Chapter 110: Clara Whitmore Quickly Composed Herself

"I'm fine." Clara Whitmore quickly composed herself, a faint smile curling her lips. "He's doing well now." She added softly, "Much better than before."

She hoped this time he could truly find his own happiness.

Connor Hayes observed everything, his lips unconsciously lifting.

Grant Holloway was completely out of the picture.

* * *

Paige Lawson had a strong constitution. Combined with the timely antivenom injection, she recovered quickly.

After the doctor confirmed she was fine, they returned to the island.

As an extra precaution, Grant arranged for a private physician to accompany them.

In the room, Paige lay weakly on the bed as the doctor examined her.

Grant stood by the bedside, itching to step outside for air.

"Grant..." Paige suddenly grabbed his sleeve, her voice trembling. "I'm scared..."

"Don't leave, okay?"

"What if... what if we encounter another snake?"

Remembering how she'd risked herself to save him, Grant's heart softened. "Alright, I'll stay with you."

Only then did Paige relax with a nod.

The doctor finished the examination, removed the IV, and left.

Paige tried to sit up, and Grant reached out to steady her.

She leaned into his embrace. "The wound hurts so much... Will it scar?"

"The doctor said it won't."

"But it really hurts..."

"The medication was just applied. Bear with it a little longer."

Grant suddenly recalled their university days—how Clara had sprained her ankle during a fitness test but stubbornly finished the 800-meter run.

By the time they got her to the hospital, her ankle was horrifically swollen. The doctor had angrily slammed the table, but she'd only teared up slightly.

He'd called her foolish, but she'd just smiled and said, "Failing means not graduating... Besides, I'm already in so much pain, and you're still scolding me..."

"Grant?" Paige shook his arm. "What are you thinking about?"

"Hmm?"

"I was saying... what if it really leaves a scar?"

The thought of permanent snakebite marks on her leg made her want to cry.

"Medical technology is advanced now. Even if it scars, it can be treated." Grant patiently reassured her.

Paige suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist. "Will you dislike me because of it?"

Before he could answer, she continued, "Even if you do, I won't leave you. I love you. That will never change."

Grant froze for a moment before gently stroking her hair, unsure how to respond.

"Thank you," he finally said after a long pause. "If it weren't for you, I'd be the one lying here now. Whatever you want, I'll give it to you."

"I don't want your gratitude." Paige lifted her face, her eyes brimming with emotion. "I'd do anything for you."

"I know you still can't forget Clara... It's okay. I can wait."

"One day, your heart will belong only to me."

"You protect her. I'll protect you."