Chapter 21

"My debt is paid off? What do you mean? I still have 3 months left."

Damien cleared his throat and took a deep breath like he was about to drop a bombshell.

"I got the hospital bill a few weeks ago. My insurance had it reduced severely and covered most of it. I only ended up paying about $600 out of pocket, and you essentially paid that off in your first month," he explained.

I was stunned. Both from finding out Damien hid this from me and that an insurance company in America actually did what they were supposed to.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked gently. Surprisingly, I didn't feel upset or angry. I actually felt a little proud of myself. He obviously kept this from me for a reason, most likely selfish ones. But from his words, I gathered he wanted to keep me around as long as possible. I placed my finger up to my mouth to hide the smile forming on my lips. Damien rubbed the nape of his neck uncomfortably.

"I just... I didn't want you to leave," he mumbled.

"Why not?" I asked, inch