Chapter 545 Things Felt Off Upon Arriving in the City
Once again, Benjamin furrowed his brow, trying hard to recall the past, but it was all still a blur as if a heavy fog obscured everything in front of him.
This deep sense of powerlessness made Benjamin completely lose his patience.
With eyes as dark as ink, he cursed under his breath before turning around abruptly to switch on the shower.
The icy water poured down over him, as if the cold might settle his nerves, but it also made him increasingly aware of one thing.
Since his arrival, he just hadn't been feeling quite right.
But as for what exactly was off... he couldn't put his finger on it.
When Benjamin finished his shower and came out, Isabella had changed into fresh clothes and was sitting on the sofa, dealing with messages on her phone.
Hearing the door, she turned her head.
Benjamin emerged, shrouded in a layer of mist, with light cascading from above his head, casting a faint, hazy glow over him. This added an air of mystery and allure to his presence.
His hair was half-dry, tousled, and gave him an unexpectedly wild look. His smooth jawline continued to a prominent Adam's apple, still dotted with droplets of water that trickled down into his bathrobe following the line of his collarbone. The clear definition of his muscles seemed as though they had been carefully sculpted by an artist’s brush, not a fraction more or less than they should be.
Isabella was mesmerized, her heartbeat accelerating unconsciously.
This man was a natural heartthrob—it was impossible not to want to draw closer to him.
And to think… Benjamin was now her fiancé.
Isabella had been raised by John Harrington since she was a child, always knowing that she was destined to marry Benjamin.
She felt honored, yet nervous, fearful that she might not fulfill such an essential role.
Thus, she had always wanted to meet Benjamin, but John would say that Benjamin was accustomed to living abroad; the time wasn't right—they should wait.
And they waited until the news broke that Benjamin had been in a car accident shortly after returning to the country.
Isabella was terrified. John took her to the hospital where she saw the handsome man lying in bed, his body battered with injuries.
Her eyes reddened immediately; in her heart, although they had never met, she already considered Benjamin her husband.
Therefore, she took on the role of Benjamin's caretaker with unwavering dedication.
One day, as John accompanied Benjamin to a therapy session for his recovery, he returned midway and requested Isabella.
Back then…
"Benjamin's physiological functions have mostly recovered, but his brain has suffered a severe impact. The doctors say that when he awakens, there's a high chance he might suffer from memory disarray…"
Isabella consoled him, "Don't worry, John. We'll be by his side to help him recover. Benjamin's survived this ordeal; he's bound to have good fortune ahead."
But John shook his head. "No, the doctors say that if he loses his memories, the psychological trauma will be substantial. They suggest that it's best if someone close to him can guide him through the pain of his amnesia."
Isabella felt a pang of realization. "John…"
John looked anxious as he gazed at his son on the hospital bed. "Bella, would you be willing to help him? Once he wakes up, all you need to do is tell him that you've been his girlfriend for many years and stay by his side every day."
This was a task far beyond the mere duties of care; it was a plea for her to anchor a man's shattered life with threads of familiar affection. It was a role Isabella couldn't anticipate, but in the face of love and healing, one she might be willing to embrace.
John sighed deeply. "Although he's my son, we've lived apart for so many years that we hardly have anything in common... I feel so useless! But thank goodness for you, Isabella. You're both young; you should be able to communicate more easily."
Isabella looked at John's sorrowful expression and felt deeply sad herself.
John was like a second father to her, and Benjamin was her fiancé; helping out was the least she could do. But still…
"Wouldn't he notice?" she asked.
"He won't," John assured her, his gaze returning to the hospital bed, his emotions hidden from view. "The doctor said his memory will be gone completely. Right now, you're the only one who can help him."
Something struck Isabella as odd.
Benjamin hadn't even woken up yet, and the doctors were certain he would lose his memory?
Seeing her concern, John wiped his eyes. "It's okay, Isabella. If you don't want to, I won't force you. I've come to think of you as my own daughter over the years. But I was also hoping that since you two are getting married anyway, this might be a chance for your relationship to grow stronger. Perhaps you'll make me a grandfather sooner rather than later."
John's health wasn't good, plagued with chronic illnesses, all of which Isabella was acutely aware of.
Seeing him now, burdened with worry over his son's accident, seemed to age him considerably.
Moved, Isabella nodded rapidly. "Don't say that, John. Your family's concerns are my own, and I'm here to help. Just tell me what to do."
Relieved by her agreement, John exhaled. "Don't worry. I've got everything arranged."
Isabella soon discovered that John's "everything arranged" was truly impeccable. He had even prepared a series of intimate photos of her and Benjamin, expertly doctored devoid of any trace of forgery.
He then crafted a love story between them that sounded as if it had always been real.
Before long, Benjamin awoke.
Faithfully, Isabella was by his side daily, nurturing and supporting him, which expedited his recovery.
Somewhere along the way, she had fallen deeply in love with him, though the exact moment eluded her. What had once felt like a duty to repay his kindness now blossomed into a genuine desire to marry Benjamin.
It seemed Benjamin had accepted their conversation, yet in the months since, he hadn't made any intimate gestures towards Isabella—not even a hug.
…
Isabella’s mind was awash with thoughts that the increasingly closer presence of the man pulled her back to reality.
Now the two lived in the same room...
Was it possible to take their relationship a step further? John probably wanted them to settle down soon as well?
Isabella’s cheeks flushed with hesitation, she put down her phone and stood up to walk towards Benjamin "Ben..."
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