Haisley was surprised to wake up in bed. The last thing she remembered was sleeping with Gilbert the night before. Perhaps Gilbert had kindly moved his body to another room. That's what Haisley thought. She stretched and groaned before getting up from her comfortable bed. Once again, she was startled by the presence of a man she had never imagined standing there, looking at her with his arms folded across his chest."N-Nathan? When did you arrive?" she asked, her forehead wrinkled. Haisley groaned inwardly. How could she look so disheveled while he appeared so perfect in his short-sleeved shirt and khaki chinos, his hair still wet from the shower."Shouldn't you be getting ready? We're supposed to have breakfast soon, right?" he replied.Haisley furrowed her brow again, not because of Nathan's words, but more to remember where she had put her bag. She quickly got up and went to where she had left her bag last night. Then she brought the bag back into the room, placing it on the bed an

The chefs had served lunch on the deck. Haisley, still unsteady, left Nathan, who remained silent. Gilbert was already on the deck, wearing his unbuttoned shirt and knee-length shorts. Loretta was back in her beach sarong, wearing a bikini and damp hair.The lemon had at least settled Haisley's stomach a bit. She picked up a plate and started filling it with food, then carried it to the quietest corner she could find.Gilbert sat beside her. He put his slightly wrinkled hand on Haisley's forehead. "You're not running a fever, but you look really pale, Princess," he whispered, concern lacing his voice.Haisley forced a smile. "There's something I need to tell you, G," she replied, gazing at Gilbert with sad eyes."We can talk elsewhere," he said, taking Haisley's plate with his right hand while his left hand gently held her small one. They went back inside the ship, walking through the corridors until Gilbert opened a door.He led Haisley into the karaoke room and locked the door from

"They arrived on the shore almost an hour later. Ambulances and paramedics were already waiting right at the dock. Haisley's small body appeared even paler, and the girl's breaths were shallow.Paramedics immediately placed an oxygen mask on her nose along with an IV drip in her arm. The nearest hospital was almost an hour's drive away. And during that time, Nathan stayed with her inside the ambulance.In her unconscious state, Haisley's hands kept squeezing his. Nathan knew she was in pain.Haisley was quickly rushed into the Emergency Department. A male doctor in his mid-thirties, Nathan guessed, examined her. Shortly after Gilbert arrived at the Emergency Department waiting area where Nathan was, a female nurse called out."Guardians of Miss Smith?" she called out loudly. Both Nathan and Gilbert stepped forward. The nurse looked at the two men in front of her alternately. Reluctant to choose, she asked both of them to follow her.They were led into a room, dressed in sterile clothi

Nathan sat upright with his head slightly bowed forward, while Gilbert slept with his head leaning on Nathan's shoulder. They would surely wake up with uncomfortable neck and shoulder positions. And Haisley felt guilty about it. If only she hadn't drowned, she wouldn't have troubled the two brothers. She really had to make it up to them. And an idea suddenly crossed her mind."Haisley woke up from her bed. She needed to use the bathroom urgently but hesitated to wake up Nathan or Gilbert. She removed the oxygen mask from her nose, grabbed the IV stand, and walked silently.A few minutes after finishing her business, Haisley was surprised to find Nathan standing in front of the bathroom door. "Why didn't you wake me up?" he asked, his eyes narrowing sharply."Sorry, I didn't want to disturb you," Haisley replied softly. She walked ahead of Nathan to return to the bed. She noticed Gilbert sleeping, his head tilted back, leaning against the chair. His neck would surely be stiff tomorrow.

The next day, after a thorough physical examination, including a lung check, Haisley was allowed to go home. Her return to Gilbert's house was greeted by Aunt Jody, who intentionally came home late just to see Haisley's current condition. It was also because the woman felt guilty for not visiting when Haisley was being treated.Gilbert escorted her to her room. Although Haisley asked him not to. For God's sake, she felt like a seriously ill person with all of Gilbert's attention.Gilbert didn't allow Haisley to go to class either, despite her pleas and sweet persuasions. But Gilbert remained firm. He used Haisley's health condition as the reason, although he was eager to meet Reia and ask about the flat issue he inquired about at the hospital earlier.It was her fault, really, because she hadn't had the chance to ask for Reia's phone number. Another reason was, she actually forgot where her phone was. All she remembered was the last time she used it before boarding Nathan's rented yac