Lahat ng Kabanata ng Chasing Midnight Promises : Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

"Have we met before?" Mia asked, squinting.Emily paused near the monitor. Her lips curled into a faint smile."Not sure," she said. "But we're about to find out."Christian shifted in his seat, positioning himself subtly between Mia and the nurse.Mia's breath caught. The air in the room changed. It grew colder, heavier, and thick with warning.And for the first time since waking in that hospital bed, Mia felt it in her bones—cold and certain. She was not safe. Not even close.Mia’s breath hitched as her eyes flicked toward Christian.He gave a slow, deliberate nod—play along.She caught the silent cue and turned back to the nurse with a bright, nervous smile just as Emily leaned in to inspect her dressing.Her touch was light but calculated, asking casual questions about Mia’s pain."Any sharp stings around your lower ribs? Upper thigh?""Mm-hmm," Mia hummed. "Mostly the back. And ribs.""Still hurting here?" the nurse asked, fingers prodding gently near Mia’s ribs."A bit," Mia sai

Mia couldn’t speak.She just stared.Christian’s hand was still on her side, holding the soaked patch with steady pressure. His other hand grabbed the gauze pack Nurse Emily left behind. The bleeding had slowed. Not a word passed between them, but he moved with calm precision. He peeled off the stained patch and replaced it with a fresh one.She flinched at the chill of the disinfectant but didn’t make a sound.He glanced at her only once, his expression unreadable.When he finished, he helped her sit back, one arm supporting her shoulder. Then he bent, picked up the pillow she had thrown earlier, and quietly tucked it behind her head.No words. No looks. Just care.Then the door opened.A different nurse walked in, pushing a tray cart. "Morning," she chirped. "Sorry for the delay. Breakfast and meds."Christian stepped quietly back into his seat.Mia cleared her throat. "Good morning," she said, voice still hoarse."How are you feeling today?" the nurse asked, already unloading the f

"Raven?" Mia called out, her voice trembling.She blinked again, eyes widening, unsure if her mind was playing tricks. "Raven!"Shoving the tray aside, she didn’t notice the cutlery that clattered to the floor. Her legs swung over the bed, but she almost lost her balance. Christian was there in a flash, steadying her waist with a firm grip. Mia barely registered his presence."Raven..." she whispered again, her voice shaky.Supported by Christian, Mia moved, her steps quick but uneven. Her heart pounded in her chest, hands trembling with anticipation.Raven stood just inside the door, pale but with a faint smile. The nurse by her side murmured a soft warning, “Take it easy.”But Raven, despite her weariness, lifted a shaky arm toward Mia. No words were needed.They met halfway, arms wrapping around each other with an urgency that was almost desperate, clinging as if they feared they'd collapse if they let go. Time seemed to freeze. Laughter bubbled up through their shock, tangled with

A week later, Mia and Raven were finally discharged from the hospital.It felt like freedom.After spending twelve long days behind those white walls, surrounded by beeping machines and sterile routines, the fresh air outside hit differently. They were both ready to breathe again.Those twelve days had changed everything—not just their bodies, but their bond. They caught up on old memories, laughed over childhood secrets, and cried about the pain they never thought they would share. Christian had been nearby the whole time, blending into their rhythm like he’d always been a part of it.Whenever the hospital felt too quiet or heavy, Mia found ways to break the monotony. She’d fake dramatic scenes to make Raven laugh or mess with the nurses. Even Christian—who rarely smiled—began to loosen up. The three of them, scarred but healing, became something like a team.That Friday afternoon, the sun was soft. It hung high, filtered through slow-moving clouds against a painted blue sky. A breez

Christian opened the door and stepped aside, letting Mia and Raven into the duplex.The interior was soft, airy, and quietly elegant. It wasn’t shiny or cold like most luxury spaces—it felt warm, lived-in, but untouched. Cream walls embraced the room, matched with plush beige sofas arranged around a glass coffee table trimmed in gold. A tall bookshelf filled one wall, decked with novels and scented candles. Throw pillows in muted florals and velvet lined the couches. Beneath their feet, a thick cream rug with delicate pastel patterns added charm without demanding attention. Subtle wall art of female silhouettes and quotes about strength gave the space an unmistakable feminine touch. A faint scent of lavender hung in the air, as if the house had been waiting for them.Mia froze halfway into the living room. Her eyes swept across every detail—the pastel décor, the gold lampstands, the soft light streaming through floor-length curtains. It looked like something she’d imagined in one of