Regret Came Too Late

Grace didn't have the heart to shove Ethan off, not when he was sick. Thus, she let him hold onto her, silent and still.

It was the first time she saw Ethan stripped of his invincibility. He, who once seemed so distant and indomitable, now clung to her-fragile and feverish.

His skin was searing, radiating heat like a furnace.

Grace suddenly remembered Ed, sick just a few days ago, holed up in that dim little house.

He and Ethan couldn't have been more different. When Ed got sick, he withdrew from the world, tending to his pain in silence.

However, Ethan didn't seem to hide his vulnerabilities-not from her, at least.

She wasn't sure if she was imagining things, yet she stayed completely still, not daring to move.

After three hours on the road, the car finally stopped.

Grace gazed out at the barren ruins, feeling disbelief and anger rising within her.

"Are you sure this is the place, Mr. Bennett?"

"Yes."

Her voice trembled with frustration. "This place is a complete ruin! You can't even tell where the manor used to be, and it looks like there was a fire. What could we possibly find here? I thought there would be a pharmacy nearby, but after driving for three hours, we've ended up somewhere even more remote. Are you trying to let Mr. Henderson die in the car?"

They hadn't passed a single soul along the way.

Ethan-why the hell hadn't he told her this place was

nerves, and feeling the heat pouring off

supposed to do-drive

inhaled deeply and cranked open the

backup, will you? Get someone out here

nodded casually, pulled out his phone,

Lambert. Stay with Mr. Henderson in the car. I'll find reception. If I don't come back... just drive.

after

Handle himself? Out here?

was already gone,

window back up, trying to trap what

bottle of

try to

eyes, glanced at

pressed the bottle lightly against

from fever. Just a little sip, okay?"

turned

into her palm, leaned in,

fingertips brushed his lips, Grace had the fleeting illusion

up, she realized he had been

pulled

His gaze was heavy and burning, cutting through the space between them like a