*Does she want to look her best for him?*


    A mix of self-mockery and bitterness crept into his heart.


    "Don''t worry. I''m sure he thinks you look beautiful no matter what," Ian scoffed lightly.


    Eleanor froze, her hand still in her hair. She pressed her lips together but said nothing.


    "Do you need to go home and take a shower before you see him?"n asked suddenly.


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, that''s not necessary."


    A self-mocking smile touchedn''s lips. "That''s how much his opinion of you matters?"


    Eleanor was taken aback. She did want to look nice, but that was just a woman''s natural vanity.


    "Thank you for watching over me. You should go home and rest," she said, noticing the red veins in his eyes. It looked like he had also pulled several all-nighters.


    "I can handle it,"n replied, sitting back down.


    "Have you seen my phone?" she asked.


    She quietly slipped out of bed and put on her shoes, clearly eager to see Mansfield.


    Once her shoes were on, Eleanor gently pulled her arm away. "Thank you."


    "Say something else,"n said, a sudden flicker of anger in his eyes. He didn''t want to hear her polite ''thank you'' anymore.


    Eleanor looked at him, surprised. She swallowed. "Well then... I appreciate it?"


    A look of frustration and helplessness crossedn''s face. He stared at her intently


    for a few seconds before letting out a barely audible sigh.


    His gaze made Eleanor feel uneasy. She instinctively looked away and mumbled, "I''m going to go see him."


    With that, she turned and left.


    away. The dull ache in his chest


    returned with a vengeance. He closed his eyes, suppressing the bitterness but ultimately, his concern won out. He followed her.


    Eleanor found out which room Mansfield was in and headed over.


    When she arrived, she saw him through the ss window. He was propped up in bed, talking with Principal Maxwell. Though he was thin and pale, his eyes were bright. He was definitely awake.


    Eleanor didn''t go in right away. Just seeing that he was safe was enough for now.


    She hadpleted her mission. She had woken him up.


    This was the best possible oue, the one she had risked everything for.


    Suddenly, Mansfield sensed someone behind the window. He looked up, and his eyes met Eleanor''s.


    His pupils widened in pleasant surprise. "Eleanor," he breathed.


    Eleanor smiled and pushed the door open, greeting Principal Maxwell first. "Principal Maxwell."


    "Ah, well, I''ll let these old bones get some exercise. You two young people have a good chat!" Principal Maxwell said, stretching as he walked out.


    Eleanor sat down in a chair on the other side of the bed and looked at Mansfield, studying his condition His pate, thin appearance reminded her of hown had looked when he woke up ten years ago.


    But as long as he was awake, he would recover.


    "Mr. Maxwell told me everything you did for me. Thank you, Eleanor," Mansfield


    said, his voice hoarse and filled with immense gratitude.


    Looking at him, Eleanor''s tired face broke into a relieved smile. "As long as you''re awake, it was all worth it."


    Mansfield noticed the dark circles


    under her eyes, and a wave of indescribable tenderness and


    gratitude washed over him. Just then, his gaze drifted to the silent figure standing outside the window.


    He took a deep breath, trying to make his tone light. "I owe you so much. I''m afraid


    I''ll never be able to repay you."


    "You took a knife for me and saved my life. Consider us even," Eleanor replied with a gentle smile.