Twenty.

(Alphonso's POV)

I expected to be there for just an hour, but every time I would try to sneak out, someone else would pull me into conversation, and by the time I realized what had happened, it was already past eleven in the evening.

I drove to the hospital, but Lily was already sedated and asleep.

I kissed her forehead as I sat beside her.

She turned to look at me, her eyes half open and half shut.

“You took your time.” She stated in a soft voice as a smile came to her lips.

“Sorry about that.” I whispered.

She turned and closed her eyes. Then she turned back to me.

“No problem. Gemma kept me company.” She muttered before she drifted off to sleep.

I was too stunned to speak. I was trying to see if I heard her correctly.

I stepped out of her room and went to the reception desk.

“Hello, was there a lady in my wife's room?” I asked.

“Yes. She said her name was Gemma, a friend to your wife, and you asked her to come spend time with your wife when you left.” The nurse replied.

“I am stil