The room smelled of antiseptic.
Soft beeping filled the air.
Vivian's fingers twitched.
Slowly… her eyes opened.
The light above her was too bright. Her vision blurred, then cleared little by little. Her body felt heavy, like she had been dragged out of a deep, dark place.
"Sebastian…"
Her voice was weak. Barely a whisper.
But he heard it.
Immediately.
Sebastian, who had been standing by the window, turned sharply. In two quick steps, he was beside her bed.
"Vivian."
His voice softened in a way only she could hear.
His hand found hers instantly, holding it tightly, like he was afraid she would disappear again.
"You're awake."
Vivian blinked slowly, trying to remember.
Then—
Everything rushed back.
The confrontation.
The accusation.
The collapse.
Her breathing hitched.
Her fingers tightened around his.
"Sebastian…" she said again, fear creeping into her voice. "The child… what they said…"
Her eyes searched his.
Fragile.
Afraid.
