Avery's heart raced as her eyes scanned the headlines on her phone. She felt as if the ground had been ripped from beneath her feet. Each article was a sharp reminder of the chaos that had ensued just hours ago—a reflection of the turmoil within her own heart. The world outside her window felt indifferent to the storm brewing inside her. “Serious Condition Suspected!” echoed in her mind like a siren, a cruel reminder of the precarious edge Elliot stood on. Did he really think that dying would free her? Avery clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as anguish washed over her once more. She tossed the phone aside, unable to bear reading more. It felt like a betrayal to even know that he was fighting for his life after everything that had happened. Yet, there was an undeniable part of her that cared deeply—a part that had been buried under layers of despair and conflict. She wanted to scream, to shake him awake from whatever madness had gripped him. The events of last night haunted her still. The sight of Elliot pressing the dagger to his chest, the blood pooling on the sheets, the frantic rush to save him—it all replayed vividly in her mind. She had acted out of desperation, the culmination of frustration, grief, and a sense of helplessness that had become unbearable. Now, as guilt settled heavily upon her shoulders, she felt like she was drowning, lost in a sea of regret. Just then, the door creaked open, and the nanny peeked in, her face a mixture of concern and sympathy. “Miss Tate, is there anything I can do for you? You didn’t touch your breakfast.” Avery forced a smile, though it felt foreign on her lips. “I’m not hungry.” The nanny nodded, hesitating for a moment before stepping fully into the room. “You really should eat something. It’s important for your recovery.” “Recovery?” Avery echoed, her voice tinged with bitterness. Her leg throbbed, a dull reminder of the injury she had sustained the night before, but it was overshadowed by the emotional turmoil within her. “What about Elliot? What if he… What if he doesn’t make it?” The nanny’s expression softened. “The doctors are doing everything they can. He’s a strong man, Miss Tate. He has a lot to live for.” Avery looked away, unable to meet the woman’s gaze. She felt a wave of anger at the thought. He had put himself in this position! Why should she care? But deep down, she knew it wasn’t that simple. The connection they shared—complicated as it may be—was not something that could be easily severed. “Do you know what happened after he was taken away?” Avery asked, desperation creeping into her voice. “I’m afraid I don’t have any details. The hospital is keeping information under wraps due to the media frenzy,” the nanny replied gently. “But you need to take care of yourself first.” With a resigned sigh, Avery nodded. “I’ll try.” The words felt empty. She wanted to care for herself, but her heart remained tethered to Elliot’s fate. The thought of him lying in a hospital bed, possibly alone and frightened, gnawed at her insides. As the nanny left, Avery picked up her phone once more, her resolve hardening. She couldn’t just sit and wait for news. If there was any way to find out what was happening with Elliot, she needed to pursue it. She quickly dialed the hospital number, her fingers trembling as she anticipated the automated voice on the other end. “Hello, you’ve reached Sterling General Hospital. How may I assist you?” “Um, yes, I’m looking for information on Elliot Foster. I need to know if he’s okay,” she said, her voice steady despite the panic rising within. “Please hold while I transfer you to the appropriate department,” the voice replied, and Avery was left in a swirling abyss of uncertainty. As she waited, her mind wandered. The memories of good times with Elliot—his laughter, the warmth of his embrace, the way he had looked at her when he first woke up from his coma—complicated her feelings further. He was not the cold businessman the world saw; he was a man battling his demons and struggling against the weight of the past. “Avery?” A voice broke her reverie, pulling her back to the present. “Yes?” she responded, her heart leaping at the sound. “This is Dr. Chen. I’m the lead physician on Elliot’s case. I understand you’re concerned about him,” the doctor said, his tone professional yet warm. “Is he… is he okay?” Avery held her breath, waiting for the answer that could shatter her world. “He’s stable for now, but he is in critical condition following the events last night,” Dr. Chen explained. “We’ve managed to stop the bleeding, and he’s currently undergoing tests. I cannot give you a definitive answer about his prognosis at this time.” Avery felt the weight of the world crash down on her shoulders. “Can I see him?” she pleaded, desperation lacing her words. “I’m afraid visitors are restricted for the moment. We’ll let you know when you can enter,” Dr. Chen replied. “Please, just tell him I’m here. Tell him I care,” Avery urged, her voice cracking. “I will pass along your message,” Dr. Chen promised before ending the call. Avery hung up, feeling a mix of relief and fear. He was alive, but for how long? Would he understand the gravity of his actions when he woke up? Would he remember her, or would he spiral back into the darkness? She had to know. With renewed determination, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, the pain in her leg sharp and biting. She pushed through it, refusing to let it hold her back. She dressed quickly, ignoring the bloodstains on her clothes, and made her way to the hospital. The drive felt endless, each red light a cruel reminder of the time slipping away. She could barely focus on the road, her mind racing with thoughts of Elliot. What if he woke up and thought she had abandoned him? What if he needed her, and she wasn’t there? When she finally arrived at Sterling General Hospital, the fluorescent lights hurt her eyes as she stumbled through the entrance. She was met with a flurry of activity in the waiting area—doctors in scrubs rushing past, nurses attending to patients, and family members anxiously waiting for news. “Excuse me!” Avery called out to a nurse. “Where is Elliot Foster? I need to see him!” The nurse looked at her with a mixture of sympathy and professionalism. “I’m sorry, but I can’t disclose that information. Are you family?” “I’m his wife!” Avery insisted, the words tumbling out before she could stop herself. They felt like a lifeline, a claim to a bond that had been tested but was still very much alive. The nurse hesitated before nodding. “Alright, please follow me. I’ll take you to the waiting room for family members.” Avery’s heart raced as she followed the nurse down the sterile corridors, her mind racing with the possibilities of what she might find. Would Elliot be awake? Would he remember her? Would he be angry? Finally, they reached a waiting room filled with anxious faces. “You can wait here. I’ll check on his status,” the nurse said before slipping away. Avery sank into a chair, her hands trembling as she waited. Time crawled as she watched the clock tick away—each second felt like an eternity. She replayed their last moments together over and over, the pain of their confrontation slicing through her thoughts. After what felt like hours, the nurse returned, her expression serious. “He’s stable, but he’s still unconscious. The doctors are monitoring him closely. You can go in for a brief visit, but please be mindful of his condition.” Avery nodded, barely able to process the nurse’s words. She stood as the nurse led her to Elliot’s room, her heart pounding in her chest. The door swung open, and she stepped inside, the sterile smell of antiseptic invading her senses. Elliot lay in the hospital bed, an array of wires and tubes connected to him. His face was pale, and the sight of him so vulnerable made her heart ache. He looked almost peaceful, as if he were merely sleeping, but the machines beeping around him reminded her of the fragility of life. “Elliot,” she whispered, her voice trembling. She stepped closer, taking in the rise and fall of his chest. “It’s me. I’m here.” His eyes remained closed, and she felt a wave of despair wash over her. “You need to wake up. I can’t lose you like this. Please…” A tear slipped down her cheek as she brushed her fingers against his hand, feeling the warmth of his skin. “I’m so sorry for everything. I never wanted it to come to this. I don’t know what to do without you. Please, just wake up.” As she spoke, she felt a flicker of hope rising within her. The bond they shared was stronger than anything—stronger than anger, pain, and despair. She wouldn’t give up on him. Not now, not ever. With renewed determination, Avery resolved to fight for their future, to remind Elliot of the love they once had, to show him that even in the darkest moments, there was a glimmer of light waiting to break through. She would be there for him, no matter the cost. As she sat by his side, a sense of calm washed over her, and she vowed to be his anchor, the steady hand guiding him back to the surface.