The scent of antiseptic filled my nose before my eyes even opened. Everything hurt. My head. My chest. Even my memories.
I blinked against the white ceiling above me.
"Ava…"
That voice.
Rylan.
I turned my head slightly and saw him sitting beside me, his fingers gently brushing against my wrist where the IV was taped. His eyes were tired, red-rimmed… but soft. Protective.
"You're awake," he whispered, relief flooding his face.
I opened my mouth, but the words didn't come out. Just a tear slipped down my cheek.
"Don't cry," he said quickly, holding a cup of water to my lips. "You're safe now."
I sat up slowly, clutching the blanket like a shield.
Then I saw Damien. Standing at the far end of the room.
His jaw was clenched, fists tight by his sides, but his eyes—his eyes were shattering.
"I didn't know what else to do," he said. "I thought if I just talked to you, maybe I could fix it."
"You made it worse," Rylan snapped, standing up. "She passed out because of you. You don't get to keep breaking her."
"I never wanted to hurt her!" Damien shouted. "I love her!"
I closed my eyes. That word again.
"You say it like it fixes everything," I said softly.
Damien stepped forward. "Please, Ava. You have to believe me. I didn't believe the rumors anymore. I knew you weren't with Rylan… but I panicked. I thought I lost you."
Rylan stood between us now, tense. "You did."
"Rylan," I said. My voice cracked.
He paused, looked at me, then nodded.
"I'll give you two a moment." He walked out, but not before whispering, "Call me if you need anything. I'll be right outside."
The door closed with a soft click.
Now it was just Damien and me.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I was stupid. I was scared. I messed up."
I turned away, tears falling silently. "You didn't just mess up, Damien. You shattered me. And when I was at my lowest… you weren't there."
"I know," he said, breaking. "I hate myself for it. You don't have to forgive me. But please… just don't shut me out forever."
I couldn't speak. I didn't know what I felt anymore.
All I knew was this ache in my chest.
"Don't make me choose between love and survival," I whispered. "Because right now… surviving without you hurts less than being loved by you."
---
(Outside the Room – Rylan's POV)
I paced the hallway like a caged animal. My hands curled into fists every time I heard their voices.
I knew she still loved him. I knew it in the way she looked at him—even in pain.
But I also knew she was breaking. And someone had to hold her together.
If he couldn't be that person, I would.
No matter what.
---