I’m really grateful to have such open-minded parents—they’re always the ones who give me the strength to keep going.

“Why?” Nathan looked at me, a bit surprised. “It’s just a minor wound. The doctor said the stitches can come out in a week.”

“No way. I’m staying to take care of you,” I said, shaking my head and meeting his eyes with determination. “Don’t try to refuse me. Even if you try to kick me out, I’m not leaving.”

Nathan looked away for a moment, then snuck a glance at me—his ears were tinged with red.

“I’m sorry, Victoria. Did I ruin your holiday plans?” he asked softly.

“Really, I didn’t have anything special going on. Don’t worry about it,” I said, wanting to ease his mind.

That was just Nathan—even though he got hurt because of me, he was still worried about how I felt. He was so selfless it made my heart ache, and at the same time, I couldn’t help but be moved by him.

“Really? You and Ryan… didn’t you two have any plans for a trip or something?” Nathan hesitated, his eyes flickering before he finally brought up Ryan.

I looked at him, caught off guard for a moment, then just laid it out. “Nathan, I broke up with Ryan not long ago. We’re done for good.”

Nathan looked stunned, staring at me. “You really broke up?”

I nodded. “Yeah, we did. We just weren’t right for each other.”

Nathan’s gaze lingered on my face, as if he was searching for something in my expression.

I couldn’t help but let out a wry smile, reaching out to cover his eyes. “Come on, quit staring at me like that. People come and go—it’s just how life is.”

“How did you guys break up?” Nathan’s voice was a little rough. “Was it his idea, or did you end things?”

I felt awkward, really not wanting anyone to know what happened between me and Ryan. I just wanted to keep it to myself, locked away as my own secret.

“Can we just not talk about it?” I said quietly. “Honestly, it’s really nothing worth talking about.”

Seeing I didn’t want to go there, Nathan didn’t push. He just lowered his voice and said, “Alright, I won’t ask. Are you still going to Braylin?”

I shook my head and glanced out the window. “After the New Year holiday, I’m coming back to Hachester for work. Jared said he’s going to give me a promotion and let me handle the hotel business on my own.”

“Really?” Nathan’s breath hitched for a moment, then he looked at me, eyes shining. “Welcome back.”

I pressed my lips together in a small smile. “Honestly, I’m just escaping back here, so you don’t have to welcome me.”

Suddenly, Nathan reached out and gently took my fingers, which were lying by my side.

Maybe it was all the worry, but my fingers were ice-cold. When his warm hand wrapped around mine, I instinctively flinched, but he didn’t let go—he just held on, firm and reassuring.

We didn’t say another word. Nathan simply shut his eyes, still holding my fingers tight, as if he didn’t want to let go of this moment.

“Nathan, it’s already lunchtime. Is there anything you want to eat?” I asked, feeling a bit uneasy with his hand wrapped around mine. We used to be so close, but now, after everything, that old intimacy just felt out of reach.

Things just aren’t the same between us anymore—we can’t go back to how it was.

Honestly, with the way things keep turning out, maybe I really am cursed when it comes to love. For now, I’m better off throwing myself into work and steering clear of romance.

“Anything’s fine. You pick,” Nathan replied, opening his eyes again. The warmth was back in his gaze, and his voice was gentle as ever.

“Let me take a look at your care instructions,” I said as I stood up, naturally slipping my hand out of his.

After going over the instructions, I said, “I’ll step out and see what I can find to eat.”

“Alright,” Nathan replied with a gentle smile and a nod.

As I headed downstairs and waited for the elevator, my phone rang—it was Jared. He told me someone had recorded a video of us and uploaded it online, which was already stirring up some discussion. He also said he’d taken it upon himself to get all the videos taken down, since Yvonne was in the footage.

Handling things so responsibly was one thing I could respect about Jared.

I said, my voice turning cold, “Jared, Tracy only came after me and Yvonne because of you. You need to clean this up for good.”

“I’m sorry, Victoria. Maybe I pushed Tracy too hard, and that’s why she snapped. I really wish I was the one who got hurt today—I’m the one who should’ve taken the fall,” Jared said, guilt heavy in his voice.

“What’s done is done, and at least it didn’t get any worse. But you need to make sure the Darwin family doesn’t drag any more innocent people into this,” I said seriously.

“Of course. After what happened, I’ll have people watching the Darwin family’s every move, day and night. I promise—I’ll make sure nothing like this ever happens again,” Jared assured me.

“Victoria, I’ve hired two female bodyguards for you. They’ll be at the hospital soon. Please, don’t refuse—I’m really begging you. I can’t stand the thought of you getting hurt again,” Jared said earnestly.

“Alright, I get it,” I replied. Honestly, having some security around is exactly what I need right now.

After I hung up, I headed out to get something light to eat and picked up some fruit as well.

When I came back to the room with the food and fruit I’d bought, I was surprised to find the place crowded with people.

Everyone turned to stare at me as I stood in the doorway.

“Ms. Murphy…” Steven Chase, Nathan’s business partner, greeted me.

“Hello!” I replied politely.

Nathan glanced around at the bustling room and said, “Why don’t you all head back? If there’s any work, just bring it here.”

Steven turned to me and said, “Ms. Murphy, please look after Nathan for us. We need to get back to the office.”

“I will. Don’t worry, Mr. Chase,” I replied with a polite nod.

Once everyone left, Nathan looked at me with that gentle gaze, and my heart skipped a beat.