Chapter 108

"Remember to change the dressing once you're back," Victoria said as she finished bandaging him up with care. Theodore glanced at her face, now treated with ice and ointment, and reached out instinctively, heart aching. She reflexively leaned away. His hand froze mid-air, then slowly dropped, disappointment clouding his face. "And what exactly are you now, to be worrying about me?" he asked, refusing to let the conversation end just yet. He stared at her, trying hard to catch any hint of emotion. But Victoria remained calm, eyes lowered, expression unreadable. "You saved me. I appreciate it. You got hurt because of me—it's only right that I help with your injury," she said flatly. So, it was just gratitude. The weight of those words settled heavily in Theodore's chest. For a moment, he'd thought maybe—just maybe—she still cared. But she'd left so decisively... why would she? Even so, he couldn't accept it. He couldn't accept a future where she had no place in his life. And worse—watchi