Paige clung to Enrico’s shoulders, careful not to touch his injured one. She hesitated for a moment, but Enrico grabbed her hand and pressed it firmly against his shoulder. He didn’t even wince.
Seeing no point in resisting, Paige gave in and allowed him to carry her as they moved forward. The path ahead was treacherous, covered in deep snow and full of unseen dangers.
Lying on his back, Paige could feel the uneven rhythm of Enrico’s steps-one deep, one shallow-as he trudged forward. They continued to engage in light, pointless conversation.
“This place, Eastdown, is too cold. I don’t think I ever want to come back.”
“Alright, I’ll take you somewhere warmer.”
“The south is Kevin’s territory. It’s not too far from Wind Island. Maybe we can stop by there on our way back from Wind Island for a vacation.”
“No, we’re not going there.”
“Why not?”
“Paige, you’re a serious person. You shouldn’t be thinking about vacations all the time.”
“…”
“How about T country? It’s down south too. Nice and warm. After the new year, we could take a vacation there.”
“Didn’t you just say we shouldn’t think about vacations?”
“Yeah, *you* shouldn’t. But *I* can.”
“…”
“I wonder how things are going back home. Do you think Jaden and Nick are handling the situation?”
“If they can’t manage it, I’ll just fire them all when we get back.”
“Fire everyone? You’re the CEO, but can you fire people on *my* side too?”
“Why not? Your dowry, isn’t it? I have the right to manage it.”
“My dowry doesn’t include people. They’re not slaves.”
“Fine, then. I’ll only claim your body. You can sign for that.”
“… What were we even talking about?”
As the heavy snow continued to fall, it covered the mountain more and more deeply. Paige grew increasingly drowsy as they walked, drifting in and out of conversation with Enrico. His breathing became heavier, and it was obvious he was growing tired of carrying her.
Every time she thought he couldn’t go on any further, he would adjust her position, lifting her legs higher and pushing on.
Eventually, they encountered people-the Folsom family’s men, who had come searching for her.
“Mr. Gustin, Paige…” they called out, rushing toward them. “Miss Paige, the Old Master is very worried about you.”
For the first time, Paige saw the Folsom family’s men show her such reverence. She remained silent, while Enrico didn’t even acknowledge them, continuing to carry her forward.
“Miss, are you injured? Let us help you,” one of the men offered.
“Get lost!” Enrico snapped, clearly irritated.
The men had no choice but to follow behind, staying close but not daring to interfere.
After what seemed like forever, Paige was too exhausted to continue chatting, her body drifting in and out of consciousness. Somewhere in the haze, she heard someone shout excitedly, “Mr. Gustin!”
Her long eyelashes trembled, and she slowly lifted her head. In the distance, she saw a few men running toward them, dropping to their knees in relief.
“Enrico, are we out?” she asked weakly.
“Mhm,” Enrico responded, his deep voice tinged with satisfaction.
Finally, they had made it.
By the time they reached the car, both were drenched, looking like snowmen. With the help of a bodyguard, Paige slid off Enrico’s back, her legs barely holding her up.
“Get in the car. We’re going to the nearest hospital,” Enrico said, opening the door for her. He held the door with one hand while casting a glance at Paige.
She weakly bent down and sat inside.
Once inside the warmth of the car, away from the wind and snow, Paige removed her goggles and hat. Breathing in the car’s warm air, she finally felt like she had escaped the treacherous mountain.
“We always seem to end up in the hospital whenever we go out,” Paige joked, glancing at Enrico and moving to help him remove his gear.
“Don’t. I’m tired. I want to sleep,” Enrico said, gently pushing her hands away. He pulled her into his arms, murmuring, “Now you can rest.”
“…”
Why wouldn’t he let her see his injuries?
Paige frowned but didn’t press the issue. She rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes.
Once she settled down, Enrico leaned back against the leather seat, resting his head on hers. Soon, the sound of their breathing became steady, and the car left the valley behind.
As the Folsom family’s car arrived, Kelsey and Jasper hurried out, having rushed over after receiving the news. But as they exited, they watched a car speed past them.
“Paige! It’s me! Stop!” Kelsey shouted, waving her arms and chasing after the car.
Hearing the commotion, the driver glanced in the rearview mirror. Paige slowly opened her eyes at the sound of Kelsey’s voice but didn’t look back.
“Keep driving,” she instructed the driver.
“Yes, ma’am,” the driver replied, focusing on the road ahead.
Paige shifted slightly in Enrico’s arms. He was fast asleep and didn’t stir, even as she moved. Gently, she pushed up his goggles, revealing dried blood at the corner of his eye.
Her breath caught in her throat as she removed his face mask. His face was smeared with dried blood on one side. Enrico remained asleep, his head resting on her shoulder.
Paige carefully unzipped his snow jacket, pulling it back to inspect his injury. What she saw made her heart sink-his entire left side was drenched in blood, the color dark and ominous. His shoulder, in particular, was stained nearly black from the bleeding.
*This was what he called a minor injury?* Paige thought angrily. *He’s a lunatic!*
She was furious, wanting to slap him awake, but seeing his pale, exhausted face, she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
She didn’t understand-was her stubbornness really more important to him than his own life?
…
Upon arriving at the hospital, Paige finally learned the extent of Enrico’s injuries. He hadn’t simply passed out from fatigue; he had fainted from pain. The collision with the rock had fractured his shoulder bone, and he had lost a dangerous amount of blood. Yet, despite this, he had carried her through the snow, never once complaining.
Before he came into her life, she had faced the Folsom family and all their dangers alone. But with him, she hadn’t taken a single step by herself through that perilous mountain.
*Now, I finally understand what it means to be spoiled beyond reason,* Paige thought, her heart heavy with a mixture of anger and heartache.
The hospital was small, more like a clinic, with a few simple buildings quietly standing in the snow.
Inside the peaceful ward, Enrico was still unconscious, his head wrapped in bandages, with traces of dried blood lingering on his face.