a P

ar room. His recovery was astonishing. Za

m. I sent Zane to the visitor's lounge to

e hard plastic bench in the hallway

y. A sharp, cramping pain started in my stomach, and

ng machine, but the world tilted. A wave of b

efore I could fall. He gently pushed me back onto the bench,

t I didn't feel offend

w minutes and returned

getable porridge, a box of sliced fruit, and

t was a

omach churning with anxiety

e, scooped up a spoonful

ng hot. There were other people i

s impassive, but his eyes held

is intense gaze, I reluctantly opened my m

tomach, chasing away some of t

do it myself," I mumbled, burying my face in th

me the entire time, makin

eyes. He saw the food in my hands, then

meal from the bag and handed it

oment before taking it

ital hallway, eating in silence. It was stran

riend, Dr. Lucas... his fees must be astronomical. Did you pay him? I'

e's a friend. It was

of kindness was harder to

it? I can transfer you the money

ingers were warm against my skin. "It's just

me, and I pulled my hand back as if I

of money. My pride and independence

's room opened. A nurse smiled

sharp. He smiled at me, then his gaze moved to Aiden

ervously, "this is

with challenge, he said, "Boy, if you're my granddaughter's mate, then you