Chapter 29

She woke up an hour later, her breath quick and her forehead damp with sweat. She sat up in the chair, her hands trembling as she wiped tears from her eyes. The reality of the situation was like a heavy weight on her chest, and she felt suffocated by her own remorse.

Getting up from the chair, Liya walked around the hospital room, her steps echoing in the silence. She looked out of the window, her eyes distant and troubled.

She returned to Samuel’s bedside, her fingers lightly brushing against his hand, willing him to wake up and assure her that he was alright.

Time seemed to stretch on, and Liya couldn’t shake off her worry. She paced back and forth, her mind a whirlwind of anxious thoughts. She looked at the untouched tray of food on the side table, a stark reminder of her inability to eat or drink.

A nurse entered the room, her expression gentle. “Miss, you should take care of yourself too. You can’t help him if you’re not well.”

Liya shook her head,