"What did you say?" Cleo turned to look at me, her expression unreadable. I bowed my head, tears streaming down and staining my blouse. "I am sorry ... " Overwhelmed by guilt, I could only manage those three words, unsure of what else to do or say. Compared to my anguish, Cleo remained calm. She took a seat by the hospital bed. "Do you know how Samuel got into the accident?" After a long pause, Cleo spoke softly. Clutching the hem of my shirt, I muttered, "He was looking for me ... It's all because of me ... If I hadn't been so stubborn, if I hadn't rejected him like that, maybe none of this would have happened." Covering my face with my hands, tears seeped through my fingers. "It's too late for regrets now." Cleo sighed and beckoned me over. "Come here, child." After a moment of hesitation, I walked over to her. I couldn't help but glance at Samuel. He was still unconscious, his head wrapped in layers of bandages, his face bruised and scratched. I had already heard that Samuel had suffered a head injury, a mild concussion, which might leave lasting effects. "As the heir to the Meteor Pack, he's always been rebellious. He refused to learn piano as a child, and he still doesn't want to shoulder the pack's responsibilities as an adult." Cleo gestured for me to sit down and began recounting memories, as if reminiscing. "He had countless arguments with his father about becoming a doctor. Sometimes, he'd come home bruised from their confrontations. But he never gave up. Once he decided on something, he never let go." Hearing this, I remembered what Samuel had once told me. What must he have felt when he told me ... to find happiness with Jasper? Tears flowed again. I couldn't understand how I deserved such devotion from Samuel. He was always so gentle with me, without a hint of resentment. "He mentioned you often. Every time, he smiled so brightly. I could tell he really liked you," Cleo said, turning to me with a look that felt piercing."And you? Do you like Samuel?" Her light tone felt like a mountain crashing down on me, making it hard to breathe. I opened my mouth, but no words came out. "Forget it, whether you like him or not doesn't change anything. He's my son, and I know what he's capable of." Cleo's voice revealed a hint of helplessness and sorrow. My lips trembled as tears fell like pearls on a string. I wiped them away, trying to see Samuel's face clearly, but my vision remained blurred. "Stop crying, child." Cleo stroked my hair gently. "This was an accident. It's not your fault. Samuel always said you were the best girl in the world." I broke down completely, collapsing onto Cleo. "Mrs. Foster, you can yell at me, hit me, but please don't forgive me. If it weren't for my stubbornness, Samuel wouldn't be in such a terrible state ... " "This isn't just your fault. Even if I took all my anger out on you, it wouldn't change anything." Cleo patted my hand. With a firm tone, she said, "Though Samuel likes you very much, I must ask that you never see him again." A loud buzz rang in my ears, leaving my mind blank. I stared at Cleo, unable to speak. "Do you understand?" Cleo asked again when I remained silent. I couldn't hear her anymore. I bit my lip, my nails digging into my palms, turning them red—but I didn't notice. Never see him again—just to give him a peaceful life? I recalled the first time Samuel and I met. That encounter had changed both our lives. I felt I should agree. After all, I still liked Jasper, didn't I? But then why did looking at Samuel make my heart ache so much? Unable to respond, I left the room in a daze. As soon as I closed the door, I collapsed to the floor and began to cry silently. Samuel's POV:In the hospital room, I opened my eyes the moment Naomi left. Staring at the stark white room, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "You heard everything?" Mom asked softly. I wanted to turn my head, but even the faintest movement sent waves of pain through my skull, making me groan. "She didn't choose to stay, and her decision speaks for itself." Mom sighed softly. A single tear slipped down my cheek. Of course, I hoped she would stay. If she had said anything, I would have done anything for her. But in the end, she chose to run away.