bChapter /bb195 /b

    b“/bKevinb, /bthank you,” Ste said gratefully.

    Kevin replied, “It’s nothing. I just did what I should do. Honestly, I didn’t do much—it was all Jordan. He hasn’t slept a wink since he heard. you were in trouble.

    “You’ve been out for a whole day and night, but he’s probably been up for almost forty–eight hours straight.”

    Ste looked at Jordan in disbelief. “Seriously? You haven’t slept for that long?”

    “It’s nothing, don’t listen to him,” Jordan said.

    Ste quickly pushed him. “Go get some sleep, seriously. I’m awake now, and I feel a lot better.”

    “No way. If I don’t take care of you, who will?” Jordan insisted.

    “Let Mary do it. She’s probably really worried at home right now,” Ste said.

    Jordan was about to protest, but Kevin interrupted, “Go get some sleep. There’s a lot that needs you. If you copse, how will Ste manage?”

    “Alright, I’ll just sleep on the cot over there,” Jordan finally agreed.

    He just wasn’t going to leave, no matter what. He copsed onto the cot and was out like a light.

    It was obvious he’d hit his physical limit. Ste kept watching him, her heart aching for him. Even Lionel had never treated her this well

    before.

    “Ste.” Kevin’s voice snapped her back to reality. “Call Mary first. I’ll talk to you in a minute.”

    Ste knew that if Mary didn’te, Kevin wouldn’t feelfortable leaving her alone. He’d probably stay to look after her, but it really wasn’t convenient for him. So, she picked up her phone and called Mary.

    As soon as Mary heard Ste was awake, she said, “Wait for me. I’ll have someone drive me over.”

    Ste replied and hung up the phone. Then she lifted her gaze to Kevin.

    “Do you… need to use the bathroom now that you’re awake?” Kevin asked.

    Ste wanted to say no, but honestly, she really did need to go. Probably because of all the meds, she really couldn’t hold it anymore.

    “Why don’t you try getting up on your own? If you can’t, I’ll help you,” Kevin said.

    “Just call some nurses over,” Ste said.

    Kevin nodded. “Okay.”

    Now that Ste was married, and since he was a guy who still had feelings for her, there was no way he could cross any lines or do anything that might seem inappropriate.

    Kevin went to call the nurses. When he came back, he saw Ste trying her best to get out of bed. Just as she was about to fall, the nurses rushed over and supported her just in time.

    The nurses helped her to the bathroom and then came back. They also asked Ste a few questions to make sure she was alright before

    Jeaving.

    Stey back in bed and, seeing the worried look on Kevin’s face, said, “Don’t worry, I’m really fine. Even though I got hurt a lot this time, it’s actually much better than before. My body’s stronger now. Really, I’m okay.”

    Kevin ifelt /ia wave of sadness. “Ste, how can you say something like that? Most people wouldn’t be able to handle what you’ve been through even once, let alone several times.”

    Ste said, “Then what? It’s like I’m destined to go through all this. Besides epting it, what else can I do? It’s not like I can just die, right? I

    can’t die yet.

    “My grandma’s barely gone. I still have to find her killer. Only then will I be worthy of seeing her again.”

    Kevin knew he had no right or ce tofort her. He was quiet for a long time before finally saying, “Honestly, there are a lot of things!

    only dared to say now that Jordan’s asleep.

    “I used to worry about you being with him, with his ruthless reputation and all. I was afraid he’d hurt you. But after everything that has

    happened, I realize I was wrong. He’s been so good to you.

    “Honestly, I can feel that I just can’t measure up to him. There are so many things he does for you that I could never do. I used to pride myself on how much I loved you.

    “But now I see I don’t even deserve to love you. The reason I’m letting you go isn’t because you don’t love me—it’s because I see there’s

    another man who would literally love you with his whole life.

    “I have a lot of responsibilities, and I can’t just walk away from the Carver family.

    “Even though I’ve argued with my father for your sake so many times, if it ever really came down to a choice, I might actually have to let you go. I’m just not as good as Jordan.”

    Ste could feel Jordan’s love for her in a way that Kevin never could. She experienced it firsthand, so much more directly.

    Just like this time. Ste thought, ‘How did he manage to stay awake for 48 hours straight? I was asleep, and he could’ve caught some rest, but he just wouldn’t. He stayed up, waiting for me the whole time. How could he be so foolish?‘

    After a long while, Ste finally said to Kevin, “Kevin, you’re really a good guy. But everyone has their own path in this world. What you need

    to do is protect your family.

    “Besides, if it weren’t for you, the Carver family would never have let go of Troy, and honestly, that would’ve been a huge headache for me..

    “You might show your feelings differently than Jordan does, but I can feel that special care you have for me. You’ve always protected me in your own way, and I remember every bit of it in my heart.”

    Kevin felt a warm rush in his chest, and he almost teared up right then and there. Everything he’d done–Ste had noticed it all, and

    honestly, that was more than enough for him.

    He said, “From now on, I’ll be your good friend, a really good friend. And I’ll be Jordan’s friend, too. Honestly, I never thought he’d actually speak up for me in front of you. He totally could’ve…”

    Ste couldn’t help but smile when he mentioned Jordan.

    She said, “Don’t say that. Jordan just seems cold on the outside, but that’s just his shell. You know he’s different from you guys. He’s got no one but himself. Everything he does is just so he can keep going.”

    Kevin finally got where Jordan wasing from. Deep down, he wasn’t a bad guy. He just did what he had to in order to survive.

    “From now on, he’s my friend as well.” Kevin grinned.

    Ste burst outughing. “Aren’t love rivals supposed to hate each other? How did you two end up as friends? So, are you going to take his side instead of mine now?”

    Kevinughed. “Honestly, that’s not impossible. After all, between the two of you, I’m actually more worried about you bullying him than the iother /iway around.”

    “You’re the worst!” Ste almost wanted to grab something and hit him with it.

    Kevin didn’t dodge, but his tense shoulders finally rxed. He let out a sigh of relief, and when he looked at Ste again, he felt a lot lighter.

    He said, “Ste, I think this is actually pretty great. When I confessed my feelings to you before, it just made things soplicated between us. I almost lost you as a friend.

    “But now that we’ve talked it out, we don’t have to worry about any of that anymore.”

    Ste smiled and nodded. She could tell that Kevin had really let go.

    Honestly, this felt right. They were back to just being friends, and she knew things would be even easier between them from now on.

    Kevin didn’t leave right away. He waited until Mary arrived before heading out.

    When Mary saw Jordan sleeping, she was about to lower her voice, but Ste said, “It’s fine. As long as you don’t make a racket, he’ll be okay. He hasn’t slept for a long time. He’s so exhausted that nothing normal will wake him up.”

    Mary looked at Jordan. She was really satisfied with him.