If only he could switch places with her, taking on her pain himself.
But the reality was cruel, leaving him powerless as he watched the woman he loved suffer.
Ariana lowered her head, lost in thought.
She knew Holden was sad but didnât know how to comfort him.
Suddenly, noises came from the door.
Ariana looked up, noticing someone peeking inside.
The distance made it hard for her to see clearly.
âWhoâ¦â Ariana said, narrowing her eyes at Holden.
âSonia, Sarah, and Tyler are outside the door,â Holden said softly, his eyes never leaving her face.
âTheyâve been waiting outside.
They wanted to see you when you woke up.
Do you want to see them?â
âI want to see Sonia and the others,â Ariana said to Holden, her eyes filled with longing.
âI miss them very much.
â
Holden moved to open the door, but Ariana suddenly thought of something.
She placed her hands on the bed sheet, attempting to sit up.
Her weakness, however, betrayed her, and she fell back, causing a noise.
Hearing the commotion, Holden turned back swiftly.
He rushed to Arianaâs side.
âWhatâs wrong? Are you feeling unwell?â
He was about to reach for the bell to summon the doctors and nurses.
âNo need for that.
â Ariana stopped him with a faint smile.
âI just wanted to sit up but didnât realize I was this weak⦠Can you help me?â
Holden let out a relieved sigh upon hearing this.
He had assumed she was not feeling well.
He had been so scared for her just now.
âYouâre still very weak,â he said, gently helping Ariana sit up and place a pillow on her back.
âTell me if you need anything at all.
Iâll always be by your side.
â
âGot it,â Ariana replied with an apologetic smile.
Holden gently touched her head and then went to open the door.
Sonia and Sarah entered.
They explained that Tyler had left earlier due to an urgent call from home but would visit next time.
Ariana nodded, her eyes settling on Sonia.
When Ariana saw Sonia in a wheelchair, her mind raced with dreadful possibilities.
She became emotional, her breathing labored, her hand clutching her patient clothes tightly.
Holden quickly explained that Soniaâs condition was temporary.
He and Adrian had kept the details of Soniaâs injury from Ariana before to prevent her from worrying.
As expected, Ariana was worried upon hearing this.
She looked at Sonia, her voice weak.
âYou always fear pain.
Howâ¦â She was going to start crying.
âIt doesnât hurt,â Sonia interjected, trying to comfort Ariana.
âIt doesnât hurt at all.
I may look weak in this wheelchair, but Iâm strong!â