No Strings Attached

Anders felt a sting in his chest. In his mind, Elle was always the pampered princess. Once upon a time, a mere paper cut would bring her to tears. But now, facing such a grievous injury, she was unbelievably composed.

What on earth had she gone through in the past three years, caring for Orin all by herself?

Anders extended his arm, bringing it close to Elle's mouth. His voice was slightly hoarse. "If it's too much to bear, you can bite down on my arm."

Elle shook her head gently. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

She said that, but when the doctor set her bone, she was sweating bullets, and her teeth were grinding as if they might shatter. Her hands clutched Anders' arm so tightly that her nails dug into his flesh. Yet even so, she did not utter a single cry of pain.

As they placed the splint, the doctor couldn't stop praising her. "You're the strongest mother I've ever seen. Many men couldn't endure this pain."

splint and the other wrapped in gauze.

one, however, needs at least two weeks.

"Could I wrap them in plastic wrap when

watched her with a chuckle. "Why push yourself? You've got your

of sympathy. He bent down to embrace Elle. His eyes were tender. "I'm here for you. I'll help you with your baths." Then, he carried Elle out the door. Trevor and

of a child. Alicia looked at Elle with tearful eyes. "Elle, you've suffered." Elle's lips, pale as death, curved ever so slightly. "I'm

swell. She glanced at her son, who was not living up to expectations, and instructed, "Take

worry. I'm taking a few days off work

"That's more like it!"

just ended a phone call, strode over. His expression was grim at the sight of Elle's wounds. "The driver's been arrested. This is my fault. He was a criminal I sentenced back in my court days, just released