Chapter 1053



Catherine froze upon hearing those words—her heart skipped a beat.

A blind date?

Memories flooded back of a family gathering not too long ago; Johnson’s mother had suggested the idea then, but Johnson had firmly declined at that time. He had been resolute in his stance.

But now…

Catherine’s eyes flickered.

So Johnson truly meant what he had said before; he really was going to try to meet other women now.

Johnson continued speaking. “I just think you’re right—I’m not getting any younger. I need to settle down now. Just handle the arrangements for me. Let me know once the timing for the date is confirmed.”

Feeling an unexpected pang of disappointment surge within her chest, Catherine pressed her lips together tightly and quietly turned around, intending to take a different route back. She didn’t want to be seen by Johnson.

She wasn’t watching her step, and as she turned, her foot landed right on a tree branch. The branch rolled beneath her weight, throwing her off balance.

She stumbled awkwardly, twisting her ankle in the process.

“Ah!” she gasped.

Hearing the sound, Johnson—still mid-conversation—immediately turned his head, his gaze snapping toward Catherine.

When Johnson spotted Catherine, his pupils contracted slightly.

“That’s it.” He ended the call and strode toward her. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, just twisted my ankle,” Catherine replied.

Johnson’s gaze dropped to her ankle, concern flashing in his dark eyes, but his expression remained composed. “Can you walk?” His voice was steady.

“Yes.” Catherine nodded, taking a few steps to test it and then limping toward the hotel.

But she would still need to walk for at least ten minutes to get to the hotel. Johnson walked over and said calmly, “You need to ice it right away. You won’t make it back like this. If you don’t mind, I’ll carry you.”

Catherine hesitated before meeting his gaze. “Okay. Thanks, Johnson.”

Johnson crouched down, and Catherine climbed onto his back.

It had been so long since he had last carried her. Yet, his back felt the same—strong, steady, and safe.

On the way, Catherine broke the silence. “I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop on your call earlier.”

“I know,” Johnson replied.

Neither of them spoke again.

When they reached Catherine’s room, Johnson asked the hotel staff to bring an ice pack over. Wrapping it in a towel, he handed it to her. “Here. Ice it yourself.”

“Okay,” Catherine replied, accepting it.

Without another word, Johnson turned and left.

Catherine watched him leave, complex emotions flickering in her eyes. She let out a small sigh, pressing the ice pack to her ankle.

The next day.

After breakfast, the group set off for home.

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