Chapter 200

Cameron swallowed another mouthful of hot porridge, feeling a comforting warmth spread through his chest. He quickly finished the bowl.

“Cameron, why don’t you lie down and rest for a while? I’ll go buy some strawberries for you,” Dakota suggested, setting down the bowl and spoon.

“Alright,” Cameron replied with a faint smile.

Dakota walked toward the ward’s exit. Cameron watched her gentle figure until she disappeared. He then turned his gaze to the window. As he looked at the clear blue sky, the image of Laura involuntarily surfaced in his mind. He quickly shook his head, trying to dispel the image, inwardly cursing himself. How could he think of Laura when Dakota had been so good to him? Still, he couldn’t forget the events beneath the ruins. The memories were too deeply ingrained: Laura’s nervous concern and tears—all genuine. One was his first love, the first person he learned to love seven years ago. The other was a woman filled with kindness and gentleness who had saved his life fifteen years ago.

Cameron sighed deeply and leaned back. His mind was in disarray.

Fifteen minutes later, Dakota returned with a bag of strawberries. “Cameron, here are the strawberries,” she said, entering the ward joyfully.

“Thank you, Dakota,” Cameron replied guiltily. He couldn’t fathom her devotion.

“Don’t be so formal. You’ve helped me so many times. It’s my turn to take care of you,” Dakota said with a smile, heading to the bathroom to rinse the strawberries. She returned, holding out a clean strawberry with delicate fingers. “Here, open your mouth.”

“It’s so sweet!” Cameron exclaimed, his eyes lighting up after taking a bite. The strawberry tasted especially sweet because Dakota fed it to him.

“I’m glad you enjoy it.” Dakota’s smile deepened. She handed him another strawberry. “You should eat, too. Don’t just think about me.”

Cameron smiled gently. “You’re the patient. You should eat first.”

“Let’s eat together. You bought and washed them, after all.”

“Okay, then I’ll have one too.”

They took turns eating the strawberries until the bowl was empty.

“Cameron, how many more days do you think you’ll be in the hospital?” Dakota asked.

“Probably about three more days,” Cameron estimated.

“Alright, then I’ll look after you for the next few days,” Dakota said with a soft smile.

“You don’t have to go to all that trouble. My condition isn’t that critical anymore. You should return and rest. Look, besides my bed, there’s only a sofa in this ward, which isn’t convenient for sleeping,” Cameron insisted. He didn’t want to be a burden.

“Then I’ll sleep on the sofa,” Dakota suggested.

“The sofa isn’t very comfortable.” Cameron felt abashed.

“It’s okay,” Dakota said. She didn’t mind.

“But—”

“It’s settled, Cameron. You’ve helped me a lot. Let me help you this time. If I leave you alone in the hospital, I won’t be able to sleep well at home anyway. It’s better for me to stay here and care for you.”

Chapter 200

Dakota couldn’t bear to leave Cameron alone in the hospital. Even with nurses and caregivers, she felt her care would be more attentive. Moreover, she wanted to stay by his side.

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