Chapter 38

CASSANDRA'S POV~

I didn’t even realize how fast my heart was beating until I heard it pounding against my chest like a drum in a death march. My breath caught somewhere in my throat, and my limbs moved before my brain could even process what was happening.

"Hey, hey—" I whispered as I gently helped Adriano lean back against the wall. His breaths came out in harsh, short puffs. His skin, usually so warm and golden, now looked pale under the dim lights of his room. Beads of sweat had gathered on his forehead, and with trembling fingers, I reached up to wipe them away.

“Are you okay?” I asked softly, barely able to keep the panic from coating my voice. “Adriano, what’s wrong? Tell me.”

He exhaled through gritted teeth and forced a tight, fleeting smile. “It’s nothing serious. Probably just... stomach stuff. I’m fine.” His voice was hoarse, roughened around the edges with pain, but he tried so hard to sound like he wasn’t dying in front of me.

I didn’t believe him. Not for one second. Bu