Chapter 4

“Thank you, Sir. I’m sorry, but I have to go,” Evelyn said with a trembling voice, her fingers clutching the edge of the hospital blanket.

Her steps were unsteady as she tried to get down from the bed. The cold floor met the soles of her feet, sending a slight shiver through her body. But it wasn’t the chill that made her tremble—it was the crushing reality that she had nowhere to go… and no money to pay for any of this.

“Evelyn!”

William Montgomery’s voice halted her in her tracks. Firm. Cold. But beneath it—there was a trace of concern.

He strode quickly to her bedside and caught her arm, stopping her from falling. Evelyn looked up, her eyes meeting his sharp gaze.

“You’re not fully recovered, Miss. Stay here!” William commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“But, Sir...” Evelyn lowered her gaze, her voice quivering. “I… I don’t have any money. I’m not even sure I can afford this hospital bill.” Her voice cracked, tears beginning to glimmer at the corners of her eyes.

William took a deep breath, something flickering behind his steady eyes. “You don’t need to worry about the hospital expenses, Miss Evelyn. Just rest. I’ll take care of everything.”

Evelyn looked at him with doubt. “Sir, I have nothing. I’m afraid this will become a debt I can never repay.”

William turned away briefly, then faced her again, arms crossed over his chest. “You don’t need to think about repaying it now. Think about it later—when you’re strong enough to stand on your own.”

His words sounded light, but there was intensity in his eyes. Evelyn fell silent. A storm brewed inside her: her wounded pride, the shame of being a burden, and the overwhelming gratitude all fought for space in her heart.

At last, in a barely audible voice, she said, “Alright, then. But only until I’m strong enough to leave.”

William gave a slight nod and walked out without another word.

---

The next day, the doctor came in with unexpected news.

“You’re in better condition now, Miss Evelyn. You can be discharged today.”

Evelyn froze. Instead of joy, her face went blank. After the doctor left, she collapsed onto the bed. Tears began to fall—quiet, but unstoppable.

“Go home?” she whispered. “Go home to where?”

No house. No family. No destination.

From across the room, William stood silently at the door, watching her fragile figure cry in silence. His expression shifted—usually unreadable, now taut, as though something inside him cracked.

“So pitiful, Evelyn…” he muttered quietly, before finally stepping inside.

The sound of his steady footsteps made Evelyn look up. She quickly wiped her tears, but it was too late. William had seen them.

Without a word, he extended his hand. Evelyn stared at it, hesitant, but eventually placed her own hand in his.

William gently pulled her up, then softly wiped the tears from her cheek. “You don’t have to be afraid. If you don’t know where to go, come with me.”

Evelyn looked at him, confused.

“I own a company,” William continued. “You can work there. As my personal assistant.”

Thump. Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat.

“Personal assistant?” she whispered. “But… but Sir, I’ve never worked in a position like that before…”

A faint smile touched William’s lips. “Don’t worry. You’ll learn. What matters is that you stay by my side.”

Stay by his side? The words echoed in Evelyn’s mind. Her chest tightened. There was something strange in his tone. Too… personal?

His gaze had changed too. It wasn’t just the look of an employer to an employee. It was as if he saw her as… something more.

Evelyn frowned slightly, taking a small step back. “I’m sorry, Sir… but what exactly do you mean by ‘stay by your side’?”

William narrowed his eyes. “Why? Is there something wrong with what I said?”

Evelyn didn’t answer right away. Questions churned in her mind. Who exactly was this man? Why did he offer her a job so easily? Why was he so attentive, as if they shared a connection deeper than that of two strangers?

And most frightening of all… why was she starting to feel safe around him?