Elise had no choice but to ask him.

William had been impossibly kind, which made her wonder if she was permanently injured.

He chuckled softly, clearly amused by her visible anxiety.

She had to look away—that man's smile was devastatingly handsome, even with all the cuts and bruises marring his face.

"Relax, you haven't lost any limbs. There's just a minor fracture in your right foot," William explained seriously. "You have numerous cuts and bruises all over your body, and you lost a significant amount of blood. But the doctor assured me you'll make a full recovery."

"What about you?" Elise asked, her gaze fixed on him.

She might be okay, but what about him? Was he hurt?

Even if he wasn't in the car during the crash, he must have been injured rescuing them.

She noticed both his hands were bandaged, yet he still managed to care for her, even helping her drink.

"I'm fine," he stated flatly.

Elise swallowed hard.

There was so much she wanted to say, but the words wouldn't come.

She was utterly exhausted, with no strength left for conversation.

"Just rest. I'll get the oatmeal," William said before leaving the room.

Elise leaned back against the pillows and surveyed the spacious room.

This was supposedly Rockville, but where exactly?

William's private residence? Would Victoria show up since she lived here?

Elise pursed her lips, suddenly remembering Patrick.

What had happened to him?

She certainly didn't want him dead—not just because life was precious, but because he was her shield against Victoria.

So many thoughts swirled in her mind. Out of habit, she reached for her phone.

Then she remembered it was likely reduced to ashes in the wreckage of Patrick's car.

She sighed heavily just as the door opened.

William entered carrying a bowl of oatmeal.

That was fast. He must have had it prepared and waiting for her to wake up.

A warm flutter stirred in her chest, but she concealed it well.

"The doctor recommended plain food after you wake up, along with some minerals to help regain your strength. Hence the oatmeal—just bear with it for now," William explained as he sat beside her.

He carefully scooped a spoonful, blew on it gently, and held it to her lips.

She stared at the oatmeal for a moment before opening her mouth to accept it.

It was almost tasteless, yet a subtle sweetness spread through her mouth.

She hadn't had an appetite initially, but her taste buds suddenly came alive. She continued eating spoonful after spoonful as William patiently fed her.

Soon, she finished the entire bowl and actually wanted more.

"Seconds?" William asked.

"Yes," she replied, feeling slightly awkward.

He shook his head. "But the doctor said you shouldn't eat too much—not until you're better."

Elise glared at him—was he teasing her?!

A faint smile touched his lips as he patted her head with his large hand. "Be patient. I'll make more for you later."

Elise ignored him while he left with the bowl and spoon, then returned.

She realized she had no idea how large this place was or how many people were around.

Since waking up, she had only seen William.