Fiona POV
Dinner was already ongoing when I came downstairs. Nathan looked up the moment he saw me. His gaze lingered, like he was checking if I was okay. I gave him a small nod and took my seat. I waited until plates were halfway cleared before speaking.
"I'll need to head out after dinner," I said. "My friend Ella is in the hospital. I want to visit her."
Anne's face softened immediately. "Oh no. Is she alright?"
"Yes," I said quickly. "It's nothing serious."
"I hope she feels better soon," Anne said. "You're sweet to go."
Caleb leaned forward. "Which hospital?"
I hesitated for half a second too long.
"I can drop you," he added. "It's late."
Before I could answer, Nathan spoke.
"I'll go with her."
Caleb frowned. "You don't trust me to make sure she gets there safely?"
"That's not what I said."
"That's exactly what you're implying," Caleb shot back. "You need to relax, Nathan. You can't keep hovering over her like she's fragile. She's not your property."
