Chapter 321: Why Are You Here?
Hayley’s POV:
I had no idea how long I’d been asleep, but when I opened my eyes again, the sky outside had already turned to dusk. I called out to Hera. “Hera, why is this gunshot wound healing so slowly? I feel weaker than I used to.”
Hera sounded frustrated. “This injury happened in the underground. It’s had a much deeper impact than usual.”
I didn’t ask anything more, but when I moved my arm, the pain made me gasp. “Don’t move!” A familiar voice sounded in my ear, and Hera suddenly seemed much happier. I froze for a moment, then looked up, meeting Benjamin’s gaze. “Why are you here?”
Benjamin’s face was serious as he said, “Henry said you passed out, so I came right away.” I rubbed my head as the memories of what happened before I passed out came rushing back. I quickly covered it up, saying, “I probably just had a little low blood sugar; that’s why I fainted.”
Benjamin frowned. “The doctor said the same thing, but I can clearly tell you look much worse today compared to usual.”
“If you’re not feeling well, just rest properly. I’ll notify the school tomorrow—you don’t need to go.”
“No,” I refused immediately. “Exams are coming up, and I don’t want to fall behind.”
My excuse was perfectly reasonable, but Benjamin wasn’t having it. “No exam is more important than your health. It’s just one day. If you don’t understand something, I’ll have Henry come back to tutor you. As for your assignments, he can relay them to you as well.”
“But…”
“No buts.” His tone was commanding, the voice of an Alpha. “I asked Lista to make you some chicken soup. Come home with me.”
With him speaking like that, I had no choice but to comply. It was only then I realized we were still in the school infirmary. I stood up, but winced when I bumped my injured arm. I instinctively touched the wound.
“What’s wrong? Did your arm get hurt?” Benjamin noticed immediately, his concern sharp as he moved to check my injury. I forced myself to stay calm and brushed it off. “No… I’m fine. I just slept too long, and my arm’s a little numb.”
Benjamin didn’t doubt it.
“Then let me help you down.”
I leaned on Benjamin as I got out of bed, and the pain eased considerably. “I’m fine now, let’s go home.” Benjamin nodded and then led me out of the infirmary. Just then, he patted his pocket and said, “I left my keys inside. I’ll be right back. Stay here and wait for me.”
I nodded, and Benjamin turned back to get them.
Benjamin’s POV:
I returned to the infirmary and found my keys on the bedside table. Just as I was about to leave, my gaze froze. There, on the once-white sheets, was a deep red stain—blood. A wave of concern for Hayley hit me, and without hesitation, I went straight to find the doctor.
“Doctor, does my fiancée have any other injuries?”
The doctor replied, “Her arm is injured, but the wound has already been treated. As her fiancé, don’t you know?” His tone was a bit sharp, but I didn’t rebuke him for his disrespect as a Beta. After all, I was hiding my Alpha identity outside. But his words caught me off guard—Hayley didn’t tell me about her injury! I had no idea when she got injured, and suddenly, I felt like I wasn’t being a good fiancé.
“Thank you, doctor.”
“You’re welcome.”
After that, I left the infirmary and headed back to the car. When Hayley saw me return, she tried to act like everything was fine, even though she was clearly in pain in her arm. She even casually asked, “Did you find the keys?”
I pretended not to know about her injury and nodded. “Let’s go home.” But I couldn’t understand—why didn’t she tell me about this?
The drive back was filled with silence. When we arrived at the Southwells’ Residence, Hayley opened the car door first, got out, and walked inside.
I sat in the car, watching her back. After a long pause, I took a deep breath and…