*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?" lan asked suddenly.

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

A self-mocking smile touched lan'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," lan replied, sitting back down.

"Have you seen my phone?" she asked.

lan handed it to her. Eleanor glanced at the time and realized she had slept for over four hours.

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

lan frowned but didn't stop her. As she stood to put on her shoes, he instinctively reached out and held her arm to keep her steady.

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

"Say something else," lan 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 crossed lan'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.

lan stood frozen, watching her hurry

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 glass 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 had completed her mission. She had woken him up.

This was the best possible outcome, 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 how lan 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.