Chapter 325

Chapter 325:

Finally, the click of the ICU door opening cut through the hushed corridor as the afternoon sun streamed in, casting long shadows. A doctor, his face lined with exhaustion, emerged and removed his mask, revealing a faint smile. “The patient’s condition has stabilized. We can move her to the VIP ward now,” he announced, his voice tinged with cautious optimism.

A profound sense of relief washed over Sadie, lightening the burdensome weight that had clung to her shoulders. Her body, though drained, flooded with a transient strength at the news.

“That’s such wonderful news!” Beside her, Alex exhaled deeply, the tension in his shoulders unwinding as he processed the doctor’s words. His face softened, the lines of strain smoothing into relief.

Later, in the quieter, more comfortable setting of the VIP ward, Sadie remained a constant vigil at Laura’s bedside.

When Laura’s eyelids fluttered open, revealing her clouded gaze, she squinted, trying to bring the familiar faces into focus. When she recognized Sadie and Alex, a frail smile tugged at her lips. “Sadie… and Alex,” she murmured, her voice hoarse but filled with warmth.

Sadie grasped her grandmother’s hand, her eyes glistening with tears that threatened to spill. “Grandma, you’re awake! How are you feeling?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

Laura responded with a tender pat on the back of Sadie’s hand, her touch light but reassuring. “I’m feeling much better now, sweetheart. No need to worry,” she said, her voice as gentle as a warm embrace.

As she turned her attention to Alex, her eyes shimmered with gratitude. “Thank you for everything, Alex.”

Alex’s response was a warm, comforting smile. “It’s what I should do, Laura. Please rest well,” he replied, his voice soft yet firm.

Just then, the room’s atmosphere shifted subtly as Noah entered.

Dressed in a well-tailored suit that accentuated his dignified and elegant demeanor, Noah approached the bedside with a respectful nod.

Laura gazed at Noah, her eyebrows knitting together in visible confusion. She turned toward Alex, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “Alex, who is this?” The room plummeted into a heavy silence. Both Sadie and Alex stiffened, their eyes fixed on Noah.

Sadie felt her heart hammering against her chest, unsure of how to unveil her complicated ties with Noah or how Laura would react. In a moment of panic, she blurted out, “He, um, he’s just a friend.”

“Friend?” Laura’s voice carried a note of skepticism, her eyes clouding over with doubt as she scrutinized Noah and then Sadie, as if piecing together a puzzle. Her wrinkled hand tenderly brushed the back of Sadie’s. “A friend, huh.”

Noah remained still, his complexion ashen, his lips a tight line, jaw clenched in tension. He remained silent, his intense gaze locked on Sadie, laden with unsaid emotions.

Sadie, overwhelmed, avoided his piercing stare and focused on the reassuring warmth of Laura’s hand in hers, her palms slick with sweat. She could feel Noah’s eyes on her, their sharpness slicing through the heavy air around her, making her entire frame tense with discomfort.

The oppressive silence hung thickly around them until Laura exhaled a soft sigh, her touch on Sadie’s hand gentle yet firm. “Sadie, you’re an adult now, and it’s not my place to dictate your choices. Just promise me you’ll be careful and protect your heart.”

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