Chapter 6

Charlotte 

"Finally awake," a deep voice murmurs, low and teasing. 

I blink, groaning as the white lights of the hospital stab my vision. The smell of antiseptic hits me, sharp and sterile, making my stomach twist. 

  "Rhys..." My voice is a hoarse rasp, barely a whisper. "You're here?" 

  "Of course I'm here," he says, stepping closer, eyes dark, unwavering. Would you rather I send flowers?" 

  I manage a weak smirk despite the slight pain in my ribs. "Hard pass. I like this better."

  "Mom... is she okay?" My voice trembles.

 "She's fine. She's awake and stable. That's why I made sure you were checked immediately after the accident. " Rhys says.

  I let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through me. "I just... I was supposed to see her." My hands clutch at the sheets. "I didn't even get a chance to..."

Before I can finish, a sharp knock hits the door. Two officers step in. Rhys' hand subtly brushes mine, a silent warning to let him lead.

 The older one, stern face, flashes a badge. "Miss Charlotte Anders?"

 "That's me," I reply, sitting up straighter. 

 "Miss Anders?" the older one says. We'd like to ask a few questions about the accident. "

 I nod. "Of course. I remember some things, but it all happened fast."

 They exchange glances. Do you recall seeing the driver's face?"

 "No," I say honestly. All I saw were headlights. Then pain.

 The officer jots it down. 

 The senior officer glances at his notepad. "We've identified the vehicle that hit your cab. It was reported stolen three hours before the crash. The driver abandoned it a few blocks away. No witnesses saw where he went."

 "So you're saying someone stole a car, rammed into me, and just vanished?" My voice cold but steady. "That doesn't sound random."

 Rhys crosses his arms, his jaw tightening. "So it wasn't an accident."

 The other officer glances between us. "We can't confirm that yet, sir, but it's suspicious. We'll keep you updated." 

 "Do that," Rhys says.

 When they leave, the silence they leave behind they leave behind feels heavier.

  "You weren't hurt, Charlotte. That's the important part." Rhys says

  I stare at him, trying to process. "So... someone just... hit me and vanished?"

  Rhys nods, his hand brushing against mine in a grounding gesture. "Exactly. Lucky for you, this wasn't worse."

  Rhys' fingers tightened over mine, firm, grounding. "I think someone is just trying to pass a message. But you're fine. You're safe. That driver? He won't be a problem anymore."

  I let out a laugh that's half relief, half disbelief. "Fine... I guess."

  His gaze darkens, almost playful now. "You're thinking about running off to your mom, aren't you?"

  "Of course. She's finally awake. I need to see her." I glance away, embarrassed. 

  "You'll see her," he says. "But right now, you stay here. Let me handle the chaos outside."

  "I'm not a child, you know," I murmur.

  "No, but I'm not taking chances," he replies, leaning slightly closer. "You've been through enough in twenty-four hours to fill a lifetime."

  The silence between us is thick. Not uncomfortable, but intense. I can't help noticing the sharp line of his jaw, the way his dark hair falls just enough to make him look impossibly deliberate. 

  "I don't usually feel... looked after," I admit, voice low.

  "You shouldn't feel it with anyone else," he mutters, hand tightening around mine. "Not like this."

  I stare at him, words faltering. Something unspoken passes between us, heat, awareness, tension. But it's interrupted by the squeak of the nurse's shoes in the hallway.

  I glance towards the door, and the nurse steps in, clipboard in hand, her white uniform crisp, and pristine.

  "Good morning, Miss Anders," she greets, smiling politely as she moves closer to my bed. "I just need to check your IV and vitals, making sure everything's stable and flowing correctly."

  I shift slightly, trying not to groan at the reminder of the discomfort. 

  "Morning," I rasp, my voice still hoarse. "I'm... fine."

  She nods, gently adjusting the IV. "I know you're awake now, but you really need to rest, Miss Anders. Recovery takes time, even if you're feeling okay. The doctor wants you monitored for the next few hours, at least."

  I nod, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Duly noted... nurse."

  With that, she steps back toward the door, giving me one last polite smile before the soft click of her shoes fades into the hallway.

  "You really think this has something to do with me?" I ask, my voice softer now, a hint of doubt slipping through.

  He tilts his head. "I don't know yet." he admits. "But it doesn't feel random. Someone wanted this to happen, and you're in the middle of it."

  I close my eyes, letting my head rest, finally allowing the adrenaline to drain out of my body. Rhys doesn't leave. He sits nearby, quiet but present, keeping me steady.

  When I wake again, sunlight shines faintly through the blinds, and the soft knock of another nurse brings in lunch. The smell of food is so comforting. I reached out for the phone. 

  "Mom?" I murmur, dialing her room. The line clicks, and her soft, familiar voice answers.

  "Charlotte?"

  "Mom, you're awake," I say, relief threading every word. "How are you feeling?"

  "I'm... better," she murmurs, weak but steady. "I heard about the accident. Are you hurt?"

  "I'm fine. Just a scare." I smile, hiding the lingering panic. "I'll be there soon."

  I hang and glance at Rhys. "You want to go with me?"

  "Just go. I'll wait here." He says

  The visit is brief but grounding. Holding her hand, seeing her pale but stable, I remember why everything I've been doing matters. 

  Back in my room, Rhys watches me carefully, arms crossed over his chest. "How's she doing?"

  "She's stable," I reply, sinking into the chair by the window. "Stronger than I thought she'd be. I just... needed to see her."

  "Good. Now we can talk about the next step." he says softly.

  I nod, tension creeping back into my shoulders. "Kevin won't know what hit him. We need to make our moves carefully, public appearances, interviews, the right kind of attention. Everything has to feel natural, like we're just living our lives, but every moment has to hit him where it hurts."

  Rhys leans forward, hands resting on his knees. "Exactly. And we need to start immediately. Timing is everything. Every event, every statement, every look in public, we use it to shake and the Anders family.

  "Yes... the Anders family won't be left out." I survived in their hands for a year, so I think I know how to play this."