Chapter 3 An Apology on His Knees

I hadn't decided what to say when Oliver spoke up, worried that I'd let Kelsey walk all over me again.

"Kelsey, have you no conscience? Did you even bother counting how many times you've made that promise? You always drop Landon and run straight to Cameron the second he makes a fuss.

"Heck, you're still using the same old lies to fool Landon now that he's lost his memory. Don't you feel even the slightest bit guilty?"

Oliver's words left me staring at him in surprise, my mouth falling open.

Was he serious? I'd actually bought those lines every single time? Kelsey couldn't even come up with a new excuse even once. How could I be so gullible?

I was still berating myself when a man's voice came from the doorway. "Kelsey, is Landon upset?"

Cameron appeared in a hospital gown, his face slightly pale.

The only visible sign that he'd suffered any injury was the gauze wrapped around his hand. Nevertheless, he looked pitiful enough to make anyone feel sorry for him. "I'm sorry, Landon. Kelsey was worried my heart couldn't handle it. She didn't mean to leave you waiting."

Then, he coughed a few times, making himself sound weaker.

That was all it took to make Kelsey feel sorry for him.

She hurried to Cameron's side and gently supported him. "Cameron, you've had quite a scare earlier. The doctor said you need plenty of rest, so you should stay in your room. What if something happens to you?"

He kept apologizing, his eyes turning slightly red as he dragged it all out.

"Cameron, you don't have to apologize. I made that decision. It's not your fault," she murmured soothingly.

Oliver scoffed. "Who'd dare blame him? If we did, who knows if his poor little heart could take it? He has no idea where he stands. He just had to ride in the same car as a married woman. Anyone who didn't know better would think she was his sugar mommy."

Cameron's face flushed with anger.

He looked at me with a trace of resentment in his eyes, but he sounded utterly aggrieved when he spoke.

"The doctor said I needed someone to look after me right after surgery. I know I shouldn't have kept Kelsey by my side this whole time. I'm sorry, Landon. I was selfish. Blame me if you want. This was all my fault. Just please don't blame Kelsey."

Oliver scoffed again. "Is saying sorry all you're going to do? You haven't even done anything to prove it."

Cameron started to kneel in front of my hospital bed, but Kelsey quickly stopped him. "Cameron, go back to your room. You're still recovering. You need to stay warm."

Then, she turned to me, all her earlier tenderness gone. "Landon, Oliver, you two are taking this too far. He's still a patient. Can't you show him a little understanding?"

A patient? Wasn't I one, too?

I slowly got out of bed and walked over to them. "That's right. You're a patient, too. So, I shouldn't be too hard on you."

Cameron looked at me with a sudden hint of triumph.

I stared at him without expression. "Kneel, and I'll accept your apology and forgive you."

The smug look on his face gave way to disbelief.

"Landon, you—" Kelsey began, but I cut her off.

"Kneel, or do you need my help to do it?"

"Landon, what are you doing?" she protested.

I ignored her completely.

When Cameron still didn't move, I made good on my word and pressed his head down hard.

"If you won't kneel, then at least bow to show your sincerity," I uttered dispassionately.

I could feel him resisting under my hand, but I was too strong for him to fight back.