Chapter 15

When the police arrived, Blake was still unconscious.

Upon examination, it was confirmed that Blake sustained a fracture in his right hand, a moderate concussion, and multiple contusions. I sat by his bedside as I finished up my statement with two police officers.

Initially, I didn't intend to escalate the situation. However, after seeing Blake's injuries, I didn't think it would be wise to keep everything under wraps. I wasn't a saint; I couldn't imagine what would have happened to me if Blake hadn't arrived in time. Would I have been beaten to death, as threatened by Jenna?

I reported the incident truthfully to my supervisor and requested a week off. I planned to stay at the hospital and care for Blake until discharge. The management team at the school also contacted me and assured me they would fully comply with the police's orders in the investigation.

When Blake woke up the next morning, he turned to find my sleeping face by his bed. He was about to reach out and stroke my head when a sudden wave of nausea and dizziness hit him, causing him to retch.

"Blake, what's wrong? Blake?"

"I'm fine... Urgh..."

"Doctor! Doctor!" I burst into tears, obviously frightened out of my wits. I had never seen Blake so powerless and vulnerable.

"Doctor, how is he?" I asked anxiously as the duty doctor unhurriedly examined Blake.

"It's the patient's concussion. Dizziness, tinnitus, and nausea are normal. You should watch his movements for the next couple of days, but I'd expect these symptoms to gradually improve. There's no need to worry too much."

"Okay. Thank you, doctor!"

"No problem. Go on—get him to lie down and rest!"

No one had expected such a chaotic start to the morning. Blake looked especially drained. Coupled with his injuries, I simply couldn't dispel the anxiety in my head.

"Blake, are you okay? Are you feeling any better?"

"Get my phone and dial Jennifer Parker's number. Ask her to take a leave of absence for me at work. And to bring me the project materials from my study."

"You're still thinking about work in this condition?"

"What else can I do? I need the money!"

"Money? Are you short on money? I..." I started thinking about lending him the money I had saved for a car. If Blake really needed it, he could have it. After all, he was only in this state because of me.

Seeing my resolute expression, Blake could easily guess what was on my mind. "Indeed. I need to save up for my future wife!"

"Wife?" I felt a lump grow in my throat. Did Blake have a crush on a woman? Why did he still provoke me like that? And why did he do those things to me?

Blake observed the change in my expression and thought he'd better not tease me any further, or I might actually cry. Raising an eyebrow and gesturing toward his injured arm, he remarked, "Of course! I almost lost my life for them; the least they could do is marry me, right?"

"What are you talking about?" I felt my ears burn up. My cheeks were starting to fill with warm blood.

"Hey, I didn't even say it's you. Why are you blushing? Could it be that you think you should marry me?"

"I... I didn't... You're talking nonsense! I'm going out to make this call!"

Blake watched me frantically flee and felt the pain in his body ease slightly. However, thinking about the events of the previous day made his chest ache. Had he arrived a moment later than he did, there was no imagining the consequences. He was determined to make those thugs pay. No one could touch what was his!

Jennifer arrived quite quickly with Willow. The two ladies carried several bags each.

"Willow? Why are you here?" I asked with surprise as I took Blake's things off of them.

"Ah, I—"

"Mr. Shaw, Willow and I were high school classmates. When she heard about Mr. Wagner's injuries, she thought she would tag along."

"You two were classmates? That's such a coincidence!"

Catching the unusual atmosphere, Blake turned to glance at my innocent expression. He couldn't fight the smile that pulled at his lips. He took over the conversation, "Jennifer, did you bring all the materials?"

"Yes, Mr. Wagner. I also bought you some fresh clothes."

"Thank you. I'll reimburse you for the expenses. I might need you to make a few more trips to and from here with regard to the project."

"Thank you, Mr. Wagner!"

Blake hummed in reply, then turned to the demure young woman standing on one side. Indeed, she was as gentle as me. "Willow, thank you for visiting me."

"Ah... Blake, please don't say that. You take care of yourself; I won't intrude any longer. I'm heading back first."

"I'll return to the office for now, Mr. Wagner. I'll be back in a bit."

Blake hummed in response. The two exchanged another brief, knowing glance that went unnoticed by me and Willow in the room. After a subtle nod and smile, the glamorous woman led the confused Willow out of the ward.

In just a few minutes, the room plunged back into silence. I felt an abrupt sense of awkwardness and guilt wash over me. I could have taken better care of my injured cousin. Yesterday, I had been too caught up in my own emotions to prepare for a smooth stay for Blake. Amid the chaos this morning, it still didn't occur to me, and Blake ended up having to rely on his secretary.

My dejection didn't go unnoticed by the man on the bed. "Nate, I'm feeling a little hungry."

"Huh? What do you want to eat? I'll go buy something!"

"Didn't Willow bring a vacuum flask with her? Open it and see what's inside. Perhaps we could start with that."

"Sure.. Oh! It's bone broth! Would you like some?" As soon as I twisted the lid off, the rich aroma of bone broth filled the ward.

"I'll have a bit."

"Alright, I'll pour you some."

As soon as I helped Blake up, another wave of nausea and dizziness struck him hard.

"Blake!"

"Urgh... Blech... Help me... Urgh... lie down... Cough..."

After another frenzy, I sat by the bedside as I sipped the delicious broth. Meanwhile, Blake lay down with his eyes closed, trying to rest.

Blake thought his image had been utterly ruined that morning. On second thought, though, he considered himself lucky that it happened in front of me. If I had helped him up when Jennifer was there, he might as well have dug himself a grave and never returned.