Chapter 2

Ava’s Point of View

I woke up to the sound of a beeping machine piercing the air. My eyes snapped open as I scanned my surroundings. I realized I was in a hospital ward. When I tried to sit up, a sharp pain shot through my leg, preventing me from getting up.

“You are finally awake?” a deep, husky voice echoed in the quiet room.

I flinched at the sound of an unfamiliar voice in the room and shifted my gaze toward its source.

My brows furrowed as I noticed a remarkably handsome man seated on the couch. His long legs were crossed, and his elegant fingers wrapped around a glass of water. His piercing blue eyes were fixed on me, a smile stretching across his lips.

I’ve seen him somewhere, but I can’t recall where. What was he doing here?

My eyes widened in shock as the memories of what had happened began to flash through my mind.

My stomach felt hardened, as if a rock had been placed inside, while the memories of the previous night hit me hard.

He chose to save Lily and left me there to die. He didn't even look back to see whether I survived or died; he left just like that.

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes.

“Thank you so much for saving my life.” My chin trembled; it took everything in me not to burst into tears.

Time seemed to stand still with each passing second. I clung to the hope that one day he would love me, that he would look into my eyes with affection and tell me he loved me. I waited for five years, patiently hoping for his love, but what did he do? He left me to suffer.

A sharp pain stabbed at my chest, and the tears I had been holding back streamed down my cheeks, their warmth trailing down my skin . No matter how much I wanted to, I couldn't stop crying. This was the last straw; he had shattered all my hopes, dreams, and wishes, bringing me back to reality in the worst way possible. I burst into sobs, and more tears flowed down my face. I didn't care who was watching; the pain in my heart was simply too much to bear. I couldn't endure it any longer.

I cried my heart out until I had no tears left to shed. My sobs faded in my throat as I lay there, staring at the ceiling. The silence in the room became deafening with each passing second. I expected the guy on the couch to say something, but he sat there silently, taking sips of his water as if it were fine wine.

“Now that you are fine, I think I should get going...” The guy rose from the couch, set the glass on the table, smoothed his suit jacket, his eyes were on me for a brief moment... “Take care of yourself, Miss Styles...”

I cleared my throat... “Thank you for saving my life, I truly appreciate it...” My voice was barely above a whisper; he nodded, without a word, he stepped out of the room, leaving me all alone.

Shortly after, two nurses in pink uniforms stepped inside the ward, a smile on their lips.

“Miss Styles, how are you feeling now?” One of them asked, and she examined my leg, which was covered with a white bandage.

“I want to go home...” Was all I could say. I didn't want to stay here any longer and pity myself in this hospital. I'd rather go home and decide what I want to do with my life.

“But Ma'am, you...”

I didn't let her finish her sentence as I raised my hand dismissively. I didn't want to stay here no matter what the reason. I can take care of myself, and I know I'd be fine.

Soon after, I was fully dressed, my fingers wrapped around the crutches for support as my leg was injured badly.

As I stepped out of the ward, ready to make my way out of the hospital, I stopped in my tracks when I heard the sound of Caleb's voice coming from the ward next to where I was. My grip around the crutches tightened, my heart rate slowing down for a couple of seconds. Against my best judgment, I found myself walking to the door and peeking inside.

I froze at the scene that welcomed me..

. Caleb was seated by the couch, while Julian was seated at the edge of the bed where Lily was seated , holding Lily’s hand in his, his eyes locking with hers.

“Julian, I was so scared yesterday...” Lily stammered, her voice laced with emotions. “I thought I'd die, but you came like a hero and saved my life. You are really the best...” She rested her head on his head, and he smoothed her hair gently.

I bit down on my bottom lip, trying hard to blink back the tears that threatened to burst out of my eyes.

“I won't let anything happen to you, Lily...” His voice was soft, his hands gently rubbing her hair

. I felt a lump forming in my stomach; he never once talks to me like this. I didn't even know his voice could be this soft with emotions; he has always been cold towards me like I didn't matter.

The sound of Lily’s chuckles brought me back to reality. She pulled out of Julian's embrace, my eyes widened as her hand moved over to the necklace around her neck as she stroked it gently, giving me a full view of it. It was my mother's necklace, the only thing she has left for me, but how come it is around her neck? I lost it during the childbirth of Caleb, and he promised to find it and bring it back to me. Why does she have it?

“Thank you for this necklace, Julian... It's so beautiful and elegant...” A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she kept on stroking it gently. Julian nodded, a smile on his lips.

I felt my knees weakening with each passing second, and I stumbled, almost falling to the ground, but a strong arm wrapped around my waist, stopping me from hitting the floor.