Briony blinked. "Yes?"

Andrew pursed his lips. "Why didn't you hear me? What were you thinking? Do you mind accompanying me? But that's your job. You have to take responsibility for causing this. You were the one who hit me with your car."

Briony grimaced. She glanced at the doctor and nurse. Their gazes were judgmental. Was that a rebuke from the universe for her thoughts of running away? It seemed she would have to take full responsibility for what had happened to Andrew.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you. I was just too focused on what gift would be suitable for you," she said to Andrew.

"A gift?" The boy raised an eyebrow, his voice sounded enthusiastic.

Briony nodded. "You have let the doctor treat your arm. You deserve a reward. There aren't many brave kids like you."

"Then, I want a ball! I've wanted one for a long time, but Daddy never bought me one. He said the house would be destroyed if I got a ball. But it's just a ball, not a rocket or TNT that can explode."

"As a good doctor, I need to remind you that your condition doesn't allow you to play with a ball yet. You shouldn't move around too much if you want your arm to heal quickly," the doctor added, ruffling Andrew's hair.

"I know that too, Doctor. I plan to play with it once my arm heals. It's okay if I ask for the ball first, right? I can save it for later," Andrew shrugged before turning to Briony. "So, when are you going to give me the ball?"

Briony considered it for a moment. "How about I buy it after your cast is removed?"

"Are you afraid I won't keep my promise?" Andrew accused.

Briony chuckled. "Yes, you seem to be quite rebellious. You refused to be examined by the X-ray machine. You also fought back when the doctor wanted to apply a cast. And this morning, you suddenly ran across the street. My car could have hit you because you didn't listen to Mrs. Powell, right?"

Andrew pursed his lips. "It happened because Mrs. Powell didn't listen to me. I told her I saw Mommy, but she didn't believe me. She said Mommy was still overseas, and couldn't possibly be here. When I asked her to go check, she refused. I had to cross the street alone to prove myself right. Unfortunately, you didn't see me. You should have braked sooner so I could cross the street safely."

The doctors and nurses' gazes on Briony suddenly changed. They finally stopped seeing her as a criminal. Briony felt relieved.

"Okay, I apologize for being careless while driving. But, I'm not the only one who learned a lesson today. You did too, right?" Briony asked Andrew.

The boy put on an innocent look. "What lesson? Not to cross the street alone? I've always known that. I wouldn't have done it if Mrs. Powell had listened to me."

Briony snorted in amusement. Andrew's playful, unyielding nature sounded familiar to her. "Okay, I get it. I'll buy a ball when I have some free time. But promise me you won't cross the street carelessly again. Got it?"

Andrew's expression turned sour. Nevertheless, he nodded his head. "Okay. I won't do it again."

"Good. Now let me drive you home. Say thanks to the doctor and nurse," Briony patted Andrew's back twice.

Andrew got down from the chair. He looked up at Briony. "You don't have to drive me home. Daddy must be waiting for me outside. I'm sure he'll take me to his office. He wouldn't leave me alone at home like this. He must be worried."

Then, the boy turned to face the medics. "Thank you for your help. My arm doesn't hurt anymore. When I get back here, I'll make sure my bones are healthy, and my cast will have lots of cool stickers on it."

The doctor and nurse were stunned. They were somewhat puzzled as to how the rebellious boy could obey Briony. He had been quite difficult to control earlier. Hadn't the two just met? And why was Mrs. Powell acting like a stranger? Andrew even forbade her from waiting inside. Who was Andrew's real nanny?

When Andrew got out of the room, their astonishment deepened. The boy wasn't enthusiastic about showing off his cast to his nanny, like he had been to Briony. Instead, he asked, "Mrs. Powell, where's Daddy? I thought he was already here." Andrew looked around, clearly disappointed not to find his father.

Meanwhile, Briony silently held her breath. Her eyes scanned her surroundings. Not seeing Alex there, her shoulders felt lighter.

"Mr. White is in an important meeting that cannot be disturbed. He hasn't picked up the phone despite my repeated calls. But I've contacted his secretary. She will definitely pass on the message to Mr. White as soon as the meeting is over," Mrs. Powell explained.

