CHAPTER 38
Amara’s POV
My eyes fluttered open slowly, and the first thing I felt was warmth from a hand wrapped firmly around mine. For a
moment, I was not sure where I was. Until I heard the quiet beeping of a machine. somewhere near my head and the sterile scent of antiseptic filling the air.
Then, I heard his voice.
“Amara?”
I blinked again, turning my head slightly. Matteo was there, sitting beside me, his eyes wide and filled with worry and relief.
“You‘ re awake,” he uttered in disbelief, leaning forward as his grip on my hand tightened just slightly, as though he needed to reassure himself that I was real.
“What… happened?” My voice came out raspy, barely audible, and I winced at the
0295 12:29
3/5
CHAPTER 38
dryness in my throat and the cut on my lips. I could feel my body worn and battered, the wounds, and the bruised muscles under by skin, and every time I breathed in, I could feel the stinging pain in my broken ribs.
“You‘ re safe,” he told quickly, brushing a stray strand of hair away from my face.
“Don’t try to talk too much. Let me help you.”
He reached for a glass of water on the bedside table, sliding a strong arm beneath my neck to lift me gently, and careful. enough not to break me. I sipped slowly and let the cool liquid ease the rawness in my throat.
“Where am I?” I whispered after he set me back down.
“You‘ re in a hospital,” Matteo explained. “You passed out.”
I stared at the ceiling and let a flood of fragmented memories rush back into my
-25% 12:20
2/5
CHAPTER 38
“The doctors need to check you,” he replied simply. “I want to make sure everything is okay.”
I did not argue. A few moments later, the door swung open, and a small team of doctors and nurses walked in, quickly yet quietly.
“Ms. Vitale, it’s good to see you awake,” one of the doctors said with a warm smile.
“How are you feeling? Any pain or discomfort?”
“A little sore,” I admitted. “But I‘ m okay, I think.”
The doctor nodded and began examining me, checking my vitals while a nurse. adjusted the IV line beside the bed. Another nurse carefully lifted the blanket to inspect the bandages wrapped around my side.
“The wound is healing well,” the doctor noted after a moment. “You have made good progress, but you will need to take it
$25 12:29
4/6
CHAPTER 8
easy for a while.”
Matteo, who had stepped aside to give them space, watched every movement with his arms crossed, and his jaw tight, as though he was ready to step in if anything
went wrong.
“She‘ Il be fine, right?” he asked.
The doctor glanced at him, then back at me. “Yes, she will recover fully. But rest and proper care are crucial to get her recovery faster.”
Matteo gave a curt nod and I noticed how his shoulders relaxed just slightly.
After a few more questions and a thorough check–up, the doctor and nurses began to pack up their equipment.
“Call us if you need anything,” the doctor said as he prepared to leave. “And remember, Ms. Vitale, no overexertions for
now.
