"Rose! What are you doing here? What happened—are you alright?"
Rose smiled faintly, tears glimmering in her eyes. Kevin stepped closer, concern softening his face. He carried her gently toward the hot tub, murmuring, "You need a bath to relax."
But she held his hand tightly. "Don't go. Stay… give me the bath yourself."
He hesitated, silent for a long moment. Then, quietly, "What about Sam?"
"I'm through with him," Rose whispered. Her voice trembled, but her eyes didn't. "I remember everything now. When I was in a coma, you were there. You treated me like your wife. We even got married… after that, I don't know what happened. But I know one thing—I want you with me. Forever."
Kevin's eyes filled. He pulled her into his arms. "Promise me you'll never drift away again."
"I promise," she breathed. "I'll be yours, only yours."
He brushed her damp hair from her face and kissed her forehead. She blushed deeply, her cheeks warming like rose petals. He bathed her gently, drying her afterward and helping her into a soft dress.
"I'll get you something to eat," he said quietly. "Chocolate okay?"
"Mmm," she smiled. "Perfect."
When Kevin left the room, Rose sat in silence. Something inside her stirred—restlessness, tenderness, confusion. She slipped beneath the blanket, waiting for him to return.
---
Elsewhere, Leah was savoring a bite of chocolate cake while Sarah chattered beside her.
"Guess what?" Leah gasped as her phone rang. "Sarah! You've been selected for the company in Los Angeles! You actually won the contest!"
Sarah laughed, barely believing it. "I did? Oh my God—I did!"
"You rock, girl!" Leah grinned.
At another corner of the city, John sat in a café, lost in thought. "Why would Rose stop by a coffee shop?" he muttered. "She always preferred tea…" His heart sank. "No… she went to Kevin's. But why?"
---
Later that evening, Leah leaned back, sighing. "Looks like someone's leaving soon," she teased, nudging Sarah.
"Come with me?" Sarah asked hopefully.
Leah smiled faintly. "I can't. Dad's training me to handle the company deals. Says I need to toughen up and learn not to get fooled by people. But you—follow your dream, Sarah. You've fought too hard for this."
Sarah smiled back, though her mind wandered elsewhere.
"See you soon," Leah said. "And hey—let's throw a farewell party!"
"Sure," Sarah replied softly. "It's your idea anyway."
---
"Congratulations, honey!" Sarah's mother hugged her tightly. Her father beamed. "Of course she won—she's my daughter."
But Sarah barely smiled. "I'm just going to rest," she murmured and slipped into her room.
Lying on the bed, her thoughts tangled. Should I call John? she wondered. No… not now. Sleep came fast, and with it—
---
A Dreamland.
"John, I love you."
"What?"
"I said, I'm in love with you."
He stared, shocked. "Really? Because I've loved you too—ever since I met you at that shop. I thought I was in love with Rose, but I was wrong. It's you, Sarah. Always has been."
"John Samuels…" she whispered, eyes wide.
"Will you love me and marry me for life?"
She gasped. And then—
Her eyes flew open. "Just a dream," she sighed, sitting up. "What's wrong with me?"
She shook off the thought, got dressed, and went downstairs.
---
"Hey Sarah," John greeted softly, holding a small gift. "For your win."
"Thanks." She smiled faintly, not meeting his eyes.
He left quietly—but moments later, she saw him outside beside a new car wrapped in a satin ribbon.
"Surprise," he said with a grin she hadn't seen in a long time—the same look he once had for Rose.
Sarah's heart twisted.
"Why the silence?" John asked gently.
"Nothing," she lied. "Just… surprised."
"Let's go for a drive?"
"Now?"
"Yeah. Now."
She hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. I need to buy a few things for the party tomorrow anyway."
As they drove, the silence said more than words could.
---
Meanwhile, Leah was arguing with her father. "But Dad, I have to attend Sarah's party!"
"You'll see her in Los Angeles. End of discussion."
Leah sighed, biting her lip. "Fine. I'll pack."
But instead, she grabbed her car keys. "I need to talk to Sarah," she muttered and drove to the mall.
---
When she arrived, she saw a couple standing under a streetlight, kissing. She smiled absently—until she looked closer.
It was Rose. And Kevin.
Her heart shattered silently. She froze where she stood, the world fading around her.
Sarah, spotting her from the upper floor, rushed down. "Leah! What happened?"
Leah's voice trembled. "I… I saw…" Tears spilled before she could finish.
Sarah turned—and saw them too. Rose in Kevin's arms. Kevin lifting her effortlessly, carrying her to the car, vanishing into the night.