Chapter 20%
P
Gabriella’s POV
The hospital room was silent except for the steady beeping of the heart monitor. I stared at Zander as he lay on the bed, looking too limp and lifeless.
The doctor had finished the surgery and said he was stable, but I wasn’t convinced.
It had been three days. Three long, torturous days of waiting. I barely slept, and I was always jumping at every small movement, hoping that he was waking up now.
“Gabe.“@
My head snapped up so fast that my neck hurt. My heart nearly stopped at that familiar voice.
I turned to look at Zander, still in shock. His eyes were barely open, but they were filled with warmth and relief. Maybe relief that he was alive.
“You look like shit,” he teased weakly with a weak smirk on his lips.
I released a laugh, but it sounded more like I was crying. “Whose fault is that?” I shot back, wiping at my eyes.}
He sighed heavily with a soft expression. “Sorry to worry you.“}
I squeezed his hand, shaking my head. “Just focus on getting better, idiot.”
For a moment, there was only silence between us. His thumb brushed my fingers lightly, and I felt his gaze on me. I knew what he wanted to ask, and I knew what he was waiting for me to acknowledge.
His confession before he passed out.
But I couldn’t acknowledge it. Not yet.”
I saw the flicker of hurt in his eyes when I looked away, but I didn’t explain.}
I needed to settle my engagement first. I needed to clear the mess of my life before I even thought about leading him on. But I couldn’t tell him that. Not yet.”
Instead, I forced a smile and squeezed his hand one last time before standing. “I should let the doctor know you’re awake.”}
Zander didn’t stop me. He didn’t say anything at all. I stepped out of the hospital room with my heart bleeding.
For the next week, I barely left his side. I took care of him, made sure he ate, and nagged him when he tried to push himself too hard.
I only left the hospital when the nurses forced me to go home and change. But even then, I always came back quickly.
Zander never brought up his confession again, but there was something different in his eyes. I wasn’t sure, and I prayed within me that I hadn’t ruined what was between us.
The day he was discharged, I drove him home myself. He protested bitterly, told me that he wasn’t an invalid and that I should stop babying him.
I reminded him that it was the same thing I had said right before I almost got shot, and he clamped his mouth shut with a scoff. When I finally helped him inside his apartment and made sure he had everything he needed, I paused at the door.“]
“Get some rest,” I said softly.”
Zander watched me carefully, then he nodded. “You too, Gabe.“}
I gave him a small smile before leaving. I drove straight home.
I was just stepping inside when my father stood up from his chair. “Gabe, so good to see you. How’s Zander doing“}
I exhaled sharply. “I’m calling off the engagement.”
Elisa, who had been pouring tea, froze. My father frowned.}
“Gabriella,” he said firmly, “at least meet the man first.”
“No.” My voice was firm, like his. “I’ve made up my mind.“}
“You don’t even know who he is,” Elise argued. “Just meet him once. That’s all we aşk.”
“I don’t need to know him,” I shot back. “I’m not marrying a stranger.“}
My father sighed, rubbing his temples. “You’re being stubborn.“}
“I’m protecting myself.“}
There was a long silence. Then finally, Elisa held my hand gently. “Just one meeting. Please. If you still want to call it off after that, we won’t force you.”
I stared at her, then at my father, who was watching me closely.
I wanted to refuse again. To walk away and end this ridiculous arrangement now. But something in their expressions made me pause. One meeting. Just one, and then I could walk away.
“Fine,” I muttered. “I’ll meet him tomorrow.”
They looked relieved, but there was an unreadable expression on their faces.§
I ignored it. Whoever it was, it wasn’t going to change anything.”
