Noticing Clara's silence and lingering frustration, Wren firmly said, "I had never let you suffer like this since you were a child.

"Even if you want to avoid me, you shouldn't be hiding out here in such a remote place. For your safety, you should come back with me in a few days." Clara noticed he was returning to the same point and grew distant in her expression.

Her silent rejection was the most straightforward response.

Wren's disappointment was evident. He could see Clara was avoiding the subject. She would likely shut him down without hesitation if he brought it up again. He reluctantly let it go for the moment.noveldrama

After about ten minutes of cold compress, Wren removed the towel and took out the two bottles of pain relief spray that Alexander had brought. He sprayed it on her ankle. "Where did this come from?" Clara asked, curious.

Wren paused momentarily before responding in a low voice, "The person next door sent it."

"Alexander? He came by earlier?" Clara's face showed slight surprise.

"Mm." Wren didn't want to discuss it further.

After applying more medicine, he gently massaged her injured ankle with his palm, applying even pressure.

Clara considered refusing, but Wren was resolute, so she reluctantly let him handle it. Soon after, she began to feel drowsy and yawned.

Wren noticed her fatigue and gently placed her foot back under the blanket. He stood up, placing the spray on the bedside table. "If you're tired, just sleep. Call me if you need anything." Clara felt a sense of relief as he began to leave and nodded slightly. "Mm, good night."

Wren turned and quietly closed the door behind him.

Lying in bed, Clara could feel the pain in her ankle easing significantly. The thought of Wren stirred complicated feelings in her heart. She decided not to dwell on closing her eyes to sleep.

About ten minutes later, Clara fell into a deep sleep.

What she didn't know was that Wren came in every two to three hours throughout the night to help her ice the injury and apply more medicine. He was careful not to wake her and

Clara, too exhausted, didn't stir once.

BUMS

...

The following day, Clara woke up to find her sprained ankle nearly healed. There was still some redness and swelling, but nothing serious.

She could walk normally, though there was a slight discomfort and a mild sting, which was manageable. She didn't overthink it, assuming the injury had never been that severe to begin with.

She woke up half an hour earlier than usual to see Wren off. She planned to accompany him to town to catch the bus to the city.

She finished washing up and changing, then knocked on Wren's door but got no response. Heading downstairs, she found him in the kitchen, already nearly done preparing breakfast. Upon seeing her, Wren immediately set down what he was doing and walked over.

"Does your foot still hurt? How about taking the day off? I can take you to the hospital for a checkup."

As he spoke, he moved as if to carry her to the couch to check her injury.

Clara quickly stepped aside. "I'm fine, and it's almost healed. We agreed last night that I'm taking you to town this morning. Hurry up and eat. I'll take you there afterward."

Wren furrowed his brows, his expression tightening. "You're injured. At least let me take care of you until you've recovered. I..."

"It's just a sprain. Nothing serious," Clara interrupted firmly. "If you don't leave, I will."

Hearing her threatening words, Wren was slightly angry but mostly helpless. He knew Clara would actually follow through, so he could only nod.

"Fine. I'll go," Wren agreed reluctantly. "But you don't need to send me. I'll go by myself. You're still injured. You should rest and stop running around." Clara looked at him with a hint of distrust.