She was about to speak, to ask a question, when he abruptly—and fiercely—pulled her into his arms. The embrace was so tight she could barely breathe. Through the layers of fabric, she felt the steady, powerful thrum of his heartbeat against her ear. Thump. Thump. Thump... She also sensed a faint, almost imperceptible tremor running through his entire frame. Darcy remained stiff for a moment, then slowly lifted her arms to wrap around his waist. She patted his back gently, as if soothing a child. The tremor ceased. "Darcy..." His voice was a low, hoarse rasp against her ear. Embarrassed, Darcy pushed lightly against his chest, but he only held her tighter. "Don't push me away," he whispered, the words a fervent plea. "Never leave me again.""Um..." Darcy scratched her head, her face flushing a deep scarlet. "You should... maybe let go. People are staring." It was only then that Jethro seemed to remember they were still in a public restaurant. He reluctantly loosened his grip, only to immediately seize her right hand, his fingers intertwining tightly with hers as if afraid she'd vanish. "Let's get out of here." As she was led away, Darcy glanced back at their table. Lucian was already gone. Jethro held her hand in a vice-like grip the entire walk, their fingers laced together. Darcy couldn't help but find it a little amusing. "You don't have to hold on so tight. I'm not going anywhere." At her gentle complaint, he relaxed his hold—but only slightly. He ran his tongue over his dry, pale lips. "I'm afraid I'll lose you again." Jethro's hotel was nearby, and they headed straight there. Only once they were inside the room did he finally feel secure enough to release her hand, turning instead to pour her a glass of water. Darcy reached out and touched his lips. "You're the one who needs water. Your lips are all chapped." The gentle touch of her soft fingertips against his cracked skin sent a shiver through him. He immediately captured her hand, bringing it to his mouth and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. Darcy lowered her eyes, a shy warmth spreading through her. "Drink your water first." She then settled onto the sofa, quietly studying him. Hmm. On closer inspection, he really is something else. That face is a masterpiece, and his height and build are just... perfect. And this aura around him—yikes, is he some kind of rich guy? "What are you thinking?" Jethro's voice pulled her from her thoughts. He had settled beside her without her noticing.Looking at his handsome features now so close, she cleared her throat. "What exactly is our relationship?" Learning from past mistakes, she wasn't taking anyone's word for it this time. Even if Lucian had said this was her boyfriend, she needed to hear it from him. A pleased light flickered in Jethro's eyes. "Lucian didn't tell you?" "He did. But I want to hear it from you." He reached over and ruffled her hair, his tone deceptively casual. "Secret lovers." Darcy was stunned. She swallowed hard, asking cautiously, "Lovers are lovers. Why the 'secret' part?" "First," he said, a playful glint in his eye, "because I just took you back from someone else, and I don't want anyone eyeing you." Those few words contained a bombshell of information—she'd cheated and then gotten with Jethro.This was so wrong—so unethical... How could I do something like this? She took a deep breath. "And the second reason?" A faint smile curved Jethro's lips. "Second, because certain people don't approve of us being together." "Who?" "Your mother. And my uncle." Darcy fell silent. Mom must be a traditional woman with strong morals. It makes sense she wouldn't approve. When Jethro reached out to touch her cheek again, she dodged, scooting further along the sofa. "So... why did I jump into the sea? Was it because we were eloping and you changed your mind halfway, and I... tried to make a point?" Jethro couldn't help but laugh, a soft, fond sound. He gently tapped the tip of her nose. "You have quite the imagination." "Then you tell me. Why did I jump?"He sighed, "It's a long story. I'll tell you everything, slowly. But right now, your health is the priority." He reached out again, this time smoothing her hair. "You've lost your memory. Does your head hurt?" Successfully sidetracked, she answered, "No, it doesn't hurt. I just can't remember anything about the past." "Don't worry. I've arranged for a medical team here in Londyn. We'll do a full check-up first to rule out any physical issues. Then we'll go home, rest up, and take our time." "Okay." No sooner had she agreed than Jethro's phone rang. It was Rowan, informing him that the medical team was assembled and waiting for them. Jethro stood, taking Darcy's hand, and they hurried to the hospital. When they reached the entrance, Darcy's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't just any hospital. It was one of Londyn's most exclusive, top-tier private facilities. She'd just seen a feature about it on TV a few days ago. She glanced sideways at the man beside her. He just arrived, and he can instantly assemble a specialized medical teamat the best private hospital in Londyn. This man isn't just well-off. He's in a completely different league. As for her—memory or not, given how tough and adaptable she seemed, she was likely just an ordinary person. No wonder Mom didn't approve. The gap between us must be huge.