Chapter 455

Ethan Sullivan's heart pounded wildly after speaking those words.

His gaze remained fixed on Evelyn Laurent's face, searching for any reaction.

A thin layer of sweat coated his palms.

Taking that bullet for her had been pure instinct.

Even now, he didn't regret it.

His father's words—"Persistence wins"—echoed in his mind.

For days, he'd shamelessly followed her from the island to this hospital room.

Though she complained, she never truly pushed him away.

Ethan knew his gamble had paid off.

Evelyn pressed her lips together in silence.

Her lashes fluttered, emotions swirling in her eyes.

Finally, she spoke. "We'll see how you behave."

Ethan's eyes instantly brightened.

He leaned closer, voice brimming with excitement. "If I do well, will you agree to be my girlfriend, Evie?"

Evelyn met his gaze.

The hopeful look in his eyes reminded her of a puppy begging for treats.

She nearly cracked a smile.

"Hmm." She feigned indifference with a single syllable.

Ethan immediately raised three fingers. "I promise!"

Evelyn glanced at his bandaged shoulder. "Focus on healing first."

"Yes, ma'am!" Grinning, he suddenly winced. "Ouch—that hurts."

Evelyn quickly steadied him. "Stop moving!"

Ethan seized the chance to grasp her hand. "My back aches."

"Serves you right." She glared. "Who asked you to play hero?"

Despite her words, she carefully helped him lie back down.

Ethan closed his eyes, satisfied.

As the painkillers took effect, he drifted back to sleep.

Evelyn sighed softly by his bedside.

For three days, she hadn't left his side.

His wounds were healing well, already scabbing over.

The atmosphere between them had grown increasingly charged.

Her phone vibrated suddenly—a video call from Bianca Fairchild.

The girl appeared on screen wearing a black strappy dress against a foreign cityscape.

Sunlight haloed her figure, making her glow.

"Evie!"

Bianca's voice sparkled with energy.

Evelyn had never seen her smile so brightly before.

"Thank you for helping me escape." Bianca's eyes shimmered. "I'm doing great now."

Leaning against the window, Evelyn chuckled. "You'd have managed without me."

She'd always recognized the steel beneath this seemingly delicate girl's surface.

Bianca shook her head. "Not the same."

Azure coastline stretched behind her—free as a seagull in flight.

They chatted a while longer before ending the call.

Turning, Evelyn found Ethan awake, watching her intently.

"Did I wake you?" She adjusted his blanket.

He shook his head, then abruptly said, "Evie, I want an apple."

Evelyn picked up the fruit knife. "Demanding, aren't we?"

The way she focused on peeling the apple looked unexpectedly tender.

Ethan secretly snapped a photo with his phone.

The image captured her cascading hair and slender fingers.

He set it as his wallpaper immediately.