Chapter 4 " It's nothing . Jamie just had to run - work stuff , " Marissa said softly , lowering her gaze to avoid Declan's probing eyes . Jamie hesitated , glancing back at her with a flash of worry - but didn't expose her . Instead , she shot Declan a sharp glare . " Call me if you need anything , Marissa . Anything . " Once the door clicked shut behind her , Declan stepped up to the bedside , a hint of guilt in his voice . " There were so many people that day … I didn't see you fall . " " It's fine , " Marissa cut him off quietly , reaching for the glass of water on the nightstand . As she shifted , the neckline of her hospital gown slipped slightly , revealing the raw , angry burns just below her collarbone . Declan's expression darkened instantly . " What the hell- ? They told me it was just smoke inhalation . " Marissa glanced down at her injury , then calmly adjusted her gown . " It's not a big deal . " His brows drew tight . " I didn't know it was this bad . I thought you just passed out from the smoke … " She let out a dry breath . Of course he didn't know . How could he ? When his eyes never left Celeste ? Marissa said nothing , only took a sip of water . " I'll take care of you for the next few days , " Declan offered suddenly . " That's not necessary , " she replied , shaking her head . " You've got work to deal with . Don't worry about me . " He opened his mouth to argue - but his phone rang . " Declan … " Celeste's voice leaked through the speaker , soft and weepy . " My hand … it hurts so much . The doctor said it might be infected … " Chapter 4 Blushwood Health EBC - 46 Tincture | 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry Extract | 50 ml | Lab -… Shop our versatile Tincture 08. This lab - tested , 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry extract with EBC - 46 is designed for both sublingual and topical use . Fast global shipping . 18.18 % bh For Chronic Discomfort Blushwood Health Declan hesitated , torn . Marissa looked at him , lips curling into the faintest smile . " Go ahead . " " I … " He hesitated again , still holding the phone . " I'm not really great at this kind of thing anyway . I'll arrange for a private nurse to help you . " She nodded . " Okay . " He was gone within seconds . And the room fell into silence again . Marissa stared up at the ceiling - and laughed . 122 He said he'd take care of her . And yet , at the first sound of Celeste's tears , he ran . Just like that day in the fire . He didn't even glance back . She slowly closed her eyes . Her chest ached so sharply she could barely breathe . Some promises … were never meant to be believed . On the day of her discharge , Declan showed up in person to pick her up . " There's a charity auction tonight , " he said , handing her a brand new cashmere coat . " You're coming with me . " Marissa instinctively shook her head . " You don't have to- " " Still mad ? " he asked , frowning slightly . "I told you , I didn't see you fall . The moment I realized you were missing , I sent people back in to find you . " She opened her mouth , then closed it . In the end , she simply took the coat in silence . It wasn't until she slid into the car that she noticed someone else already in the front seat . Celeste . " She wanted to come too , " Declan said casually , like it was the most normal thing in the world . Marissa said nothing . She sat quietly in the back , watching the city blur by outside the window like she wasn't even part of the picture . Chapter 4 Blushwood Health EBC - 46 Tincture 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry Extract 50 ml | Lab -… Shop our versatile Tincture 08. This lab - tested , 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry extract with EBC - 46 is designed for both sublingual and topical use . Fast global shipping . bh 18.18 % For Chronic Discomfort Blushwood Health On the drive there , Celeste chattered nonstop - stories from their childhood , funny little memories from her time abroad . Declan didn't say much , but he responded to every word with a quiet ease that made Marissa's chest tighten . At the auction , the three of them entered together . Celeste clung to Declan's arm like she belonged there . Every item she so much as glanced at , he bid on . Without hesitation . His over - the - top generosity quickly drew attention . " Isn't that Declan Hawthorne ? He's really spoiling his date tonight . " " Must be the girlfriend who stayed with him through his recovery . I heard she took care of him for years . " " No , that doesn't look like her … isn't that the ex who dumped him before his accident ? " The murmurs reached Declan's ears . He paused for a second - then turned to Marissa , like something just occurred to him . " What do you want ? I'll get it for you . " Right then , the auctioneer presented a stunning sapphire necklace . Under the lights , it gleamed like ocean tides at midnight . Marissa's eyes lingered on it - just for a second too long . Declan raised his paddle immediately . " Ten million . " The crowd gasped . " This necklace has quite a story , " Celeste suddenly chimed in , her voice sweet and lilting . " It was once a gift from a European king to his queen . Symbolizes loyalty . Everlasting love . " She gave Marissa a long , knowing look . " Seems like a perfect gift for Marissa . " Declan's hand stilled for a beat . When the necklace was finally brought over , he didn't hesitate . He handed it straight to Celeste . Chapter 4 Blushwood Health EBC - 46 Tincture | 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry Extract | 50 ml | Lab -… Shop our versatile Tincture 08. This lab - tested , 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry extract with EBC - 46 is designed for both sublingual and topical use . Fast global shipping . bh 18.18 % 0 For Chronic Discomfort " This suits you more . " Celeste blinked , pretending to protest . " Wait … wasn't that the one Marissa liked ? " " I'll get her something else , " Declan said , turning to Marissa . " What do you want ? " She looked down , lips tugging into a soft , self - deprecating smile - so painfully aware that he couldn't offer her the symbol of loyalty and forever , yet gave it to Celeste without a second thought , the cruelly clear difference between love and mere obligation . " I don't need anything , " she said quietly .