Chapter 33
Elena's POV
He still didn't move.
"Caleb." My voice came out sharper than I meant. "You're burning up. If you don't take these, you could—"
I stopped. I didn't want to say die. But the thermometer's reading glowed accusingly. 104°F.
"Fine." I grabbed his jaw—gently, but firm enough he couldn't turn away.
His skin was scorching. Like touching a stove.
His eyes snapped open. Amber, unfocused, but aware.
He tried to push me away, but his hands were weak. The pills sat on his tongue.
"Swallow," I ordered. I held the water bottle to his lips.
For a second, I thought he'd spit them out.
But his throat moved. Once. Twice.
The pills went down.
I sagged back, breathing hard. "Good. Now drink more. Fever causes dehydration."
He took the bottle with shaking hands and drank slowly, like every swallow hurt.
When he finished, he slumped against the crate, eyes closing.
I sat on an overturned box across from him, looking at the hand that had touched his lips, my heart inevitably beating faster.
---
Time passed. I wasn't sure how long.
The storage shed was barely warmer than outside. But I couldn't leave. Not until I was sure he wouldn't get worse.
I watched his chest rise and fall. His breathing was still too fast, but steadier now.
His face looked less flushed. The pills were working. Relief washed over me.
The danger had passed.
I thought about going to the garden faucet to wash my hands.
Then Caleb's hand shot out.
His fingers closed around my wrist.
I froze.
His grip was light—he was too weak for more—but I could feel the heat radiating from his palm.
"Don't... leave..."
The words were barely audible. Slurred. Like he was talking in his sleep.
I didn't move. Didn't breathe.
Seconds later, his hand went slack. He rolled onto his side, curling in on himself.
Asleep again.
I pulled my hand back slowly, pressing it against my chest.
My heart was beating even faster.
It's because you're scared of getting caught, I told myself firmly. If anyone finds out you helped him...
That had to be it.
---
My phone buzzed.
I scrambled for it, glancing at Caleb. His eyebrows drew together, but he didn't wake.
The screen lit up: Damon.
My stomach dropped.
I pressed the phone to my ear and whispered, "Hello?"
"Elena!" Damon's voice was bright, excited. "Guess what? I just scored two VIP tickets to the Winter Starlight Festival. Ice sculptures, fireworks, the whole thing. You in?"
I hesitated.
I should say no. I should tell him I was busy.
But the words that came out were: "What time?"
"Seven. I'll pick you up. You home?"
I glanced at Caleb. He'd opened his eyes. He was staring at me.
Not glaring. Just... watching. Quiet. His expression unreadable.
"Yeah," I said into the phone, barely steady. "I'm home."
"Cool. See you soon."
I hung up.
The silence felt heavier now.
Caleb didn't say anything. He just kept looking at me with those amber eyes.
I couldn't hold his gaze. I looked away.
"You should go," I said quietly. "Your fever's down. If you can walk now..."
I trailed off.
He didn't respond. Instead, he pushed himself up, using the crate for support. He braced against the wall and stood, swaying but upright.
"Caleb—"
"I'm fine."
He made it to the door, moving slowly. At the threshold, he stopped. His back to me.
"Thank you," he said.
Then he pushed the door open and stepped into the cold.
---
Now. My dorm room. 1:47 AM.
I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to block out the memory.
I saved him. And then I pushed him away.
Just like always.
"Every single time... you pick him."
Caleb was right.
I'd always chosen Damon.
---
Two days later. Afternoon.
Finals were over. Most students had left campus.
Lila burst into the room, grinning. "Guess what?"
I looked up from my half-packed suitcase. "What?"
"I just submitted my résumé to Caleb's team. Through Ethan."
I blinked. "Wait. Seriously?"
"Yup! I mean, Vance Industries would be great, but Caleb's startup is way more interesting. Predictive AI, cutting-edge stuff." She paused, giving me a meaningful look. "Plus, Hector mentioned they really need someone who can handle international documentation and multilingual communication..."
She trailed off, waiting.
I didn't say anything.
"Elena." Lila sat up. "You should apply too."
"I don't know—"
"Why not? Hector said if you're interested, Caleb would definitely want you."
My throat felt tight.
If I join Caleb's team, I'm choosing him. Standing against Damon.
But if I don't... I owe Caleb so much already.
"I'm still thinking about it," I said weakly.
Lila sighed. "Elena. What are you afraid of?"
I didn't answer.
Because I didn't know anymore.
---
The next day. Late afternoon.
My suitcase sat by the door, fully packed.
But I was still on my bed, staring at it.
I didn't want to go home.
I could already picture it: Donald and Vivian fighting. Donald asking about "progress with Damon." Vivian's silent, exhausted disappointment.
Where else can I go?
My phone buzzed.
Damon: Hey, done packing? I'm at the south gate. Come down, I'll give you a ride.
My stomach sank.
I started typing: It's okay, I can take a cab—
His reply came before I could send it.
Damon: Already here. Don't be stubborn. It's cold out.
I stared at the screen.
Then I grabbed my suitcase and walked out.
---
The south gate was crowded with students loading cars.
Damon's midnight-blue sports car stood out immediately.
I saw it before I saw him.
And then I saw her.
Scarlett stepped out of the passenger seat, her hair catching the light. She wore a white coat that probably cost more than my tuition.
She walked toward me, smiling. "Let me help with that."
Damon got out. "Scarlett, you sure? That thing looks heavy."
"I've got it." She took the handle before I could protest.
Damon popped the trunk and loaded it in.
I stood there, frozen. I didn't want to get in that car at all.