Chapter 246
Audrey’s POV
Ethan shook his head. ‘Don’t mention it.”
His gaze drifted to Rachel, curiosity in his eyes. I didn’t know vegetative patients could keep their eyes open like this. I always figured they just laid in bed with their eyes closed.”
I shifted my weight. “It’s not like that. Think of her as a complete person trapped in a shell. She can see everything, hear everything, but can’t control her body or speak.”
Rachel’s eyes stayed fixed on me. There was something in her gaze I couldn’t quite read – a mixture of guilt and tenderness that made my chest tighten.
“So they’re basically prisoners in their own bodies,‘ Ethan said. “That’s rough.”
“Yeah, I reached out and gently stroked Rachel’s hair. “My friend here never had it easy. Even before becoming like this, she was unhappy. And afterward, she’s been kept hidden away by people who don’t even like her.”
I swallowed hard. “That’s why I want to take her away while I’m still alive. Give her freedom.”
Rachel struggled to lift her head at my words. Her eyes filled with tears that spilled silently down her cheeks.
The elevator pinged as we reached the parking garage. Ethan crouched down in front of me.
“Hop on. I’ll carry you.”
I hesitated before wrapping my arms around his neck. He lifted me effortlessly while grabbing the handles of Rachel’s wheelchair.
As he carried me through the garage, I couldn’t help noticing the contrast between us. The energy radiating from his strong movements made my weakness all the more apparent. I was only a few years older than him, but while he moved with the vitality of youth, I was already fading
away.
“Is that the car?” Ethan nodded toward a sleek vehicle near the exit.
I spotted the familiar figure leaning against it. “Yeah, that’s it.”
Felix hurried over as soon as he saw us, opening the passenger door. His eyes widened at the sight of Ethan carrying me.
“What happened?” he asked, concern in his voice.
“Long story,” Ethan said. “They need to get moving. You can talk on the way.”
He pushed Rachel’s wheelchair toward Felix. “Take her. I’ve got Audrey.”
Felix took the wheelchair and headed to the car. When Ethan set me down on the backseat, I realized Felix had modified the car for our escape. He’d removed the rear seats, creating space for Rachel’s wheelchair.
I settled in the spacious rear compartment, holding onto Rachel’s wheelchair for stability. Through the open door, I looked at there, his face solemn in the dim light.
“Goodbye,” I said, raising my free hand.
“Audrey,‘ Ethan called, his voice suddenly rough.
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Chapter 246
He opened his mouth but seemed to struggle with what to say. Finally, he managed a smile. “Take care of yourself. Be happy wherever you end up.”
I felt my expression soften. I understood what he meant this was truly goodbye. I will, I promised. “You take care too.”
He nodded and gently closed the car door.
“What’s with all the drama?” Felix asked as he slid behind the wheel. “You’re just smuggling a vegetative patient out of the country, not saying goodbye forever.”
He caught my eye in the rearview mirror. “You’re not planning to come back, are you?
“No,” I said quietly.
Felix shrugged and started the engine. “That’s fine. Astrid and I can always visit you abroad.”
I smiled faintly but stayed quiet. There was no point explaining that by the time they arranged such a visit, I’d likely be gone.
The car pulled out of the parking garage and into the night.
Blake’s POV
My hand throbbed beneath the bandage as I waited backstage. The engagement ceremony was proceeding despite the earlier chaos. I scanned the crowd, spotting my grandfather sitting calmly in the front row.
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