Chapter 265

"It's nothing serious."

"We'll keep her under observation tonight. If everything checks out, she can go home tomorrow."

"Just make sure she returns for her follow-up appointment."

"Understood. Thank you, doctor," Dylan said, his voice laced with quiet concern despite his composed demeanor.

The doctor gave a curt nod before striding out of the room, his white coat fluttering behind him.

The moment the door clicked shut, Nathan stepped inside. His presence was magnetic, instantly commanding the room’s attention.

"Nathan," Dylan exhaled, relief softening his tense shoulders.

At the sound of his voice, Serena stirred weakly, her lashes fluttering open.

"Nathan…" she whispered, her voice fragile, like a threadbare whisper.

The stark white bandage wrapped around her forehead contrasted sharply with her pale skin, making her appear even more delicate.

Nathan approached the bed, his expression unreadable as he studied her. His gaze was cool, detached—almost clinical.

"What happened?" His tone was direct, devoid of warmth.

Even now, faced with Serena’s obvious injury, he didn’t ask how she was.

Serena’s fingers twitched against the sheets. "I had a nightmare," she murmured. "I must have rolled off the bed and hit the nightstand."

Nathan’s jaw tightened imperceptibly, but his face remained impassive.

Dylan cleared his throat, sensing the tension thickening the air. "I’ll give you two some privacy," he said, already backing toward the door.

Without waiting for a response, he slipped out, leaving the door slightly ajar behind him.

Serena’s eyes never left Nathan’s face. A faint smile touched her lips. "Thank you for coming," she said softly. "Just seeing you here makes the pain bearable."

Nathan remained still, his voice low and measured. "You should rest."

She ignored him, patting the empty space beside her. "Nathan, please. Sit with me for a moment. There’s something I need to tell you."

A beat of silence passed before Nathan finally relented, perching stiffly on the edge of the mattress.

The second he did, Serena lunged forward—faster than expected—and threw her arms around him, burying her face against his chest.

Nathan froze. His entire body went rigid, his expression darkening like a storm rolling in.