Chapter 280

She couldn't tell how many days the nightmare had lasted. When Elaine finally broke free from the chaotic dream once more, her eyes shot open, only to collide unexpectedly with a pair of gentle eyes gazing down at her.

The owner of those eyes was lying quietly in the hospital bed. Though his face still looked pale, it was no longer the lifeless pallor from before.

The oxygen mask had been removed. He tilted his head slightly, and through the transparent glass wall, his gaze rested quietly on her—who knows for how long.

It was Bradley.

He was awake.

Elaine froze for a moment, then overwhelming joy hit her instantly.

She practically jumped up, immediately rushing to the glass window, pressing both hands against the cold glass. Her eyes reddened almost instantly.

"Bradley! You're awake!"

Her voice was full of excitement.

Inside, Bradley's lips curved slightly. He blinked and mouthed something to her, gesturing for her to come in.

Elaine immediately fumbled to find a nurse. After getting permission, she quickly changed into sterile visiting clothes and practically rushed into the room.

She hurried to the bedside, bent down, her eyes anxiously scanning his face: "How do you feel? Are you still dizzy? Does your wound hurt? Is there anywhere you feel uncomfortable?"

A string of questions poured out, her tone full of concern.

Bradley looked at her face so close to his, shook his head, his voice weak: "I'm fine... don't worry."

Then, his gaze deepened as he looked at her, "It's just... I remembered something."

Elaine's heart skipped a beat: "What?"

"During the explosion..."

Bradley spoke very slowly, each word seeming to take effort, "I think... I heard you crying. Right by my ear, you said a lot of things."

Elaine's breathing hitched slightly, her cheeks involuntarily growing hot.

Those cries in the warehouse echoed uncontrollably in her ears.

She had thought he was going to die then, those words... those words...

"I... I was so scared at the time."

She avoided his too-focused gaze somewhat frantically, her voice dropping, "I was afraid you..."

"Afraid I'd die?"

Bradley finished her unspoken words, his tone carrying a hint of amusement, "Elaine, I never thought... I'd hear those things."

He looked at her slightly reddened ear tips and continued softly: "I helped you without ever hoping for anything. With me, you'll always have a way out, have support. This is what I owe Dr. Harris, and also... what I'm willing to do. But I didn't expect you to be so..."

He considered his word choice, finally selecting the gentlest one, "...to care about me so much."

Elaine's face instantly flushed red.

"You... stop talking, rest well."

She felt even more uncomfortable under his gaze, "I... I'll go get the doctor! Let the doctor give you a thorough checkup!"

She straightened up almost hastily, not daring to look into his eyes anymore, turning to leave with somewhat messy steps.

Watching her almost fleeing figure, Bradley didn't call her back.

He just quietly gazed in the direction she left, the smile on his face slowly deepening.

The wound on his back still ached faintly, and his head felt somewhat heavy, but at this moment, his heart was unusually peaceful.

At least this time, he had protected her.

At least the tears she shed for him were real.

That was enough.

Elaine hurried out of the ICU and leaned against the cold wall, finally feeling her racing heartbeat calm down a bit.

The heat in her cheeks hadn't completely faded. She raised her hand to gently press her chest, where the lingering traces of that earlier flutter remained.

She took several deep breaths before turning to find the doctor on duty.

The doctor arrived quickly and gave Bradley a thorough examination.

Elaine stood tensely to the side, her eyes fixed on the doctor's every move without blinking.

"The situation is more stable than expected."

After finishing the examination, the doctor said to Elaine, "The wound is healing well, and the concussion symptoms are also lessening. However, given the significant blood loss and the explosion impact, his body is still very weak and needs rest. Over the next few days, make sure he gets plenty of rest, avoid any major emotional fluctuations, take medication on time, and keep monitoring his condition."

"Okay, thank you, doctor! We'll definitely be careful!"

Elaine nodded repeatedly, her heart finally settling back into place.

After seeing the doctor off, the room returned to quiet.

Elaine walked back to the bedside, looking at Bradley's still-pale face, feeling a belated wave of relief wash over her.

She let out a soft breath and said quietly: "Thank goodness... you're okay now. Otherwise, I really..."

"Really what?"

Bradley looked at her, teasing: "Really would feel guilty for the rest of your life, thinking you owe me your life?"

Elaine felt a bit embarrassed by his words and pressed her lips together: "You know that's not what I meant."

Bradley's expression softened, "So don't blame yourself. Protecting you was my own choice. Seeing you standing here safe and sound is the best outcome for me."

His tone was calm, without deliberate sentimentality, yet every word struck Elaine's heart.

She lowered her eyes, saying nothing more, just gently tucking in the corners of his blanket: "You just woke up, don't talk too much. Sleep a bit more. I'll be here watching over you."

Bradley did feel his energy flagging and obediently closed his eyes.

After confirming Bradley's breathing had steadied in sleep, Elaine tiptoed to a corner by the window.

She took out her phone and looked at the photo of her daughter Vera on the screen, her expression softening.

The call was quickly answered, and Vera's voice came through: "Mom?"

"Vera, it's Mom."

Elaine's voice unconsciously became even softer, "Did you wake up? Have you had breakfast?"

"I did! Mom, how's Bradley? Is he feeling better?"

Vera's tone was full of concern.

Earlier, Elaine had briefly mentioned on the phone that Bradley had been injured protecting her. Though Vera didn't fully understand how dangerous it was, she knew Bradley was in the hospital because he protected her mom, and she'd been worried about it.

"Bradley woke up. The doctor says he's fine now, just needs to rest for a few days."

Elaine patiently explained, "Mom might need to stay here a few more days. Once Bradley's condition is more stable and he can leave the hospital, we'll come back together. You need to listen to the staff at home, eat and sleep on time, okay?"

"Okay! I know, Mom, don't worry! I'll be very good!"

Vera agreed obediently, then asked, "Does Bradley hurt? Are you tired, Mom? You need to take good care of Bradley, but also take care of yourself."

Her daughter's thoughtful words warmed Elaine's heart.

"Mom's not tired. Bradley has doctors and nurses taking care of him, and he'll get better soon. Vera's such a good girl. Mom will bring you a present when I come back."

After giving a few more instructions to the housekeeper, Elaine hung up.

Over the next few days, Elaine stayed by the hospital room almost constantly.

Bradley's recovery was even faster than the doctor had predicted. Though his face still looked somewhat pale, his spirits were clearly improving day by day.