For the next few days, Ally and Adrian became exactly what she wanted—professional.

Every interaction was brief.
Every conversation was about the project.
Every time their eyes met, Ally forced herself to look away first.

Amelia noticed everything. "You’re both idiots," she mumbled one day, watching them work like complete strangers.

Adrian was restless. He wasn’t going to let Victoria, his father, or Ally’s own fears decide their future.

That night, he waited outside the hospital, leaning against his car. Ally had no choice but to stop when she saw him.

"I’m taking you home." His voice left no room for argument.

Ally sighed. "Adrian—"

"Get in the car, Ally."

She hesitated, but the exhaustion from work made her comply. The car ride was silent—until Adrian suddenly pulled over near a small, familiar park.

"Why are we stopping?" Ally asked, confused.

Adrian turned to face her. "Because I need you to listen to me. And I need you to stop running."

Ally opened her mouth to argue, but he cut her off.

"You say we should be professional, but you and I both know we’re terrible at that."

Ally scoffed. "Adrian, this isn’t a joke."

"I’m not joking." His voice was firm. "I know my dad doesn’t approve of you. I know Victoria keeps trying to get in the way. I know you think I’d be ‘better off’ without you. But you don’t get to decide that for me."

Ally’s heart hammered in her chest.

"What do you want me to do, Adrian?" Her voice was quiet, almost tired.

Adrian’s eyes softened. "I want you to stop pretending like you don’t care."

She swallowed hard.

Adrian reached for her hand, his touch warm and steady. "Look at me, Ally."

For the first time in days, she did.

And Adrian knew right then—she cared.

She always had.

Ally’s chest felt tight. Looking at Adrian always did something to her—something she didn’t want to admit.

"I do care," she whispered. "But caring isn't enough."

Adrian’s grip on her hand tightened slightly. "It is enough. It always has been."

Ally shook her head. "Your father doesn’t think so. Victoria won’t stop. And I—" She swallowed. "I don’t want to be the reason you fight with your family."

Adrian let out a breath, his thumb brushing lightly over her skin. "You’re not the reason, Ally. My father has always controlled my life, and I’m done letting him. And Victoria—" His voice hardened. "She’ll never be a problem again."

Ally frowned. "What do you mean?"

Adrian leaned back against the seat, sighing. "I confronted my father today."

Ally’s eyes widened. "What?"

"I told him I wasn’t going to let him dictate who I care about. Who I choose to be with." He glanced at her. "And I told him I choose you."

Ally’s breath hitched.

"But—"

"No buts, Ally." Adrian’s voice was firm but gentle. "You’ve spent your whole life putting others before yourself. Your siblings, your patients, even me. When are you going to let someone fight for you?"

Ally’s throat tightened.

She had never had someone fight for her before.

Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I know you don’t believe in love. I know you think this won’t work. But I’ll wait, Ally."

Ally stared at him, her heart hammering.

"I’ll wait until you realize you don’t have to do everything alone."

She opened her mouth to say something—anything—but the words wouldn’t come.

Adrian gave her hand a final squeeze before letting go.

"Let’s go home, Ally."

And for once, Ally let someone take care of her.