"She's such a good person. If she wanted to hurt me, she wouldn't have bothered helping me with my sickness. She could've ended my life lots of times, but she didn't. And she even went behind the scenes to help me get back at Arthur's family, playing tricks on them several times."

"Regardless of who she really is, what's clear is my love for her. I yearn for her affection, to be the only one she sees as I see only her."

"I understand her motives all too well. Once her revenge is fulfilled, she'll end our relationship. That's why I must win her heart before she executes her plan."

"…"

Outside the door, Freya stood completely still, absorbing everything she had just heard.

She was aware of Bradley's affection for her, but she hadn't realized the depth of his love, willing to risk everything for her.

In that moment, her heart skipped a beat once more, and she felt a new, indescribable fondness growing within her.

It was a peculiar sensation, tempting her to rush in and embrace him tightly right then and there.

Yet, she restrained herself, mindful of the others inside—doing so would have been too awkward.

Meanwhile, the conversation inside the room continued.

Gabriel asked, "So, you're sticking with her, regardless of who she really is?"

After a brief pause, Bradley responded firmly, "Absolutely. Whatever she chooses to pursue, I'll stand by her side. If she asks, I'm even willing to give up my life for her."

Hearing this, Freya, who had been eavesdropping, trembled with emotion.

Then, Gabriel's voice sounded furious.

"You're out of your mind. Is a woman truly worth more to you than your own life? Remember, you're still carrying a heavy grudge, and many souls are still restless."

Freya listened in confusion. A deep grudge? Tormented souls?

Could Bradley have other enemies beside Arthur's family?

Freya stood frozen, lost in her thoughts, until the door abruptly opened, causing her to collide with Gabriel.

"I'm here to drop off some painkillers for Mr. Bradley. It seems that I've arrived at a bad time, so I'll come back later."

She turned to leave but then heard Bradley's alluring voice from behind, "Freya, please come in."

"Freya" was the affectionate nickname Bradley had always used for her since his return from the mountain.

Gabriel glanced back, then looked at Freya, who appeared hesitant, before sighing and exiting.

Feeling somewhat helpless, Freya lifted her foot and entered the room.

Just as she had overheard someone talking, she found herself met with Bradley's affectionate and emotional gaze, which made her feel a bit embarrassed.

"This is pain relief medicine. I'm worried you might not be able to endure the pain tonight, so take two now," Freya said as she placed the pills on the table, with no intention of lingering.

Bradley's words had a profound impact on her, causing her to feel anxious whenever she encounters him.

"Please don't leave, stay with me!"

Just as Freya turned to leave, Bradley grabbed her hand. "Did you hear what I just said?"

"Yes."

Just a simple word, but it was packed with all sorts of feelings.

Bradley gave her a gentle tug, pulling her closer, "You heard me, so let me just ask you straight. Am I already in your heart?"

Suddenly, Bradley wrapped his arms around her, making Freya's heart race even faster, especially with him asking in that tone, which just threw her off completely.

"Hey, take it easy. You might reopen your wound like this," Freya hesitated to struggle, afraid of accidentally touching his wound.

Whether it was because of the injury or not, Bradley was suddenly extra affectionate.

"Answer me, and then I'll let you go," he said in a low, gravelly voice, causing her ears to blush red.

Freya lifted her gaze to meet his, noticing his dark, cold, narrow eyes. His dim pupils reflected her face, emitting a loving and tender gaze that could easily captivate.

This version of Bradley made her incredibly nervous, almost causing her to lose herself.

She gently nibbled her lip, her voice slightly hoarse with anxiety. "I'll give you a chance to pursue me, but you've got to pass my test first! Anyway, hurry up and take the medicine, or we'll have more problems tonight."

Bradley noticed her avoiding eye contact, a slight smile forming at the corner of his mouth. His gaze wandered down, lingering on her collarbone, the colors in his eyes appearing uncertain and deep.

Without hesitation, he grabbed the pill from her hand and swallowed it.

"Done, I've taken it."

"Okay, I'll go see how James' doing. He's also injured."

When James' name came up, his expression changed. He grabbed her arm and turned her onto the bed.

Freya was taken aback, "Are you serious? I just helped you remove the bullet. What's with the sudden roughness?"

As her hand touched his back, she felt something sticky, her expression turning grim.

The wound had reopened, blood seeping out slowly.

"Your wound's reopened. Let me go—I'll help you rebandage it!"

Bradley held onto her firmly, ignoring her plea, and looked at her face, full of worry.

He was sure he had made an impression on her heart, but she still denied it.

Why? Is it because he's not putting in enough effort?

"Come here, let me give you a hug," the man whispered into her ear, leaning in.

Freya struggled briefly, attempting to push him away, but her hand hesitated and dropped back down.

Finally, she looked up and locked eyes with him, "Why?"

"I promised to keep you safe. I'm ready to help you with anything, even if it means risking my life to protect you forever!"

He gently touched her face, his voice husky, "Hey, Freya open up to me, will you?"

Just hearing "Freya " made her heart flutter, not to mention the sweet words he spoke.

At that moment, Freya couldn't quite figure out her true feelings for Bradley anymore.

If she wasn't into him, why did she freak out and feel so scared when she saw him in trouble?

And if she wasn't into him, why couldn't she resist his charm, wanting to push him away but feeling reluctant to actually do it?

If you were not into him, why did your heart race so much…

Bradley grew increasingly anxious. Not getting a response, he asked again, "Tell me, what do you think of me?"

Freya turned her face away, feeling a slight tremble in her body.

She was feeling really confused right now, unsure how to untangle her emotions.

Throughout this time, she had been trying hard to keep her distance from him, but somehow his playful teasing seemed to have thrown her off track.

Seeing her stay quiet, Bradley gently lifted her chin and urged in a warm tone, "Come on, just admit you like me, okay?"

"No," Freya shook her head. "You can't force me. I haven't figured out my feelings yet..."

Her lips softened before she could finish talking, and she found herself staring wide-eyed at the handsome face right in front of her.