Chapter 14(Adrian P.O.V)

I stepped into Dr. Stevens’ office, barely breathing.

“The surgery was successful,” he said with a relieved smile. “Nina is fine.”

My chest loosened instantly. “That’s… that’s great news.”

“Can I see her now?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“She’s asleep,” he said, “but yes- you can.”

“Thank you.”

As I turned to leave, he added, “I’m really happy you managed to get the money on time.”

I nodded, my heart squeezing. Tori…

I walked into Nina’s ward. She was sleeping, just as Dr. Stevens said. Her breathing was steady- calm. Her face had regained its color. Relief washed over me.

“She’s okay,” I whispered.

But I couldn’t stay. I needed to thank the one person who made this possible- the one person I couldn’t stop thinking about.

Tori.                              

I took the elevator straight to Room 16. The bodyguards bowed slightly as I passed; I barely acknowledged them. I was already pushing the door open.

Tori lay inside the tube, still and quiet. As always. But something felt wrong the moment I stepped closer.

I touched her cheek.

Ice cold.

My stomach dropped.

The drip bag caught my eye- and my blood turned to stone. The clear fluid had dark streaks twisting through it, something poisonous mixed with the water.

A chill crawled up my spine.

I saw Dr. Kingston and Zayn earlier… did they come here to kill her?

My heart slammed against my ribs as I tore the drip from her hand.

“Tori,” I called, holding her face gently, “Tori, look at me.”

She didn’t move.

“Come on… don’t do this to me,” I whispered, panic rising like fire in my throat.

Is she dead?

My vision blurred instantly, tears burning behind my eyes.

“Please, Tori… open your eyes,” I begged, voice cracking. “Please.”

When she didn’t answer, something inside me shattered.

“No!” I yelled, pulling her into my arms. Her body was limp, cold- too cold.

She didn’t deserve this. None of it. She had a life, a future, a heart that had never wanted to hurt anyone.

The tears came faster.

“I need you here with me,” I choked out, shaking as I held her close. “I need you.”

I had fallen for her- hard and fast- but real. I wasn’t the type to love easily. But Tori… she drew me in without even trying.

I wanted her to look at me again.

Those blue eyes that shifted between icy walls and warm oceans.

“Open your eyes,” I whispered desperately.

“Look at me.”

“Don’t leave me, Tori.”

My tears dropped onto her cold skin.

“Don’t leave me.”