Chapter 172

Out of nowhere, Royce suddenly pulled me into a tight hug. "Do you have any idea what went through my mind when I heard about your car accident?"

"I was so scared of losing you."

His voice shook, and I couldn't help but feel calmer. I patted his shoulder gently. "Look, I'm fine, aren't I? Savannah saved me. I'm really okay."

He held me for a long time until Simon walked in and cleared his throat. "Alright, you two, that's enough."

Royce finally let go and shot Simon a not-so-friendly glance.

Simon rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Uh, I came to tell you something. Savannah's awake."

I jumped up, but a wave of dizziness hit me. Royce quickly steadied me. "The doctor said you have a mild concussion from the airbag. Take it slow."

I nodded and slowed down.

With Royce's help, I stood up and finally understood how Kathy must have felt.

Royce helped me to the room next door, where Savannah lay in bed with a large bandage on her forehead. She opened her eyes and looked at me, and I stood at the door looking back at her. We locked eyes.

I slowly sat by her bed and took her hand. "From now on, we're bonded for life. Just call me Caroline. Thank you, Savannah."

Savannah's eyes filled with tears, and she gripped my hand tightly. "Got it, Caroline."

Simon tried to lighten the mood. "Alright, alright. Surviving a disaster means good fortune ahead. You three all ended up with concussions at different times. Isn't that fate?"

"There's someone in the other room eagerly waiting for news about you two."

Savannah and I were wheeled by Simon and Royce to Kathy's room.

When she saw us, she opened her mouth but didn't know what to say. "Couldn't you two be more careful? It's bad enough that I'm sick, but now you two are too?"

She started crying, and Savannah and I couldn't help but join in.

My tears were a mix of relief, fear, and the deep bond I felt with Savannah and Kathy.

The three of us hugged and cried together, startling the doctor who came in to check on us.

Eventually, Royce separated us and wheeled us back to our rooms.

I hadn't expected the three of us to end up staying in the hospital like this. I had planned to visit Suncrest City in a couple of days, but now I was stuck here.

I looked at Royce. "Did you find out who that jerk was who raced us? I suspect Brandon sent him. He said before that if I died, he could inherit all my assets. I'm sure that's his plan."

"Don't worry, we're investigating. We won't let him get away."

"We'll make sure you and Savannah get justice. He can't just hit and run."

With Royce's reassurance, I felt relieved and nodded. "Good, I'm counting on you."

Since Savannah and I were admitted later, Kathy's condition was better than ours. She could already walk around, while Savannah and I felt dizzy whenever we got out of bed.

So Royce usually wheeled me around, and Simon helped Kathy walk in the hallway.

Our rooms were next to each other, and one day, Kathy and I saw a man sitting in Savannah's room. He was tall and broad-shouldered, clearly a former soldier.

He was peeling an apple for Savannah, who was blushing and eating it bite by bite.

Kathy and I exchanged a knowing look, full of curiosity. She mouthed to me, "Do you know him?"

I shook my head, then remembered Savannah mentioning her crush.

I whispered back, "Is that the guy she likes?"

Kathy's eyes lit up, and she nodded. "It must be."

"She didn't believe anyone liked her. But look, he came running as soon as he heard she was hurt."

Kathy and I shared a conspiratorial smile.

Our laughter caught Savannah and the man's attention.

They both looked over, and Savannah blushed even more. "Kathy, Caroline, come in. Let me introduce you. This is my former captain, Kirk Gutierrez."

Royce and Simon wheeled us into the room, and we shook hands with Kirk.

"Nice to meet you. We've heard a lot about you. Savannah mentioned you were her drill instructor?"

Kirk's tanned skin looked healthy, clearly from spending a lot of time outdoors training.

He nodded, his voice deep and steady. "Yes, nice to meet you."

"Savannah often talks about you two. She says you treat her like sisters. Thank you for taking care of her."

Kathy and I exchanged a glance, and I smiled mischievously. "No need to thank us. We're her sisters, so it's our duty. But what about you? What's your relationship with Savannah?"

Kirk's face turned red, and he looked at Savannah. They both fell silent.

Kathy and I burst out laughing. We didn't expect them to be so shy.

After the joke, Royce and Simon introduced themselves to Kirk.

I was curious. "How did you know Savannah was sick?"

"A mutual friend from the hospital told me. I happened to be on leave, so I thought I'd drop by."

He emphasized "happened," and I saw a flicker of disappointment on Savannah's face.

I sighed. No wonder their relationship hadn't progressed. They were both so reserved. How could they expect the other to make the first move?

I cleared my throat, deciding to help them out. "Mr. Gutierrez, where do you live? Is it in Skyview City?"

Kirk shook his head. "No, I live in Border Ridge City."

"Wow, that's far. Are you sure you just 'happened' to drop by? It's over a thousand miles from Border Ridge City to Skyview City. You must have been really determined to see Savannah."

"Mr. Gutierrez, if you came specifically to see her, just say so. No need to pretend it was a coincidence."