Chapter 30

AMARA’S POV***

I woke up early, trying not to be late this time, so we wouldn't miss our flight.

Dorian had announced he was done with his business here and that we were leaving. We weren't using his jet this time because it was in maintenance so we were flying first class.

We arrived at the airport in time and boarded the plane. The whole morning was silent and distant. I felt it. I just couldn't keep letting myself get hurt. 

My nerves shot up during the take off but I managed. Dorian sat at my back. I read a book and slept off during the flight. We finally arrived. I woke up to a blanket over me. I had an inkling that it was Dorian who put it on me. I didn't say a word.

Our bags were taken to the front of the airport. Dorian came to stand in front of me.

“I'll take you home,” he said.

“I can get a cab myself,” I said, moving away from him. “You don't have to.”

He sighed heavily. 

“Fine, but let my driver take you there.”

“I'm good,” I protested.

“Please.”

“Okay,” I accepted. My bags were packed into the boot. Then we left. I turned back in the car to look at him. He just stood there, looking at my ride drive off.

I texted Davina on my way home to let her know I was back. I bought stuff for her and a birthday gift for her sister.

I arrived home. Freshened up and went straight to the hospital. I only spoke to mum twice in German. She didn't know I was there nor did she know I got a job at an office yet. I planned on telling her today. 

I got to the hospital.

The smell hit first. Antiseptic. Too familiar. I signed in without thinking and followed the corridor I already knew by heart. Same pale walls. Same soft beeping sounds. Nothing had changed. 

Mum was asleep when I got to her room.

I exhaled without realizing I’d been holding my breath. Relief washed through me — the quiet kind. She looked smaller than I remembered, but peaceful. I pulled a chair closer and sat beside her, holding her hand. She was warm.

“I’m back,” I whispered, even though she couldn’t hear me.

I stayed like that for a while, just watching her chest rise and fall. No guilt. Just relief. This was where I was meant to be.

I leaned closer, lowered my voice.

“There’s something I need to tell you…”

The door opened before I could say more.

A nurse walked in, already pulling on gloves. “She needs her medication now,” she said gently. She adjusted the IV and checked the line.

“You should let her rest,” she added. “Don’t wake her.”

I nodded. Stepped back. The moment slipped away.

I sat there again, quieter this time. My thoughts drifted without permission — Germany, the hotel, the ease of it. How simple it would be to stay in that world. No hospital smells. No waiting rooms. No fear.

How tempting it would be to disappear.

But I couldn’t. Not really.

When it got too much, I stepped outside.

The night air was cool against my skin. I breathed in deeply, grounding myself. Cars passed. Life moved. I stood there until my chest felt lighter.

Back inside, Mum was still asleep.

I sat beside her again when my phone buzzed.

Dorian:

Did you get home safely?

You shouldn’t come to work tomorrow. You need rest.

I stared at the screen for a long moment. Thought of the plane. The silence. The distance. Then I typed.

Me:

Thank you, Mr Dorian. I appreciate it. I’ll be coming to work tomorrow.

I locked my phone and set it aside.

Mum stirred slightly in her sleep. I squeezed her hand gently and stayed there, watching over her, letting the night settle around us.

Whatever else was happening in my life could wait.

This couldn’t.