Chapter 9

Lauren's POV

“How did you get here?” Tessa asked, her voice sharp with concern as her eyes darted across my body, scanning me from head to toe like she was afraid I’d vanish if she blinked.

I shifted slightly on the hospital bed, trying to sit up despite the dull ache that pulsed behind my eyes. The IV line tugged gently at my arm, reminding me I wasn’t going anywhere soon. “I… I passed out,” I said softly, the words barely making it past the dryness in my throat. “On the road. It was because of stress.”

“What?!” she gasped, the pitch of her voice rising with alarm. “Lauren, when did this happen?”

“Just… a few moments ago,” I murmured, blinking rapidly as I felt the sting of unshed tears. My throat tightened. I sniffled, trying to hold myself together, trying to sound stronger than I felt.

Tessa’s face paled. “Oh my God,” she whispered. She leaned in immediately, her fingers moving over my arms, checking for bruises or signs of injury.