91
Nicholas’s POV
Seeing the concern on his face made me more determined to recover. In that moment, I realized how important my health was for him and how much love he had for me. Hazel watched us with a warm smile, as if sensing the peace that was beginning to return.
Gratitude filled my heart, and I was determined to follow the doctor’s advice for the well–being of Charlie and Hazel. This small moment brought new hope amid the tension we had experienced.
Seeing Charlie so worried warmed my heart. But behind all of this, I knew the real issues weren’t resolved. Hazel was still hiding something, and I had to find out what she had really told Charlie.
However, for now, I needed to focus on my health and make sure I could stay by Charlie’s side.
The anxiety lingered in my mind, but I tried to push it away for the time being. Remembering how important my role was for Charlie and Hazel, I was determined to follow all the doctor’s advice. That way, I could provide the support they needed and tackle the issues that arose when the time came.
The VIP room was completely silent, except for the sound of Charlie’s calm breathing as he slept in the small bed next to Hazel. I lay in the main bed with an IV attached to my arm, trying to regulate my breath while staring at the white ceiling of the room.
Meanwhile, Hazel sat on the sofa with her arms folded across her chest, staring out the window with a vacant expression, as if her mind was flying somewhere far away.
This tranquility reminded me of how fragile our situation was. Even though Charlie seemed peaceful, I could feel the weight on Hazel’s shoulders. Sometimes, in moments of silence like this, I longed to speak openly with her, to understand what was truly bothering her.
I tried to focus on my breathing, letting the calmness of the room seep into me. This moment, though peaceful, brought a mix of hope and worry that intertwined.
“Hazel, you should rest too,” I said, breaking the silence. My voice sounded weak, but I forced myself to speak. You’ve been here all day, and Charlie will need his mom fresh tomorrow.”
Hazel merely glanced at me briefly, her gaze sharp as usual.
“I don’t need you to worry about me, Nicholas,” she replied tersely, then turned back to look out the window.
Seeing her firm demeanor, I knew she was trying to hide her anxieties. However, I couldn’t help but feel concerned. Hazel had always been there for me, and now it was my turn to show that I cared for her too.
Silence enveloped the room again, and I hoped she would accept my offer to rest. Even though I still felt weak, being there for her was important.
I took a deep breath, feeling it was pointless to argue with her now. Hazel was always stubborn; that was nothing new to me. But seeing her like this, sitting with tense shoulders and tired eyes, I couldn’t ignore the strange feeling that arose in my heart.
Beneath all our conflicts and arguments, there was still a caring side to Hazel–though she hid it very well. Empathy and love began to fill the space between us, albeit tinged with tension. I desperately wanted to help her feel better, but I knew she had to be willing to open up.
At this moment, the only thing I could do was pray that she would find the strength to rest and take care of
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herself. Our presence here, even in difficult circumstances, was an opportunity to support each other.
I gazed at Charlie’s sleeping face in his small bed. His soft air lay tousled on the pillow, and his face looked peaceful. Seeing him like this always reminded me of how precious he was, and how much I wanted to protect him from all the bad things in the world.
But at the same time, my thoughts drifted to Sabrina.
The image of her face, her bright smile, and the memories we shared flooded my mind. There was a touching sense of longing, but also guilt. How could I take care of Curlie and Hazel while there was a part of my life outside that felt unfinished?
In the silence of this room, I tried to balance those feelings, Charlie was everything to me now, and I was determined to give him my best. However, the shadows of the past continued to haunt me, reminding me of the decisions I would have to make in the future.
Sabrina…
The image of her frail body on the hospital bed haunted my thoughts. I knew she was still in the ICU, still unconscious after the last round of chemotherapy. My heart felt heavy every time I thought of her.
I wanted to be there, by her side, holding her hand like I always did when she felt scared or tired. But now, lying here, powerless.
A wave of despair washed over me. I felt trapped between my responsibilities to Charlie and my desire to support Sabrina. On one hand, I had to be a strong father, while on the other, I also wanted to be a friend and supporter for Sabrina. How could I change this situation for the better for both of them?
In the cold silence of this night, I tried to find a way to stay strong. Every breath I took was a reminder that I still had a chance to fight, both for Charlie and for Sabrina. And even though separated by distance and circumstance, love and hope could still connect us.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Hazel’s voice broke my thoughts. I turned to find her looking at me with raised eyebrows.
I shook my head slightly. “No, I was just thinking… about everything.”
Silence enveloped us for a moment, and I felt the tension between us. This moment felt heavy, as if every unspoken word hung in the air. In my mind, all the worries and hopes swirled around, creating a mix of emotions that was hard to explain.
Hazel looked tired, but there was determination in her eyes. I knew that behind her firm demeanor, there was the same anxiety I felt. We were both trapped in a complicated situation, and even though we didn’t always agree, we still had the same goal: to protect Charlie and give him the best.
