Marcus jerked back as if heâd been struck by lightning, pushing her away with a force that was almost shocking.
âDonât⦠donât touch me!â
His voice was ragged. It was as if heâd used up every ounce of his strength to speak, gasping as if he were deprived of oxygen.
Even though Ellinor got pushed back, she still moved closer to him again. âWhatâs the matter with you?
I just saved your life, and this is how you repay me? Youâre so ungrateful!â
Marcus remained silent. He lowered his head, as if he were holding something back.
Ellinor was puzzled. She was about to reach out and lift his face when she was suddenly stopped by Balfour, who raised his arm to block her.
âMr. Howard, donât interfere! He doesnât look right; I need to check whatâs wrong with him!â
Balfour looked down at his sister, thinking she was smart yet sometimes so clueless. âYouâre a mother of four, and you canât tell whatâs going on with him?â
Ellinor frowned, feeling confused. âYou can?â
Balfour gave Marcus a cold look. âIt seems like heâs been drugged or something. His body is reacting badly, and heâs trying his best to keep it together.â
Suddenly, Ellinor made the connection. The strange man in the wheelchair, the peculiar examination roomâ¦
She finally got it.
âOh!â
Ellinor had just watched some explicit videos without blushing, but now her cheeks were flushed.
As the older brother, Balfour could only pull his sisterâs wrist. âCome on, letâs leave him here to recover.
The nurse canât handle him right now, and the doctor wonât be back anytime soon. Letâs give him some space to deal with this.â
Ellinor was still in a daze. She stopped after being pulled a few steps by Balfour and shook off his hand. âMr. Howard, you leave. Iâll stay with him.â
Balfour didnât agree. âEllinor, he doesnât even remember who you are!â
Ellinor was calm and clear about what she wanted to do. âI know. So what? I remember him, and thatâs enough.â
Balfour furrowed his brows. He wanted to persuade his sister, but he knew it was futile.
He didnât say anything else, turned around, and left through the balcony, giving them some space.
After Balfour had left, Ellinor approached Marcus, who was still hanging his head. âLook at me!â
Marcus did not do as he was told. His head was still bowed, and his hands were clenched into fists.
Ellinor reached out and lifted his chin, seeing a face that was helpless and enduring more than sheâd ever seen before.
His eyes and cheeks were flushed, and his skin was burning hot. He bit his lip, unwilling to meet her gaze.
Ellinor wanted to mock him, but after seeing him look so pitiful, her heart ached.
âAre you feeling bad?â She asked him softly.
Marcusâ face was turned towards her, but his eyes were deliberately looking elsewhere.
He couldnât control his bodyâs reaction. If it was a woman he disliked, he could still stand it. He still had his senses.
But herâ¦
He didnât want to lose his dignity in front of her.
He, who had lost the use of his legs, didnât feel like a man anymore. If she saw him like this, it might destroy the image he once held in her heart.