Chapter 33
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Kai Hawthorne’s childhood friend posted a picture in her Instagram stories.
It was an elegant thermos bottle with light chicken broth steaming inside, wisps of vapor curling upward.
Caption: [When you’re feeling under the weather and your childhood sweetheart brings you homemade chicken broth-I’m literally the luckiest girl alive p>
Kai suffered from severe gastritis, and that was the special chicken broth I’d made just for HIM!
The comments section was going crazy with heart-eye emojis and “awww” reactions.
Even Kai, who practically never commented on social media, had actually left a comment.
It was a Coca-Cola emoji with the caption: [Haven’t had my liquid happiness in forever! CHEERS p>
I was still gritting my teeth in fury when Kai’s assistant called.
“Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Hawthorne’s having another gastritis attack-he actually passed out from the pain! But I can’t find that special chicken broth you usually prepare for him p>
“Call 911 and have them go straight to Maplewood Elementary p>
“The miracle cure is in his childhood friend Raven’s hands right now. Make sure you tell the paramedics that the patient’s lifesaver is waiting there p>
Kai’s assistant was calling just as I stared at that infuriating photo on my phone screen.
Raven Bellamy had posted a shot of that pristine thermos bottle on her Instagram, the chicken broth I’d spent until 2 AM perfecting still steaming inside,
That broth had cost me a fortune-organic free-range chicke, rare herbs, ginseng that cost more per ounce than gold.
I’d researched dozens of recipes just to help heal his stomach which had been destroyed by years of business dinners and stress.
And what did he do?
Handed it over to Raven like it was nothing, then went off to chug soda.
“Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Hawthorne’s doubled over in pain, sweating bullets,” the assistant’s voice was practically
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breaking.
“But I’ve torn his office apart and can’t find any of that special broth you make him p>
I let out a cold laugh. Of course he couldn’t find it-it was busy working its magic in Raven’s digestive system.
And now Kai was paying the price for his “liquid happiness.
Suddenly, the assistant’s panicked voice crackled through the phone: “Oh God, Ms. Sinclair-he just collapsed! What
do I do p>
Collapsed?
“Call 911. Send the ambulance straight to Maplewood Elementary.” My voice was ice-cold, sharp enough to cut glass.
“Uh… Maplewood Elementary? But Mr. Hawthorne needs his special stomach medication, the hospital should p>
“The miracle drug is in Raven’s hands. Let her take real good care of her precious childhood sweetheart p>
I spoke slowly, deliberately, “And make sure you tell the paramedics that his savior is waiting there with bells on p>
The assistant tried to say something else, but I hung up.
Kai Hawthorne, since you’re so damn nostalgic for your liquid happiness, let me help you reminisce to your heart’s
content!
I immediately texted Kai’s little sister Luna: [Your brother’s having another gastritis attack because of Raven, Ambulance is headed to your school. Showtime p>
Luna texted back instantly: [LMAO serves him right! Heading over to watch the drama unfold. I’ll record everything for your TikTok p>
I started googling the biggest grocery chains near the school.
Ordered a hundred cases of Coke for delivery to Maplewood Elementary.
If Kaj was so obsessed with his liquid happiness, so desperate to relive those golden childhood memories, then I’d make damn sure he got his fill!
A hundred cases should last him well into his next lifetime.
Thirty minutes later, I walked through Maplewood Elementary’s front gates.
I could see the ambulance parked by the main building from a mile away, surrounded by a crowd of curious
teachers and students.
I walked straight toward the chaos and spotted Kai leaning against Raven, pale as a ghost with sweat beading on his
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forehead.
Raven was frantically giving him sips of water, playing the devoted caregiver so convincingly she could’ve won an
Oscar.
“Kai, how are you feeling? Any better?” Raven’s voice was sugar-sweet, practically dripping with fake concern.
Kai nodded weakly: “Thank God you’re here. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you p>
I watched this pathetic soap opera with detached amusemen until the grocery delivery truck rolled onto campus.
“Hundred cases of Coke-where do you want ’em?” the driver hollered.
Every single person on campus turned to stare at the truck.
I walked over gracefully: “Right here’s perfect. Everyone gets a bottle-let’s all experience the joy of liquid happiness together p>
When Kai saw me, his face went three shades paler.
“Phoenix? Why are you here? What the hell are you doing p>
He struggled to stand up.
“I noticed how much you missed your liquid happiness, so I made sure you’d have plenty.” My smile was bright enough to power the whole school.
“Since you said it’s been forever, might as well drink your fill. And hey, let the whole school witness Mr. Hawthorne’s passionate love affair with Coca-Cola p>
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Joseph King
Joseph King is an editor and storyteller who ensures every chapter is clear, polished, and engaging for readers.