Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 165

The nurse, who was crouched nearby tending to the wound, was joined by the doctor.

Celeste clutched the sheets, lying back as her face went pale and weak.

"Starting the stitches now," the nurse said.

Celeste turned her face away in fear, her hand reaching out blindly for something to hold.

Isabelle stepped closer to Damian and reached out, taking Celeste's hand.

Damian was momentarily stunned by her move, but it actually lifted his mood.

Celeste felt the firm yet soft grip and didn't let go—instead, she held on tighter.

Where did she get all this strength?

Isabelle wondered, her hand being squeezed uncomfortably tight. She frowned. Before, she only half-believed what Collin said. Now? She believed it completely.

The thought made her shoot a sharp glance at Damian beside her.

Damian raised an innocent brow in response.

What did I do?

He carefully reached for Isabelle's other hand, his thumb stroking her knuckles in a silent, comforting gesture.

The nurse observing the trio suddenly understood the dynamic, her expression turning awkward.

The stitching proceeded without issue.

After receiving medication, Celeste fell asleep.

Isabelle and Damian quietly left the room, closing the door softly behind them.

"I arranged for a nursing aide, but with the crowd, it'll be a while before one arrives," Isabelle said, checking her phone. "I'm a bit hungry. You stay here, and I'll go get some food for us."

She turned to leave, but Damian caught her wrist.

"Let me go. You've been running around enough, and it's not really appropriate for me to stay here alone anyway," Damian said, glancing back at the door.

Isabelle refused. "The aide isn't here yet. If she wakes up, she might need help. Plus, Lillian sent someone over to check on her. I don't know them—you should be here."

"Then let her wait. The stitches are done. If she's in pain, she'll manage. You shouldn't have to be uncomfortable," Damian said gently, still holding her hand.

"I'm fine," Isabelle said, unaware of the blush that had spread across her cheeks.

The hospital is crowded. Saying things like this here is so embarrassing.

"Your little jealous heart isn't aching?" Damian teased softly, bending slightly to meet her downcast, shy eyes.

This outfit I carried Celeste in... I can toss it tonight.

Isabelle pressed her lips together, hiding a smile.

"Silly," Damian said, tapping her nose lightly.

For a moment, she felt just how important Damian really was—especially after what Collin had said.

If someone ever took him from me, it would hurt. A lot.

"I should visit Mrs. Dorfman when I have time."

"Anytime."

"Oh, right," Isabelle said. "How do you know Celeste?"

Collin almost reached to ruffle her hair, but stopped himself. "Word gets around."

Isabelle paused, then let out a soft laugh.

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped in together.

It was mealtime, and the elevator was packed. Isabelle, holding food in both hands, felt cramped.

A large man squeezed in, forcing everyone to take a step back. Isabelle stepped back, too, and accidentally trod on the foot of the man behind her.

"Sorry," she said, pulling her foot back and almost losing her balance.

Collin reached out, steadying her by the arm before immediately letting go. "Careful."

She froze for a second—the gesture reminded her instantly of Damian.

Isabelle forced a smile, steadied herself, and shifted sideways, putting polite but unmistakable distance between them.

Collin didn't seem bothered and acted naturally.

The doors opened, and they stepped out. Collin walked slightly behind her, shielding her from the crowd. Once out, they went their separate ways.