Chapter 119

THE REUNION 

Bianca's POV

The soft hum of a machine accompanied the warmth of sunlight that streamed through the thin hospital curtains, pooling on the bed, warming my face and forcing me awake. The hospital room smelled faintly of antiseptic, but the warmth of strong arms around my waist made it feel less lonely. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the heater and the steady rhythm of someone breathing beside me.

Blinking against the light, I turned my head slowly, my heart softening at the sight of Charles sleeping next to me, his face mere inches from mine. 

In sleep, he looked so peaceful. His features, usually sharp with worry and determination, were relaxed while he was asleep. His furrowed brow relaxed, the usual tension in his jaw gone as it was no longer clenched as it usually was, and the faint lines on his forehead had smoothed out. 

It was as though the weight of the world on his shoulders had finall