The nurse offered a reassuring smile. "Your boyfriend? You're really worried about him. It looked bad, but it's mostly just scratches. A broken hand, but other than that, he's almost good as new."

"Really? That's a relief."

Celine Evans sank back against the pillows, a wave of relief washing over her. He was okay. That was all that mattered. If he got hurt saving her, all her suffering would have been for naught.

This was it. The last time. She’d long since paid back whatever she owed Dante's parents.

"You two are seriously couple goals. The first thing you both did after the crash was make sure the other was alright."

"As long as he's fine," Celine murmured, closing her eyes. She didn't have the energy to talk.

Yes, she remembered now.

A car crash. Her subconscious had finally coughed up everything she’d buried and shoved it right back in her face.

Did she hate him?

Seeing Dante, bloodied and protecting her, she couldn't summon any hate.

Did she love him?

Thinking of everything, the word "love" made her feel sick.

She’d finally managed to move on, only to have it all come flooding back.

Was she just destined to endure this pain? Running away was clearly not the answer.

"You have a moderate concussion. You were out for over a week. You just woke up, so you need to take it easy. Lie still. The doctor will be here soon. Your boyfriend’s just getting checked out, he’ll be back any minute. Honestly, with a concussion, you still managed to take such good care of him. I’m so impressed…"

"Miss, I just want to sleep for a bit."

Too exhausted to deal with the nurse’s endless chatter, Celine cut her off wearily.

"Of course, get some rest."

The nurse quietly closed the door. Only when Celine heard the click did she finally allow herself to relax, sinking back into the pillows, eyes closed.

Just as she was drifting off, the door creaked open again.

Figuring it was the doctor, she didn’t bother opening her eyes. It wasn't until someone limped over and sat by her bedside that she realized it had to be Dante.

Whatever. She had no idea how to face him anyway.

"You… you crazy woman…"

Dante Williams shuddered, the scene flashing in his mind.

When he’d woken up, his entire body felt like it had been run over. He’d expected the worst, but she had shielded him flawlessly.

He was covered with a jacket to keep him warm. The blood on his face and legs seemed to have been wiped away, his wounds cleaned and bandaged. Safety barriers were set up around the mangled car, a small opening cut in the roof for ventilation, and he lay comfortably on the seat.

In stark contrast, she was a crumpled heap in the corner, arms wrapped around herself, unresponsive. A large pool of blood stained the back of her head, and she looked utterly lifeless.

In that moment, Dante finally understood what true heartache felt like.

He’d never imagined that Celine, even with her memory wiped clean, would still protect him like this.

Recalling how he’d treated her over the past three years, he clenched his jaw, barely suppressing a sob.

By her hospital bed, he took her hand, his nose burning. Staring at her sleeping face, with no idea when she would wake, his heart was flooded with an overwhelming sense of regret.

He rested his forehead against hers, feeling the warmth of her skin, the delicate shape of her nose. His throat felt raw as he spoke, each word imbued with a desperate resolve. "Celine, wake up soon. I regret everything. This time, I promise…"

Before he could finish, Celine’s eyes snapped open, fixing on him. Her clear gaze was devoid of any emotion. She stared at him with an icy chill, her voice stripped of its former softness, replaced by an unbearable coldness.

"Let go of me."

"You…" Dante’s eyes widened, a flicker of surprise and joy. "Celine, you’re awake? Are you feeling okay? I’ll get the doctor…"

"Yes. I feel unwell when I see you." Celine’s expression didn't waver. An undeniable chill radiated from her. Dante’s heart sank as he realized she was different.

After a stunned silence, as if a dawning realization had struck him, Dante forced a smile, the corners of his mouth pulling into a tight line, his eyes brimming with an unyielding sorrow.

He fought to control his voice, his body trembling uncontrollably. "Celine, you remember everything now, don't you?"

Celine remained silent, but Dante understood.

He squeezed his eyes shut, desperately trying to contain the crushing, aching pain swelling in his chest, to stop it from clawing its way up his throat and blurring his vision. But his eyes still welled up, betraying him. When he opened them, their corners were red.

Did she… hate him completely now?

He’d convinced himself he could handle her hatred—it was the penance he deserved for his past transgressions. But now, faced with the raw emotion, he realized how foolish he had been.

The woman he had finally found again, he had lost once more.