Albert was swiftly taken to the emergency room, where he received 12 stitches before being wheeled back to his room, his complexion ghostly.

As the nurse set up his IV, she admonished, “Another incident like this could be fatal."

Turning to Jessie with a look of dissatisfaction, she remarked, “You're his partner, aren't you? Please, keep an eye on him. His well-being is paramount. The doctors didn't bring him back so he could put his life in danger all over again!"

Jessie opened her mouth to clarify their relationship but found herself speechless.

Once the nurse had exited, Elsie, ever perceptive, took the child for a walk, seeking solace in the crisp outdoor air and leaving the two alone.

The ward fell into a serene hush.

Albert lay still, a marked change from his usual banter. Perhaps his vitality had been sapped by the loss of blood, leaving him without the energy to jest.

Jessie approached, settling on the sofa by his bedside without a word, but reached out to gently grasp his hand. Eyes downcast, she murmured, “Albert, I'll be here for you until your discharge. However, once you're out of the hospital, our paths will diverge. Your attempt to sway me with self-inflicted harm won't tether me to you."

Albert absorbed her words in silence.

After a moment, he ventured, "Do you pity me?"

Jessie's response was firm. "No."

He then placed his hand over hers, resting it on her heart. After a pause, he whispered with a raspy voice, "Your heart says otherwise."

Albert kept his hand in place, sensing Jessie's wild and uneven heartbeat.

He understood her all too well.

Whenever she fibbed, it was obvious in her expression. Her ears would blush a touch, and her pulse would race.

This close moment felt strangely out of character for them.

Jessie tried to withdraw her hand, but Albert gripped tighter, making her aware of her rapid pulse. “Your heart's racing."

"Release me! Albert, you've got no shame."

Noticing her blush, Albert let out a gentle laugh. He let go of her hand and leaned back comfortably on the pillow, retorting, "Remember that day? We did it multiple times, and you clung to me, pleading for me not to go."

Jessie looked away, murmuring, "Let's forget that day."