Chapter 13

After hours of travel, Elizabeth drifted off to sleep from pure exhaustion, her brows still furrowed even in her dreams. She slept fitfully, clearly not at ease. Just as Michael reached out to smooth her frown, she jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat. "Elizabeth, nightmare?" he asked softly, almost afraid to startle her. She stared at him blankly for a moment, disoriented, her body trembling slightly. He pulled her gently into his arms, heart aching for her. But she slowly pushed him away, voice weak as she whispered, "Michael… thank you. I've troubled you too much already." “You don't have to thank me,” Michael said instantly, setting a pillow behind her head to help her lie more comfortably. When his movement pulled at her wound and her face twisted in pain, his heart ached even more. “I just wish I'd gotten to you sooner.” “I'm okay, really. Don't worry,” Elizabeth took a deep breath, forcing the pain down, and forced a small smile. “I'm just glad… to have a friend like you.” Seeing that faint smile on her pale face, Michael felt his chest tighten. She used to be so full of light, so warm—like the sun in spring. Now, that one smile looked like it cost her everything. William, how lucky, and how blind. Michael clenched his jaw, emotions burning through his usual calm. He looked at her, eyes full of intensity and sincerity. “Elizabeth, I love you. Let me take care of you, please? I promise, I won't let anything hurt you again.” His words broke the silence between them, bringing everything into the open at last. Elizabeth's eyes welled up, overwhelmed by emotion. She had always seen Michael as a brother, her heart entirely belonging to William. Even when she married William and Michael left without a word, she hadn't fully understood his feelings—until that unexpected reunion. She had never reached out after he left, not wanting to delay him with her mess. If she had met Michael first… maybe he would've been the right one. But life doesn't work on maybes. A trace of sadness glimmered in her eyes. She looked at Michael, who was watching her so anxiously, and smiled apologetically. “I'm sorry, Michael. You're like a brother to me. My heart's been through too much… there's no room for anything else.” All the color drained from Michael's face. Elizabeth ached to see that, but stayed silent. It wouldn't be fair to lie just to offer comfort. That would be crueler. “It's okay. I get it. You might not be ready right now, I understand. I'll wait. Just focus on getting better. I'll be next door if you need anything.” Michael rapidly spat out the words, barely hiding his emotions, and escaped the room before she could respond. For someone once proud and confident, this was rock bottom. Watching his back as he left, the hesitation in Elizabeth's eyes faded into clarity. The next morning, Michael prepared breakfast early and returned to take care of her like nothing had happened the night before. Elizabeth felt a tangle of emotions inside. Faced with his warm care, she didn't know what to say—it was Michael who broke the silence first. “Elizabeth, we came in such a rush, I didn't bring your meds. I'll have to head back for a bit. Someone will stay with you till I'm back, so rest, okay?” Hearing that he was leaving, something in her heart stirred.