Chapter 244 You Are My Comfort
Caroline didn't hesitate. She gripped the windowsill and pulled herself up, pushing the window wider.
Fortunately, Alexander's room was on the first floor. The sill wasn't too high—nothing like the second-story climb Alexander had made to reach her window that night.
She scrambled through and rushed to where Alexander lay struggling on the floor. Dropping to her knees beside him, she looked him over, her hands hovering uncertainly.
"Oh my god... How could they do this? How could your father—"
Seeing her there, Alexander felt panic and relief in equal measure.
Her eyes were already red-rimmed. He forced himself to speak, trying to reassure her.
"I'm fine. Don't worry. This isn't about you. I... got myself into other trouble. Pushed him too far..."
"You're lying."
Caroline's tears spilled over.
"I heard it from my house. You were in the second-floor study. I could hear it all the way across the garden. Alexander, I'm so sorry. This is my fault. I got you in trouble..."
The more she spoke, the harder she cried.
Alexander's heart twisted. He lifted his hand with effort and brushed at her tears.
"Don't cry... Caroline, this really isn't your fault." His voice was gentle. "I wanted to do it. I just... did what I thought was right. Don't be sad over me—I'm not worth it. But you... how did you even get here? It's too dangerous."
Caroline scrubbed at her face with the back of her hand. "I was worried. You got hurt because of me... I couldn't just do nothing. I heard the noise, so I... I snuck over."
Seeing her swollen eyes, Alexander felt helpless. He tried to lighten the mood, forcing a smile.
"That worried about me? Could it be... you actually like me? So much you'd risk sneaking over here?"
Caroline's face flushed crimson. For a moment, she forgot her tears.
She glared at him, embarrassed, and instinctively reached out to swat his shoulder.
"Stop it! How can you joke at a time like—"
Alexander sucked in a sharp breath.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! Did I hurt you? Does it hurt badly?"
Caroline yanked her hand back, looking stricken. Fresh tears threatened.
"It's... fine..." Alexander recovered from the spike of pain and shifted slightly, gesturing toward the bed.
"Help me up. The floor's too cold."
Caroline nodded quickly and carefully helped him to his feet, trying to avoid his back.
After a long, awkward struggle, she finally got him onto the bed.
Alexander's weight pulled her down with him as he collapsed onto the mattress.
Caroline nearly cried out but clapped a hand over her mouth just in time.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"
Her face burned as she tried to push away and scramble up.
"Let me go—I need to get the first aid kit! I brought supplies and water. Let me treat your wounds..."
She tried to pull free, but something tightened around her waist.
Alexander's arm had wrapped around her, drawing her closer.
"Don't move," he murmured against her ear.
"The first aid kit... I think you left it outside. Under the window."
Caroline froze. In her rush and panic climbing through, she'd left the kit behind.
She felt even more flustered. "I'll go get it—"
"No need." Alexander's arm tightened, holding her in place.
"If my father didn't beat me to death, it means he can't afford to lose me. I still need to be alive to compete with Linus. The family doctor already treated the wounds. I'm not dying."
He buried his face in her hair, breathing in the faint, sweet scent. His voice was muffled.
"Just let me hold you for a while. Please, Caroline. Just a little while."
Caroline was pressed against his body, which radiated heat. Her heart hammered.
"You need to let me go... Alexander, I already told you no..."
She struggled weakly, trying to make him release her.
"I'm in so much pain..." Alexander's voice took on a plaintive edge as he nuzzled into her hair.
"The more you move, the worse it gets... I think my wounds are opening again..."
"If you're in pain, take painkillers..." Caroline was torn between frustration and worry, afraid to use real force.
"You're my comfort." His voice was barely a whisper. "When I'm holding you, nothing hurts."
"You're... impossible!" Caroline was exasperated but completely helpless.
She struggled a few more times, only managing to exhaust herself.
Finally, she seemed to give up. Her body went still in his arms.
Alexander felt her surrender, and a small, triumphant smile touched his lips.
"Yeah... I am impossible..."
He stroked her hair, over and over.
"So will you take pity on this impossible guy who's badly hurt and whose parents don't even love him..."
Caroline let out a long breath.
"Alexander, I can't be with you."
"Yes, you can. It'll work out." Alexander kept murmuring, almost to himself.
"Caroline, I won't let go. Even if there really is a worst-case scenario..."
His voice caught.
"I'll be there at your wedding. I won't feel right about it unless I see it with my own eyes. Unless I know you're really gone."
Caroline listened in silence. Tears welled up and spilled over, sliding down her cheeks.
She liked Alexander.
Her mind told her she couldn't. But right now... her resolve was crumbling.
She was terrified of falling in.
Alexander breathed in her familiar scent. The weakness from his injuries finally overtook him. His eyes grew heavy, and consciousness began to slip away.
Alexander was confined to his room for two full weeks.
When he finally descended the stairs, Armando was sitting on the large sofa in the living room, coffee cup in hand. He glanced up briefly as Alexander's footsteps approached, then made a noncommittal sound.
Alexander walked to the center of the room and stopped in front of his father, meeting his gaze steadily.
Armando took another slow sip before setting down his cup.
"Figured it out?"
Alexander nodded.
"Yes."
"I'm willing to compete with Linus. I swear on my life that everything the Hamilton family has—the power, the wealth, the legacy, the future—I'll hold it all. Linus won't get any of it."
Armando studied the determination in his son's eyes and finally nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. I'm glad you've come to your senses. This is what a Hamilton man should be. If your grandfather were still alive—"
Alexander cut him off.
"But I have one condition."