**Chapter 23**
On the tenth day of her hospitalization, Riley was finally able to get out of bed and walk.
Several nurses helped her, slowly walking her along the bedside.
When Caleb arrived, he gently picked her up, frowning slightly, and said softly, “Why are you out of bed? You need to rest.”
He gently placed her back into the soft bedding, covering her with the blanket.
Riley said, “The doctor said I’m recovering well. And my injuries are mostly superficial, no internal damage.”
Caleb asked, “Who hurt you?”
Riley turned her face away. “I don’t want to talk about the past.”
“Riley, you taught me not to yield, not to bow to fate. Are you going to let the people who hurt you off the hook now?”
Riley said, “I’m not letting him off; I’m letting myself go. I don’t want any connection with him for the rest of my life.”
“…Was it Julian?”
Riley looked up. “You know?”
“If you’re worried about his power and status, that I can’t touch him, then don’t be. Riley, you are my belief, the only reason I live. Even if it means fighting him to a mutual destruction, even if all my efforts and achievements over these years come to naught, I wouldn’t care!”
Upon hearing this, Riley felt a little lost.
“I’m your… belief?”
“Yes,” Caleb said. “At that time, I was practically ready to die, but you suddenly appeared and gave me hope. All these years, when I worked hard and wanted to give up countless times, I would remember what you told me that day. Riley, I don’t believe in ghosts or spirits, nor in Buddhism or Taoism, but I believe in you. You said I would become an important person someday, so I must become a truly remarkable figure and return to show you!”
Caleb held her tightly, as if she were a priceless treasure.
He pulled her into his embrace, his voice choked. “Riley, will you marry me? I will protect you forever, cherish you. My weakness and Insecurity made me miss you once. This time, I don’t want to miss you again. Will you be with me, please?”
Riley didn’t answer immediately.
She just felt a strange, almost fearful sensation from Caleb’s warmth and strength.
His shoulders were broad, his embrace warm.
The force of his hug was possessive, as if he wanted to crush her into his body.
9:23 AM
The force of his hug was possessive, as if he wanted to crush her into his body.
Was this what it felt like to be loved?
Riley unconsciously shed tears. This feeling, she had only tasted it for the first time in over twenty years of her life.
It turned out that in this world, there truly was someone who loved her silently, in secret.
It turned out that she, too, was loved.
Seeing her prolonged silence, Caleb felt a little anxious. “I know this might sound a bit reckless right now, but Riley, no, Reborn, I just to tell you how I feel. I hope you can give me a chance to take good care of you, to compensate you for all the suffering you’ve endured tl past years.”
“Of course, if you’re unwilling, I won’t force you. I only ask that you don’t push me away, don’t hide from me. Just let me see you at all ti that would be enough for me…”
Riley’s voice was choked. “You love me, don’t you?”
“Of course, Riley. I love you. I love you more than I love myself, more than anything in this world. Without you, I probably would have die that heavy snow all those years ago.”
“But…”
“Are you worried about your marriage to Julian?” Caleb said. “On the marriage certificate he registered with you, although the photo was you, the ID used was Chloe’s. You are still legally unmarried. We can register our marriage anytime.”
Riley looked into his resolute eyes and nodded slightly. “Okay.”
