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Chapter 113 – Carried Away
The first aid team bandaged my knee with surprising efficiency, but every touch sent waves of pain shooting through my leg. I bit my lip to keep from crying out as our guide, Mike, finished securing the bandage.
“It’s definitely a bad sprain, possibly worse, he said grimly. “You need to see a doctor as soon as possible.”
I nodded, trying to maintain my composure despite the throbbing pain. Cherry hovered nearby, her face pale with concern and guilt.
“I’m so sorry, Ms. Ashworth,” she said for what must have been the twentieth time. “If I hadn’t slipped-
“Stop apologizing.” I cut her off, forcing a smile. “Better me than you. At least I didn’t go over the edge.”
Mr. Vance, our marketing manager, crouched beside me. “Can you stand at all, Hazel?” With their help, I attempted to put weight on my injured leg. The second my foot touched the ground, pain exploded through my knee, and I nearly collapsed.
“That’s a definite no,” Mike said, catching me. “We need to get you back to the lodge. I can call for an emergency evacuation if-”
“No, absolutely not,” I protested. “I won’t ruin everyone’s retreat with a helicopter rescue. I can make it back with some help.”
The journey back to the lodge was excruciating. Every step on the uneven terrain jolted my knee, even with most of my weight supported by Mike and Mr. Vance. By the time we reached the main building, my face was drenched in sweat, and I was fighting
back tears.
with gentle hands. Dr. Reynolds, the first aid director at the lodge, examined my 1 “Multiple contusions, severe swelling… you’ve done quite a number on this. She looked up at me. “You need proper imaging to rule out ligament tears or fractures. We can give you pain medication and ice it, but you really should get to a hospital tonight.
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I checked my watch. It was already 4:30 PM, and team activities were scheduled for the evening. The bus wasn’t returning to the city until tomorrow morning.
“I’ll figure something out, I said, trying to sound confident.
Back in my room, I lay on the bed with my knee elevated on pillows, an ice pack reducing some of the swelling. The pain medication had taken the edge off, but my knee still throbbed with each heartbeat.
Cherry knocked softly before entering with a tray of food. “I brought you dinner since you couldn’t make it to the dining hall.”
“Thank you,” I said, genuinely touched by her thoughtfulness.
She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. “Ms. Ashworth, I called some taxi services. None of them are willing to come up the mountain this late.”
I sighed, staring at the ceiling. Perfect.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll manage until morning.”
Cherry bit her lip. “But Dr. Reynolds said-
“I know what she said,” I snapped, then immediately regretted it. “I’m sorry. The pain is making me irritable.”
After Cherry left, I glanced at my phone. No messages from Damien. Our conversation yesterday had ended on such an awkward note. I thought about calling him but hesitated. Would he think I was using my injury to gain sympathy after our disagreement?
My phone rang suddenly, startling me. Chloe’s name flashed on the screen.
“Hey, stranger!” her cheerful voice came through. “I’ve been texting you all weekend with no response. What gives?”
“Sorry, Chloe. I’m at a company retreat in the mountains. Reception’s spotty.”
“Oh? Sounds fun! How’s it going?”
I winced as I shifted position. “Actually, not great. I had a bit of an accident hiking today.”
“What?” Her tone immediately changed. “Are you okay? What happened?”
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I explained the situation, trying to downplay the severity, but Chloe was too
perceptive.
“You need to get to a hospital,” she said firmly. “Where exactly are you?”
“Pine Ridge Retreat Center, but I’m fine, really. I’ll head back tomorrow
“I’m calling Damien,” she interrupted.
My heart skipped. “No, don’t! We had a… thing yesterday. I don’t want him to think I’m using this to get attention.”
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” Chloe said bluntly. “My brother is probably dying to talk to you anyway, and he’d want to know you’re hurt.”
“Chloe, please-”
“Too late! Already texting him. Bye!”
She hung up before I could protest further. I groaned, dropping my head back onto the pillow. Ten minutes later, my phone rang again. Damien’s name appeared on the
screen.
I took a deep breath before answering. “Hello?”
“You’re injured.” His voice was tight with concern. “Why didn’t you call me?”
“It’s not that bad,” I lied. “Just a sprained knee.”
“Where are you now?”
“Still at the retreat. There’s no transportation back tonight, but I’ll be fine until-”
“I’m coming to get you,” he cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Damien, it’s a two–hour drive. It’s already dark. I don’t want you driving these mountain roads at night because of me.”
“I’m already on my way,” he said. “Text me your exact location.”
“But after yesterday-”
“Yesterday doesn’t matter,” he said softly. “You’re hurt. Nothing else is important right
now.”
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After we hung up, I lay there feeling confused but oddly comforted. Despite our tension, Damien was dropping everything to come to my aid.
An hour later, Mr. Vance knocked on my door. “Hazel? I heard you need to get back to the city tonight. I can drive you if you’d like.”
I hesitated. “That’s incredibly kind, but… someone is already coming for me.”
I
“Are you sure? I don’t mind.”
Cherry appeared behind him. “I’d like to come too, Ms. Ashworth. I feel responsible.”
I was touched by their concern, but before I could respond, my phone buzzed with at text from Damien: *Almost there. Be ready in 10 minutes.*
“Actually,” I said, “it looks like my ride will be here soon. But thank you both. I really appreciate the offer.”
Mr. Vance insisted on helping me down to the main entrance. With Cherry carrying my overnight bag and Mr. Vance supporting most of my weight, we slowly made our way to the front of the lodge. Every step was agony, but I tried not to show it.
We’d just reached the circular driveway when headlights swept across the darkness. Damien’s sleek black Bentley pulled up, and my heart raced.
He stepped out, his tall figure illuminated in the soft glow of the entrance lights. Even found in a simple dark sweater and jeans, he looked devastatingly handsome. His eyes mine immediately, his expression intense with worry.
Mr. Vance shifted beside me. “I can help you to the car, he offered.
I nodded gratefully, but before we could move, Damien strode toward us with purpose. Without a word, he bent down and swept me into his arms as if I weighed nothing.
I gasped in surprise, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck. The sudden movement sent a fresh jolt of pain through my knee, but the warmth of his body against mine was distractingly comforting.
“Damien!” I whispered, acutely aware of Cherry’s wide c expression.
and Mr. Vance’s startled
His arms tightened around me. “I’ve got you,” he murmured, his breath warm against my hair.
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