All Chapters of SLEEPING NEXT TO A STRANGER : Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

LAUREL I walked back to my car and experienced a sudden feeling of loneliness. The plane had vanished into the distance while Drew had also disappeared. A voice inside my head softly confessed my love for Drew.I shook my head, dismissing the thought. "No, I haven't," I told myself while attempting to sound believable. "But he is such a sweet soul." I looked towards the flight path of the plane while I experienced a deep sense of longing. My head rested on the car while I kept my gaze locked on the sky above. The words "I love you, Drew" came from my lips to my ears before I managed to stop them. I sat up straight right away and felt my heart pounding. "Nina, you need to stay focused," I commanded myself firmly. "You can't fall for him now." I drew in a deep breath to try and erase the feeling from my mind. I lifted my head before entering the vehicle and turned on the engine. The drive back to the house made it impossible for me to stop thinking about Drew. I thought about

NINA. Mom, Lilian and I made our way to his office after the doctor called. I felt my heart sink when we sat down because the doctor gave me no clues about what he was thinking. "Let's move directly to the main topic," the doctor declared with a firm yet gentle tone in his voice. The transfusion process is progressing normally but there are test results I need to discuss with you. A bead of sweat made its way down my spine when the doctor's eyes met mine. "What kind of test results?" Lilian asked, her voice laced with concern. The doctor gave an acknowledging nod while his serious look showed a hint of newfound optimism. Morel's condition is showing improvement after the blood transfusion. Morel's blood cell count shows signs of improvement while his fever has reduced marginally. The tension melted from Lilian's face as relief spread across her features. She confirmed the positive update to the doctor while her tone became gentler. The doctor nodded. "Yes, it's a positive devel

UNCLE SEAN I remained planted in the living room while I watched Audrey stand her ground and her determination showed through her posture. I was shocked by her unwavering stance regarding the company sale. She didn't see why this decision was the best option for everyone. I urged Audrey to listen to reason while maintaining a calm tone. "This sale will benefit everyone involved. This sale presents us with a positive chance to advance. Audrey shook her head while her eyes sparkled with defiance. She declared firmly she would resist any attempt to sell her father's company. I let out an internal sigh while frustration welled up inside me. Why was she being so difficult? Why was she doubting my ability to make the best choices for our family? Bryan told me with a chuckle, "Uncle, please speed up whatever you're doing." We need to stop additional drama from happening here. I gave him a stern look but he responded with a grin followed by a shrug. I exited the area and started walkin

CARLA POV Following prolonged hours of agony which turned into several days filled with silent treatments and tense phone calls along with painful unspoken words a weak truce started coming together. Audrey withdrew into her space to heal her pain while I attempted to mend our broken connection at Sean's encouragement. Audrey quietly contemplated the atmosphere of her late father's study, which held his collection of books and the gentle aroma of aged paper mixed with pipe tobacco. Her gaze fixed on his framed picture which captured him as a younger man full of life and a playful spark in his eyes. I entered the room speaking her name quietly as "Audrey." She didn't flinch, but her shoulders tensed. "I know you're angry. And you have every right to be." I stood in front of the old leather armchair across from her without sitting down. "This isn't easy for any of us. And I handled it badly. We should have talked about this sooner instead of me leaving you with all this information a

NINA. My mind was overwhelmed with thoughts about Morel my sweet, normally energetic grandson who had become unusually silent and feverish since yesterday. The sudden loud knock on the door pulled me back to reality. "Who is there?" I raised my voice calling out from the house though my tone sounded rough from anxiety. Lilian's recognizable voice came through the door saying "Your mom-in-law Laurel is here, dear" with an evident sense of urgency. "What's the problem?" I asked, already moving towards the door. My heart pounded against my chest as I believed she had detected my inner turmoil. I opened the door and my eyes instantly scanned her face seeking answers. "What is it, Mom?" I urged while moving to one side to allow her entry. Drew's mother Lilian walked past me before she perched herself stiffly on the bed's edge. She took hold of my hands which she covered with her warm comforting touch. "My dear Laurel," she started with a gentle yet resolute tone, "I need to take More