Chapter 773

“Mmhmm,” Lena mumbled. The sting was way worse now than when she’d first scraped it.

Nate hesitated. “I’ll be gentler.”

“It’s not the pressure,” she whispered, barely audible.

He got what she meant. “Lena, I’m sorry. I couldn’t protect you or find you sooner.”

He didn’t need anyone else piling on—he was already kicking himself. What kind of boyfriend couldn’t even keep his girl safe?

“I never blamed you,” Lena said, looking straight at him. And she meant it. This wasn’t on him; it was part of the deal with her job.

“But I blame myself,” Nate admitted, his eyes glued to her injuries. Guilt and heartbreak were all over his face.

Lena leaned in, switching to a playful tone. “Then show me some care. I’m hurt, so you’ve gotta pamper me.”

He couldn’t argue with her when she looked at him like that.

“Alright,” he said.

Lena laughed. “So, are you skipping work now?”

“Definitely,” Nate said, no hesitation. “Nothing’s more important than you.”

“I was kidding. Work’s still more important. Go do what you need to,” Lena said, her voice steady. She knew how much his job mattered.

“It’s fine,” Nate said firmly. “I’ll handle it. For the next few days, you’re my priority.”

That was Nate’s way of showing how much he cared, so Lena didn’t push back.

After finishing with the ointment, he stood up. “Let’s go home.”

Lena wasn’t seriously hurt, so staying in the hospital wasn’t necessary. Still, after everything that went down tonight, she was wiped. She got up, ready to leave with him, but Nate stepped closer, leaning down.

“I’ll carry you.”

Lena rolled her eyes. “I’m fine, Nate. I can walk. These little scrapes don’t slow me down—”

“Someone carried you in earlier,” Nate interrupted.

She froze, then let out a laugh. “Wait, are you jealous?”

Chapter 779

“Not really. He’s your uncle, not some random guy,” Nate said. But before she could reply, he scooped her up effortlessly. “Still, you’re my girlfriend. Spoiling you is my job.”

How could she argue with that? Whatever irritation or soreness she’d felt melted away instantly.

Lena relaxed against his chest, letting him carry her downstairs.

Sitting nearby, I watched the scene play out and smiled. “Here’s to your reunion feeling better than a honeymoon,” I called out, my tone teasing.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at my own joke.

Lena, never one to hold back around me, shot back instantly, “Got it!”

Even from a distance, I swore I saw Nate crack a smile. His pace quickened as he carried her out, and soon their car vanished down the road, leaving me alone.

I stood, brushing off my clothes, and got ready to leave. Not to the monastery—I was going home.

Well, almost. I took a detour to a bar.

It was late, prime bar hours, and the place was packed. The moment I stepped inside, pounding rock music hit me like a punch, rattling every nerve. Onstage, people danced wildly, like the music was the only thing keeping them alive. Whatever sleepiness I’d been feeling? Gone in an instant.

Scanning the room, I noticed the crowd was bigger than usual. Looked like Tanya was doing a solid job running the place. If she could stay on track, she’d make an incredible bar manager.

Lost in thought, I suddenly spotted a familiar face weaving through the crowd. My brows knit together as I stood and started toward her,