Chapter 138

Ashley's POV

I woke up to the soft hum of the hospital machines, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling the air. My body felt heavy like I had been dragged underwater and was only just now surfacing. 

The light filtering through the window was faint, early morning, I guessed. I blinked, trying to make sense of where I was. The hospital? Why was I here?

Shifting slightly, I winced as my head throbbed. The movement must have stirred something nearby because I heard a quiet shuffle. 

Turning my head, I saw Caleb slumped over on the small couch, his broad shoulders hunched as he slept in the most uncomfortable position. 

His hair was tousled, and there were dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t rested properly. 

“Caleb?” I whispered, my voice weak and scratchy.

His eyes shot open instantly, and he was at my side in a flash, his hand gripping mine tightly as though afraid I might disappear if