When Donald woke groggily and opened his eyes, the first person he saw was Cathy. He felt a bit disoriented. Tears welled up in Cathy’s eyes as she said, “Jonathan called us and told us about the accident. You scared me half to death.”

As fragments of the accident flashed through his mind, Donald quickly asked Cathy to call Jonathan. He recalled the brief moment he regained consciousness before blacking out again. He said, “Jonathan, I remember seeing you there. I think I got into your car. Did you tell my mom that the accident happened because of Jennifer?” Jonathan immediately understood Donald’s worry. He said, “Relax. I only told her that Jennifer saved you.” Donald exhaled deeply, visibly relieved. He said, “Thanks, bro. You really get me.”

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. He asked, “Seriously? You called me over just to ask that?”

Donald nodded and said, “Yeah, but how did you end up there? Were you just passing by?”

Jonathan explained that he had gone to Chesburg to pay his respects at Teresa’s grandparents’ graves. He had seen Donald and Jennifer there but chose not to approach them. After they left, he visited the graves and then began his drive back to Nareigh. On the way back, he ended up on the same route as Jennifer. Then he saw Teresa’s car crash into the guardrail.

Donald said sincerely, “Jonathan, I don’t even know how to thank you. You saved my life.”

Jonathan chuckled. He said, “It was just a coincidence. I happened to be there.”

Donald said, “No way, you’re my hero. I owe you one, big time.”

After Jonathan left, Jennifer finally came to see Donald. Their eyes met, and tears welled up in Jennifer’s usually cold eyes. Donald raised a hand, trying to touch her face, but she was just out of reach. He said, “Don’t worry. Did I scare you? I’m fine.” Before Donald could finish, Jennifer hugged him. At that moment, Jennifer could no longer hide her feelings. She had always acted cold and told Donald she didn’t like him—it was all a facade.

The most genuine spark of affection was something she couldn’t conceal. Her family issues had made her wary of men, afraid to open her heart. But Donald’s constant care, patience, and tenderness stirred her heart time and again. She couldn’t remain indifferent. Above all, Donald always put her safety first, even in the worst moments. Jennifer thought, ‘If it weren’t for Donald, the one lying here injured might have been me. What have I done to deserve his kindness?’

Jennifer had considered leaving Nareigh so Donald could find someone better. But the accident made her realize that she couldn’t lose him. She loved him.

Donald froze, his mind going blank as he awkwardly accepted the hug, unsure of what to do. He licked his lips and spoke slowly, “Jennifer, I’m okay. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Reluctantly, Jennifer let go of him, her heart filled with relief. She said, “Thank goodness you’re okay. It’s such a relief.”

Donald teased, “Seeing you this worried about me, I feel getting hit was worth it.”

Jennifer said harshly, “Don’t say that.”

Seeing Jennifer’s anger, Donald quickly said, “Alright, I won’t say it again. I take it back. My sister always says if you say something bad, you have to spit it out three times to cancel it.” Then he spat three times.

Jennifer couldn’t help but smile at his adorable antics. She felt the joy of surviving a disaster, the warmth of being cared for. She said, “I am not leaving Nareigh. I’m staying here, with you.”