Inside the hospital, the quiet halls were a sharp contrast to the chaos outside. Nurses greeted Ryan with nervous politeness, clearly recognizing who he was, but none dared say much in his presence. His aura was commanding, and his sharp golden eyes made everyone move quickly.
Mia, however, felt her nerves settle. His hand never left hers as they walked toward the consultation room. The way he held her—steady, warm, and reassuring—made her heart beat faster.
The doctor, a middle-aged man with kind eyes, gestured for Mia to sit on the examination bed. "Please, Miss, let's take a look at your injury."
Ryan immediately stepped forward, his arm still hovering near Mia as if he feared she might fall.
"She hit her head hard when she was taken," Ryan explained quickly. "She was unconscious for hours. There was bleeding. She's been pale since then, and I want a full checkup—head scans, blood work, everything."
The doctor blinked, slightly startled by the speed and authority in Ryan's voice. "Of course, sir, we'll do everything necessary. But first, let me just examine—"
Ryan crossed his arms, his jaw clenched. "Do it thoroughly."
Mia sighed softly, glancing up at him. "Ryan… you're scaring the poor doctor."
He looked down at her, his eyes still hard with concern. "I don't care if I scare him. I care about you."
Her chest tightened at the raw sincerity in his words, but she smiled faintly, trying to ease the tension. "I'll be fine. Just… let him work."
Ryan didn't move far, though. He stood right beside her as the doctor examined the small wound on her forehead, checking her pupils and asking her to follow his finger with her eyes. Mia complied, though she felt slightly embarrassed under Ryan's intense gaze.
"She's stable," the doctor said after a while. "No signs of concussion from what I can see now, but I recommend a CT scan to be absolutely sure."
"Do it now," Ryan ordered instantly.
"Ryan—" Mia started, but he silenced her with a look.
"We're not risking anything," he said firmly.
Mia pressed her lips together, but deep down, she felt a warmth bloom in her chest. He wasn't just protective—he was terrified of losing her.
As the doctor made arrangements, Ryan finally allowed himself to sit beside her on the bed. He took her hand again, his thumb brushing softly over her knuckles.
"I thought I lost you once already," he whispered so only she could hear. "I won't let that happen again."
Her eyes softened, and she reached up with her free hand to touch his cheek. "You didn't lose me, Ryan. I'm here. I'm safe. Because of you."
For the first time since they arrived, his tense shoulders eased a little. He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes briefly.
The nurse came in, announcing that everything was ready for the scan. Ryan helped Mia off the bed gently, his arm around her again. As they walked down the hallway, the nurse couldn't help but notice how the powerful CEO looked less like a ruthless leader and more like a man utterly devoted to the woman beside him.
And Mia—despite her bruises and the faint ache in her head—felt a new kind of strength in her heart. Because she wasn't just surviving anymore. She was loved.