Chapter 50
Audrey’s POV
The first thing I noticed was the steady beeping of hospital monitors, followed by the antiseptic smell that seemed embedded in Mayo Clinies walls. My eyes felt heavy as I tried to open them, and that’s when I became aware of the warmth around my hand.
James Collins sat beside my bed, his usually impeccable appearance showing clear signs of having spent the night in that uncomfortable hospital chair. His suit jacket was draped over the back, his sleeves rolled up, and his tie loosened a rare sight for someone who maintained soch careful composure.
“Audrey, for god’s sake, you’re finally awake. Relief flooded his voice. How are you feeling?”
I tried to shift position, but even that small movement sent a dull ache through my body. James’s grip on my hand tightened slightly.
“Is your stomach still hurting? Any other discomfort? His brown eyes were intense with concern. “Do you have any idea how worried I was last night? The doctor said if I hadn’t gotten you here when I did…”
“Then I’m glad you came in time, I managed softly, attempting to withdraw my hand from his grip. But my body felt too weak to manage even that simple movement. “I’m much better now.”
Maybe sensing my movement, James tightened his hold on my hand even more and moved closer to me. The moment I saw this, I subconsciously frowned.
“Audrey.” His voice took on a serious tone I rarely heard from him. “You know, while waiting during your emergency treatment last night, I made a decision.”
“James, please…” I could see where this was going, and a different kind of pain bloomed in my chest.
“Let me finish.” He took a deep breath. “I want to be more than just friends, Audrey. I want to be with you.”
My body tensed involuntarily at his words, sending fresh waves of discomfort through my stomach. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the ache of having to hurt someone I cared about.
“James, don’t joke about this.” I forced the words out, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ve told you I’m not looking for a relationship.”
“Plus, you know about my condition, I just have…”
“I know!” His voice cracked slightly. “I don’t care how much time you have left. I want to be there for you!”
Using what little strength I had, I finally managed to pull my hand free from his grip. The effort left me breathless, and I had to lean back against the pillows, fighting a wave of dizziness.
James still wanted to reach out and grab my hand, but when he saw the red marks on my hand caused by his tight grip just now, he withdrew his outstretched hand awkwardly.
“I’m sorry.” He ran a hand through his disheveled hair. “I shouldn’t have…”
“It’s fine, I cut him off, my voice soft but firm. “Let’s pretend this never happened.”
The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken words. The steady beeping of the heart monitor seemed unnaturally loud in the quiet room.
He clenched his fists, staring at me. “But Audrey, I…
“James,” I immediately cut him off, choosing my words carefully. “Among my friends, you’re the only one who knows about my condition. That’s why I called you last night.
I met his gaze directly. “Please don’t make me regret that trust. Don’t make me lose the one person I can turn to in emergencies.”
I guessed that he had grasped the underlying meaning in my words – if he persisted in wanting to be with me, there was a high chance that we couldn’t even stay friends. That was why he fell silent and gradually lowered his head.
Moments later, he raised his head, understanding dawned in his eyes, followed by resignation. “Alright,” he said. “But next time something happens, call me
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Chapter 50
directly.
Don’t try Blake first.”
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