Derek's POV.
The weight of Elena's direct question hung heavily in the air, and I found myself at a loss for words. I hadn't anticipated her piercing insight, and her intuition had cut through the facade I had tried to maintain.
My gaze dropped to the floor, my silence speaking volumes of the inner turmoil I grappled with. I couldn't deny the truth behind her question. I knew she held feelings for him, but I was equally determined to exact retribution for the pain he had caused her. The conflicting emotions tugged at my conscience.
Then, an unexpected touch brought me back from the depths of my contemplation. Elena's soft fingers encircled my injured hand, and she began applying ointment to the wound. Her focus remained fixed on my hand, and it seemed as if she had momentarily forgotten to blink. I couldn't help but wonder at her silent determination.
