The morning sun was bright, casting long streaks of gold across the city streets as Ryan's sleek black car pulled up to the hospital. Inside, Mia sat nervously, her hands folded in her lap. She had tried to insist she was fine, but Ryan wasn't having it.
"You hit your head, Mia," he said firmly, his hand tightening on the wheel. "We're not taking chances."
"I told you I feel better," Mia muttered, her lips pouting slightly.
Ryan turned his head, his golden eyes softening. "And I told you—I'm not risking anything when it comes to you."
Her heart skipped at his words, and she looked away, unable to hide the small smile that tugged at her lips.
When they pulled up to the hospital entrance, Ryan immediately stepped out, moving to Mia's side of the car. He opened the door and offered his hand. She hesitated, embarrassed by the attention, but he gave her a look that left no room for argument. Reluctantly, she placed her hand in his, and he helped her out gently as though she were fragile porcelain.
"Ryan, I can walk on my own," Mia whispered, her cheeks warm.
"I know," he replied, keeping a steady arm around her waist. "But let me do this."
They walked toward the hospital doors together—Ryan tall and commanding in his dark jacket, Mia beside him in a soft pastel dress that made her look delicate yet graceful.
That was when the cameras flashed.
Reporters, who had apparently been tipped off, swarmed near the entrance. Microphones were thrust forward, questions flying from every direction.
"Mr. Ryan, is this your girlfriend?"
"Who is she?"
"Why are you bringing her to the hospital?"
"Is the company's CEO in a secret relationship?"
Mia froze, her eyes wide, startled by the sudden commotion. But Ryan didn't even flinch. His arm tightened around her waist, shielding her from the press as he used his other hand to block the cameras.
"Back off," he growled, his voice low and commanding. "She doesn't owe you anything."
But the reporters kept pressing, their cameras clicking furiously. Some even leaned closer, trying to get a better shot of Mia's face.
"Ryan…" Mia whispered nervously, tugging lightly at his sleeve.
He looked down at her, his expression instantly softening. "Don't worry. I've got you."
With that, he guided her firmly through the crowd, his presence so powerful that people instinctively moved aside. Even in the chaos, he kept her close, his body shielding hers from every angle until they were safely inside the hospital.
Once the doors closed behind them, Mia exhaled shakily. "That was… overwhelming."
Ryan tilted her chin gently so she would meet his gaze. "Ignore them. All that matters is you. I'll deal with the media later."
Her heart fluttered at the protectiveness in his voice. For the first time, Mia realized just how much he meant it when he said he would never let anyone hurt her.
As the nurse approached to lead them to the doctor's office, Mia slipped her hand into Ryan's. This time, she didn't pull away.
And outside, the reporters had already started typing headlines, their cameras flashing with the story of the mysterious young woman who had captured the CEO's heart.