Andrew scowled. His back seemed to arch slightly. Knowing his disappointment, Briony felt pity. She tapped his little shoulder where the arm sling hung.

"Hey, Andrew. Since your dad can't pick you up, how about I drive you home? We can stop by to buy a ball. You can choose any model you want," Briony said, comfortingly. She'd forgotten that she was still worried about who Andrew's father was.

However, the boy's expression remained the same-gloomy and melancholy. Briony added, "You can also buy as many stickers as you want."

Andrew's eyebrows finally raised slightly. "As much as I want? What if I want to buy a Santa's sack of stickers?"

Briony shook her head. "No problem. Just think of it as my apology for hitting you. So, you want to come?"

"My apologies, Miss. Young master is not allowed to go out with strangers," Mrs. Powell said firmly.

Briony smiled. "I'm not a stranger. Andrew and I have started to get to know each other. We're friends now."

"Yes, we're friends, but she still has to make amends. She also owes me a ball and a sticker. Now is a good time for her to buy them," Andrew nodded, approvingly.

Mrs. Powell's eyes widened. She wondered how Andrew had gotten along so quickly with the woman who had hit him with a car. "But, Young Master-"

"She won't kidnap me, Mrs. Powell. You're coming with us," Andrew interrupted. "Besides, why would she kidnap a child with a broken arm like me? I'll just be a nuisance. There's no benefit."

Mrs. Powell was at a loss for words. She always had trouble dealing with Andrew's objections. Seeing that, Briony felt sorry for her.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Powell. I did hit Andrew, but I'm not a bad person. Now, I have to get some medicine. Please wait here a moment."

"I'll come with you," Andrew said, stepping beside Briony. "That way, you won't be able to escape."

Briony sighed in disbelief. "I'm not a criminal in prison, Andrew. You just wait here. Remember what the doctor said. You shouldn't move around too much. I won't be long."

Andrew pouted. "What's the guarantee that you won't run away?"

Briony handed over her car keys. Andrew smiled with satisfaction. "You can go now. Take some medicine for me. I want to get well soon and play with a ball."

Briony nodded and left. Little did she know that shortly after she left the corridor, Alexander White appeared with a worried expression.

"Andrew," Alex called as he ran towards his son.

Seeing his father arrive, Andrew's eyes lit up. "Daddy?" The boy ran along, closing the distance.

"Daddy ...." He hugged Alex with a beaming smile, forgetting that one of his arms was in a cast. Only when the pain hit him did he manage to control his strength, so he wouldn't hug him too tightly. "Why didn't you come earlier? You were supposed to accompany me to the doctor."

Alex caressed his son's hair, then bent his knees. Now at eye level, he could finally see Andrew's swollen eyes. He could guess how long his son had been crying.

"Sorry, Hero. I had an important meeting earlier. My phone was on silent. I was very shocked when I heard the news about you. What happened? Why is your arm ... in a cast like this? Does it still hurt?"

Andrew shook his head. "Not anymore. But in that room, I was in pain. The doctor said my bone had shifted. When he put it back in place, it made a really loud crack. I had to grit my teeth to hold back the pain. But, because there was a fracture in my bone, I still need a cast. The doctor said it would heal quickly, but I need to eat lots of nutritious food and drink milk."

Alex sighed in pity. He examined his son's arm closely. Guilt welled up in his heart.

"Didn't you and Mrs. Powell go to the bookstore? How did you get hit by a car? Weren't you chauffeured?" he asked softly.

"Mr. Carl left after dropping us off. Mrs. Powell asked him to pick us up in an hour. That's when I saw Mommy across the street. She was with a guy, about to get into a car. I told Mrs. Powell about it, but she didn't believe me. I said I wanted to see Mommy, but she told me not to. So, I decided to go alone. Because I was in haste, I didn't have time to look left and right. Turned out, there was a car. I was hit by it."

Alex gritted his teeth. "How could you go across the street? Wasn't Mrs. Powell holding your hand?" His eyes now focused on the person who had been listening to their conversation.

