Chapter 49. I Love You Anyway

Ryder’s POV

What was I expecting to see when I opened the door?

Maybe nothing. Yeah, probably nothing because my head was just blank and all.

I just knew I had to see her.One more time I don’t know, hear her voice? Even if it was just the memory of it in my own head. Just to make sure she was still breathing, still here with me. Still Lila.

But then the door swung open, and I saw her, and—God. It just... it knocked the wind right out of me.

Nothing at

all could’ve gotten me ready for that, for what I saw.

She was so still, like she’s never going to wake up or something, the kind that

makes your knees feel like they’re about to give out.

I was hoping that she would be sitting on the bed and staring at me, the anger in her eyes and then I would have the opportunity to apologize and then explain but there was nothing.

No smart-ass comment waiting on her lips, no little huff of air or that half-smile she does, just... tu