Carlow leaned in to gently kiss her forehead, his eyes brimming with adoration.

“I'm here, my dear," he whispered softly.

From that moment on, he vowed never to leave her side again.

Hyatt observed the scene with a cynical inner monologue.

No gratitude for him? If it hadn't been for that sudden stop, would Barlow have had the opportunity to hold Karina so closely? Talk about being force-witnessed a saccharine dose of romance!

Meanwhile, Karina drifted into a dream where Barlow showered her with kisses, whispering her name with affection. His eyes were Like the vast universe, allowing her to wander freely in the starry sky.

The dream was so enchanting that it left a lingering smile on her lips even after she woke up.

"Awake?" A gentle voice broke through her reverie.

Karina blinked sleepily, her gaze meeting the handsome face of the man smiling down at her from up close, her mind still adrift.

"Barlow?" she murmured softly.

Carlow responded with a gentle smile, opting to remain silent.

As Karina's mind gradually cleared, she sensed something amiss.

Hastily sitting upright, she smoothed down her hair with her fingers.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to fall asleep," she apologized sheepishly, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her.

How had she ended up falling asleep on his shoulder?

"You were sleeping so peacefully," Carlow remarked, shifting slightly.

He had refrained from moving throughout the journey, fearing he might disturb her slumber. Now, he felt his back nearly stiff from remaining still for so long.

Glancing out the window, Karina chuckled awkwardly. “Hyatt, are we almost there?"

"Yes, we're just about to arrive at the complex," Hyatt replied, inwardly relieved by her timely awakening.

Otherwise, he would've had to drive around the city again, per Barlow's instructions, had she not woken up in time!