Mrs. Powell swallowed hard. Her hands clenched together. "My apologies, Sir. I actually held Young Master's hand, but he kept struggling."

"Mrs. Powell pulled me into the bookstore. Of course, I didn't want to. I wanted to see Mommy," Andrew reported with a pleading face.

"That's because I already knew that Young Master was mistaken. Madam was still abroad. How could she possibly be across the street? That's why I invited Young Master into the bookstore," Mrs. Powell explained.

"Why didn't you do what Andrew asked? You could take him across the street and check his suspicions. If he's wrong, you could go back to the bookstore. What's so hard about it?" Alex's voice rose.

Mrs. Powell began to stutter. "Th-that's ... because ...."

Suddenly, Alex raised his hand. He didn't want to hear anymore from the nanny. "Enough, Mrs. Powell. This is the third time you've neglected Andrew. As agreed, you're leaving this job."

"But it wasn't entirely my fault, Sir. The driver of the car was too! She was the one who hit young master and broke his arm," Mrs. Powell argued.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Powell. My decision is final. I can't let you look after Andrew any longer. Thank you for your hard work over the past two months," Alex said with finality.

Mrs. Powell could only lament her fate. If only she could hold out another month, she could have earned a hefty bonus. But alas, Andrew was indeed a tough nut to crack. No wonder his previous nannies never lasted long with him.

"By the way, where is the driver of that car? Did she run away? She didn't take responsibility for what she did to you?" Alex asked Andrew.

"She does, Daddy. She's the one who drove Mrs. Powell and me here. She's also the one who accompanied me to take my bone photoshoot and to the doctor. She even planned to take me home and buy me a gift," Andrew explained enthusiastically.

"Is that so? Then where is she?"

Andrew pointed toward the pharmacy with Briony's car key. "She's picking up some medication for me."

Alex's attention was immediately drawn to the teddy bear hanging from the car key. For some reason, it felt familiar. Perhaps because of its striking pink color. That color always reminded him of someone.

"Is that hers?" Alex inquired.

"Yes, this is her car key. I didn't want her to run away, so I asked for a guarantee. She left it with me. After this, we're going to go buy a ball and stickers. Can you come with us, Daddy?"

Alex blinked. His thoughts about Briony had been interrupted by the word ball. He and Andrew began to argue.

Meanwhile, Briony finally got Andrew's medicine. She returned with light steps. But when Alex caught her eyes, she froze. Her breath hitched. Her entire body tensed.

"Alex? He really is Andrew's father?" Briony screamed in her mind. Imagining what was about to happen to her, she turned around. Her pale face was now grimacing. "What should I do? Should I run away? But what about Andrew's medicine?"

Her eyes glanced at the plastic bag in her hand with confusion. After a brief silence, she shook her head.

"No. This is not the time to think about others. I have to save myself. That's more important. Besides, I can send this medicine to Alex's address. Yes, I have to escape first."

Briony decided to walk away. However, just as she was about to turn around, her feet stopped again.

"Wait," she reminded herself. Her head snapped back. Finding her car key in Andrew's hand, she wanted to cry. "Why did I entrust something so important to someone else? How am I supposed to escape? Should I just take the bus? Or maybe there's a taxi outside? But what about my car? And how do I get the key? God, why was I so stupid?"

Suddenly, Mrs. Powell's voice echoed through the corridor. "There, sir! That's the girl who hit the young master. She's the one who should be blamed, not me."

Lightning struck Briony's chest. The electric shock traveled all over her body. She was unable to move. She could only tremble in horror as her gaze met Alex's.

"Oh, no. No, no! My life is over if Alex catches me!" Briony thought in panic. She tried to run, but her feet seemed glued to the tiles. She had trouble dragging them.

Meanwhile, Alex still couldn't believe what he was seeing. He thought his eyes were misreading the image, or his brain was processing it incorrectly. Until finally, Andrew's voice brought him back to his senses.

"Briony, why are you standing there? Come here! Let me introduce you to my father. Oh? Where are you going?"

Alex blinked. When he realized Briony was gone, he quickly got up. "Andrew, wait here. I'll make the person who hurt you pay the price. She'll regret it her entire life."