Chapter 81

DOMINIC’S POV Evelyn emerged from the treatment room moments later after the necessary paperwork, walking slower than usual, her posture stiff and slightly hunched from discomfort. A white bandage covered the upper right side of her forehead, still tinged slightly red around the edges, and tiny butterfly stitches peeked from beneath it. She looked like a ghost of the powerful warrior she always tried so hard to portray. I stood up immediately, ready to leave. My phone buzzed in my pocket—it was already too late for the park, but I could still try. I could explain. I had to try. But before I could take a step toward the exit, she caught my wrist. “I thought you have to be somewhere?” she asked gently, eyes searching mine. I frowned, not bothering to hide my irritation. Her touch felt like an anchor—one I didn’t want dragging me down any longer. “Yes but I had to stay back just in case they needed any information from me about your injury,” I said shortly. “And Evelyn… don’t you think it