"Charlotte, it's my fault. I shouldn't have left you for the company's business. I was wrong."
James' apology came with a pious expression, making me doubt if everything that happened on New Year's Eve had been nothing more than a cruel illusion.
"Will you forgive me? The doctor said that anger isn't good for your recovery. How can we get married if you don't recover well?"
Aunt Lorie, standing beside him, nodded in agreement. "James is right. The wedding is next week. Charlotte, you need to get better soon."
I forced a smile and said to James, "It's all my fault for not being more careful. I knew I wasn't feeling well, but I still went to the Ferris wheel, causing you and Aunt Lorie unnecessary worry."
Both James and Aunt Lorie froze for a moment at my words, but they quickly recovered.
"It's all in the past. What's important is that you're safe. Let's not dwell on the unhappy things," Aunt Lorie said quickly.
James gave a small sigh of relief, but his tone shifted when he spoke to me again. "Charlotte, you need to rest. You’re not allowed to go anywhere today. You need to stay in the hospital and recover."
A hint of reluctance flashed across his face as he glanced toward Aunt Lorie, but he held back any anger, choosing not to argue.
"No," I said firmly. "I want to go home."
"Anyway, there's a doctor at home, and I might recover faster if I rest there," I said, determined to go home.
Seeing that I was insistent, James immediately stepped out to handle the discharge procedures.
When we arrived at the door of the Donovan Family villa, I saw Mia waiting anxiously, like a stone waiting for its master.
James opened the car door for me and helped me out.
"My legs feel weak. Can you hold me?" I said to him in a soft, almost pleading tone.
Just as he was about to respond, Mia called him from behind. He opened his mouth to refuse, but before he could speak, Aunt Lorie hurriedly urged, "James, hold Charlotte quickly! It's so cold outside—don't let her catch a cold."
Reluctantly, James extended his arms, and I climbed up onto his shoulders with both hands, curling into his warmth. His breath was warm against my cheek, and a blush spread across my face.
As we stood there, Mia approached us quickly, but when she saw James holding me, she froze at the door, blocking the way without any intention of stepping aside.
