Evelyn watched Theodore's face intently as she applied the antiseptic.

She dabbed gently, fearing she might hurt him.

But he showed no reaction.

He was silent.

His expression was completely calm.

Evelyn began to wonder if he could even feel pain.

The anesthesia should have worn off by now.

Otherwise, how had he managed to get up and grab her earlier?

She was lost in her thoughts.

She didn't realize Theodore was distracted by her presence.

His gaze was soft as he watched her.

His mind traveled back to a small coastal village abroad.

He had been gravely injured then, hovering near death.

A kind-hearted woman had appeared.

She had nursed him back to health with tireless devotion.

Even unconscious, he had memorized her unique scent.

It was a fragrance that had haunted him ever since.

Now, the woman he had searched for was right here.

A deep emotion stirred within him.

He inhaled deeply and, on impulse, caught her hand.

Evelyn flinched. "What are you doing?" she demanded, pulling her hand back sharply.

Theodore released her. "My apologies," he said, his expression turning somber. "I was remembering when you saved my life. Do you recall? You tended my wounds with such care."

His nostalgic tone made Evelyn uncomfortable.

She bit her lower lip. "I don't remember, Theodore," she stated bluntly. "I've helped many people. I'd assist anyone who was hurt, even a stray animal. It's not something you should dwell on."

The wistful look vanished from his face, replaced by a quiet sadness.

Evelyn felt a twinge of guilt. Had she been too harsh? He was just expressing gratitude.

Perhaps she should say something to soften the blow.

But then, a confident smile spread across Theodore's lips. "Evelyn, I regret not finding you sooner. But now that I have, once you get to know me, you'll see that falling for me was always meant to be."

Evelyn's planned words of comfort died in her throat.

Annoyance flared inside her. She set the medicine aside and snatched up a bandage.

She began wrapping his wound with brisk, efficient movements. "While you're here, you should get your head examined. Maybe I'll end up saving you again," she said curtly.

She finished the bandaging. "I'm suddenly very hungry. I'm going to get something to eat."

She didn't wait for a response.

She turned and left the room without a backward glance.

Theodore remained on the bed, watching her go.

A wry smile touched his lips. "You're concerned about your own hunger, but you never asked if I was hungry," he murmured to the empty room.

Despite her sharp words, her care had warmed him.

It reignited his determination to win her over.

But this time, he knew he needed a new strategy.