âThe outlook is bleak.
Although Miss Edwards has woken up, her vital organs are still failing.
â
The news painted a picture of worry on Adrianâs and Jenniferâs faces.
Resolute, Adrian pushed the covers aside and tried to rise from his bed.
Sensing his intent, Jennifer asked, âYou want to see Ariana? Iâll go with you.
â
Before her words had fully settled, she moved to support Adrian, but Adrianâs feverish state and weakness overwhelmed him, causing him to collapse after just a few steps.
Jennifer couldnât steady him on her own.
Both Jennifer and the assistant were alarmed by Adrianâs sudden collapse.
Jennifer quickly helped him back onto the bed.
âMaybe you should focus on recovering now,â Jennifer urged, her voice thick with emotion, eyes glistening with tears.
âYouâll have plenty of time to visit Ariana once youâre better.
â
The assistant said, âYes, rest is what you need right now.
â
After much convincing, Adrian reluctantly gave up his plan to visit Ariana.
During a quiet moment, he took Jenniferâs hand, his worry evident.
âHonestly, Iâm more concerned about Holden,â he said.
He knew Holden well.
If Arianaâs condition took a turn for the worse, Holden might act rashly.
Jennifer understood Adrianâs concern, pressing her lips together as she held his hand.
With a soothing yet firm voice, she reassured him, âEverything will be alright.
â
Ariana felt as though she had been in a deep sleep for ages.
Her bones ached as if they had been hammered, her entire body wrapped in pain.
Slowly, she woke up, her eyelids heavy as she struggled to open them.
When she finally lifted her gaze, she saw Holden dozing at the edge of her bed, his hand still holding hers tightly.
Outside, the sun was setting, casting a breathtaking crimson glow across the sky, filling the room with a warm light.
Ariana winced in the brightness, her slight movement waking Holden.
âYouâre awake,â Holden said, relief flooding his voice.
Ariana looked around, her voice hoarse as she asked, âHow long have I been asleep?â
âA whole day.
Itâs now the afternoon of the second day,â Holden answered, gently caressing her cheek.
âHow do you feel?â
Ariana paused, meeting Holdenâs eyes.
She forced a strained smile and said, âI feel okay.
I just wish I could catch my breath more easily.
â
Holdenâs smile wavered for a moment, a deep sorrow washing over him.
Arianaâs labored breathing was a sign of her failing organs, which would eventually lead to suffocation.
Not wanting to burden Ariana with his sadness, Holden quickly masked his emotions and changed the subject.
âAre you hungry? I can get you something to eat.
â
Ariana shook her head, her smile faint.
Seeing Arianaâs frailty and her effort to appear strong, Holden felt tears welling up.
He quickly turned away, clenching his fist.