Chapter 140
RAINA
Falling for Alex again was terrifying. I didn’t want to admit it, not even to myself. He hadn’t said anything about us–no promises, nn confessions—but his actions were speaking loud and clear. Every protective gesture, every thoughtful moment, it all chipped away at the walls I’d built around my heart.
Since Nathan’s confrontation in the parking lot a few days ago, Alex had taken it upon himself to look out for me. He picked me up after work and dropped me off at home, no matter how late. During lunch breaks, he would either show up with food or take me somewhere to eat. And every evening, without fall, he ensured I had as much time as possible to speak with Elan and Ava.
I couldn’t ignore how much I appreciated his efforts. But despite everything he did to make me feel safe, there was something gnawing at me, something I couldn’t shake.
My body didn’t feel right
It wasn’t just the exhaustion that was to be expected given everything going on. It was deeper, a nagging sensation that something was wrong. I kept telling myself it was just my mind playing tricks on me, that the stress of the poisoning and my grandfather’s death was catching up.
But the fear wouldn’t leave.
The thought of dying, of leaving Liam and Ava behind, clawed at me in the quiet moments. I tried to push it away, but it lingered, heavy and unrelenting
I sat in my office one afternoon, staring blankly at my computer screen. Alex was waiting for me outside, as he always did. Just the thought of seeing him made my heart skip a beat.
This wasn’t good
I wasn’t supposed to feel this way about him again. It was too dangerous. Too painful. But every time he walked through that door, every time he smiled at me or said something that reminded me of the man I’d fallen for all those years ago, my resolve crumbled just a little more.
I was wrapping up a meeting when Alex arrived, right on time as usual. Just seeing him walk through the office door made me feel a sense of relief 1
wasn’t ready to admit
“Give me a moment,” I said, catching his eye and smiling. “I just need to finish this up.
He nodded, leaning casually against the wall, his presence a steadying force as I turned back to the table. But even as I tried to focus on the discussion, something telt off.
A wave of dizziness swept over me, sudden and disorienting. My vision blurred, and I gripped the edge of the table, trying to steady myself.
“Raina? Are you okay?” one of my colleagues asked, their voice sounding distant, muffled.
I opened my mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. The room tiled violently, and the last thing I saw was Alex’s concerned face rushing toward me.
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the faint scent of antiseptic. The fluorescent lights above me were harsh, making me squint.
“Raind”
The trembling voice was my grandmother’s. She sat on one side of the hospital bed, clutching my hand tightly, her eyes red and swollen. On the other side was Alex, his hand wrapped around mine, his expression a mix of worry and exhaustion.
My chest tightened at the sight of them.
“Grandma,” I whispered, my voice hourse.
“Oh, thank God!” she cried, tears spilling down her cheeks. She leanest closer, smoothing my hair like she used to when
ed to when I was a c
child.
I tried to sit up, but Alex pressed a firm hand on my shoulder. “Easy,” he said, his voice low and soothing
Dominic entered the room moments later, his phone in hand. His usually composed face was tight with worry.
“Why is everyone so upset?” I asked, thoughs falready had an inking-
“Doctor’s on his
his way.”
* be announced.
Dominic glanced at Alex, who gave him a slight nod before stepping back to give the doctor room as he entered.
The doctor’s serious expression made my stomach churn. How are you feeling, Mrs. Graham?” he asked.
*I’m fine,” I said quickly, though the way Alex and Dominic exchanged looks told me no one believed me. “Am L. am I dying?”
The room fell deathly silent. My grandmother’s grip on my hand tightened, her breath hitching
“No,” the doctor said finally, though his tone wasn’t entirely reassuring. “But we did find traces of the poison in your system.”
1/2
I felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. “Polson? How much?”
“All of you have it, but your levels are significantly higher than your grandfather’s.”
“What?” Dominic snapped, his fists clenching. “How is that possible?
H
“That’s what we’re trying to determine,” the doctor said calmly. “But considering the timeline and dosage, your immunity likely played a role in keeping you alive. You’re younger and healthier than your grandfather was,”
D
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