Chapter 7 I Can Only Save One of You

Louisa considered herself very fortunate that she didn't suffer from a concussion after a fall like that. But there was, however, a huge bump on the back of her head. She could feel it just by reaching up. Still touching the lump on her head as she walked out, she did not watch where she was going and ended up colliding with someone. "I'm sor—" The apology died on her lips when she looked up and saw a familiar face. "...Mr. Holten." Elijah wore a dark gray silk shirt, light and smooth in texture, paired with custom-tailored slacks that fit him perfectly. From his shoulders to his chest and down to his waist, his lines were elegant and immaculate. "You're injured?" he asked. Because of his height, Louisa only reached his chin, so he easily noticed the bump on the back of her head at a glance. "I'm fine," Louisa said, taking a step back, extricating herself from his supportive hold. Elijah naturally slipped his hands into his pockets, his deep, dark eyes studying her from head to toe. "Need any help?" "No, I'm fine," Louisa repeated. Then, recalling something, she said, "Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, Mr. Holten." His gaze lingered on the swelling on her head for a brief moment before shifting to her face, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. "And to you too. Congratulations." What was he congratulating her for? For being ditched? Or was it because the man she had loved for seven years was about to marry someone else? But then again, he wasn't entirely wrong. She was getting married too, and on the same day. So, in a way, they were both to be congratulated. Louisa shot him another look before bidding him goodbye and turning to leave. The fall had its silver lining—it earned her some time off. Just enough time to pack up her things. The apartment she lived in now belonged to Thaddeus. Three months ago, they had still lived here together. But after he got back with Danica, he had moved to Maple Grove, leaving this place to her alone. But traces of Thaddeus were everywhere. His shoes were in the shoe cabinet, his clothes hung on the rack, his favorite wine glasses and liquor sat in the wine cabinet, and even the couch held the blanket he sometimes used when he slept there. For the past three months, Louisa hadn't touched any of them, as if leaving them untouched meant Thaddeus might still come back. But she knew, just like her, he wasn't coming back for them anymore. She wouldn't touch his belongings, but she needed to deal with her own. So, she started packing her clothes, shoes, personal items, and even the paintings and small decorations she had lying around. When Thaddeus arrived, he immediately sensed something was off about the apartment, though he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was at first. He hadn't been here since getting back with Danica, and the place now felt strangely unfamiliar. Louisa was surprised to see him. "Is something the matter, Mr. Cromwell? Or is there anything else that Ms. Watson needs?" Thaddeus stared at her somewhat pale face. "How's the injury?" After getting hurt at the bridal shop earlier that day, Louisa had gone to the hospital alone. Thaddeus had been holding Danica, who had been frightened. "It won't kill me," she said, her tone sharp. She was human, not a saint. Even if she no longer had feelings for him or craved his pity, she still had emotions. She had been with Thaddeus from when he had absolutely nothing to now. Even if he didn't love her, there should at least have been some camaraderie from their days of hardship together. Yet when she was injured, he had left her to go to the hospital alone. Thaddeus stepped forward and pulled her into his arms, reaching to part her hair. His fingers brushed against the still-swollen bump, sending sharp pain through her. Louisa flinched and shoved him away. "How could you leave such a big lump untreated?" he demanded, reaching for her again. "Come with me to the hospital." Louisa backed away. "The doctor said it's filled with blood. Should I go back just to have it drained?" It was a hematoma. Over time, the blood would be slowly reabsorbed, and the area would shrink. A trace of pain flickered in Thaddeus' eyes. "Lou… I—I didn't mean to not help you today. Everything happened so suddenly. I could only save one of you…" He could only save one of them, so he chose to save the one he loved most. They always said that a person's instinctive reaction most accurately reflected their heart. Louisa understood. He didn't need to say it out loud for her to understand. "She's your fiancee. I totally understand why you saved her." Louisa lowered her gaze, but tears still welled up uncontrollably in her eyes. "Lou, I—" Thaddeus was just about to explain himself when his phone started ringing. He glanced at the caller ID and muted his phone. "Stay at home and rest up, Lou. I'll get someone else to handle the remaining wedding preparations. But you need to be there the day before and on the day of the wedding."