Chapter 51

Olivia POV

I woke up the next morning feeling more exhausted than when I’d gone to bed. My dreams had been a chaotic mix of hospital corridors, Alexander’s hands, and my father’s pale face against white sheets. Not exactly restful.

The hospital looked different in daylight, less ominous, more institutional.

I found Mom exactly where I’d left her, dozing uncomfortably in a chair pulled close to Dad’s bed. She was startled awake when I touched her shoulder.

“Olivia,” she blinked, disoriented. “What time is it?”

“Almost nine. How is he?”

We both looked at Dad, who slept peacefully, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The machines around him beeped quietly, monitoring his vital signs.

“Stable,” Mom whispered. “The nurse said he’s doing well. Better than expected.”

I squeezed her shoulder. “You should go home and get some real sleep. I’ll stay with him.”

“I’m fine,” she insisted, but the dark circles under her eyes