The room was dimly lit, a soft amber glow from the bedside lamp casting long shadows across the walls. Alexander sat propped against a mound of pillows, his broad frame diminished by the weakness that still clung to him. His shirt hung loosely from his shoulders, unbuttoned at the collar, his chest bandaged beneath layers of gauze. He parted his lips as if to speak, but no words came.Serena, seated at the edge of the bed, stirred a bowl of oatmeal until the steam dispersed. With quiet patience, she lifted a spoonful and held it near his mouth. He accepted it reluctantly at first, but as the warm porridge slid down his throat, some of the sharp tension in his features softened.Bit by bit, she fed him, steady and gentle, never rushing. When the bowl was empty, she set it aside and leaned closer, her fingers deftly undoing the rest of his buttons. The faint scent of antiseptic lingered in the air as she peeled the fabric back and examined the wound on his chest. Her touch was careful, a
Last Updated : 2025-09-22 Read more