Chapter 2: A New RealityWaking up to the blinding white of a ceiling tile and the rhythmic beep of a machine, Aria groaned. The antiseptic scent, usually a mild background note at the penthouse, was overwhelming here. Her head throbbed, and a heavy, sudden weight pressed on her chest. She tried to move, but a dull ache shot up her abdomen."Ahhh... My gosh," she groaned, squeezing her eyes shut, as if absorbing the pain."Ms. Thorne? You're awake. Thank God." A soft voice pulled her from her attempts to get up. A man stood over her, not Julian, but a kind-faced doctor with reassuring brown eyes and a gentle smile."Where... where am I?" Her voice, dry, barely above a whisper."You were rushed to St. Jude's Hospital, you collapsed shortly after leaving the Hiranthon gala three weeks ago. You had a severe panic attack caused by exhaustion and dehydration."Three weeks? Three weeks of her life were put on pause. The memory of the gala, the photos, Julian's dismissive face, and the final
Last Updated : 2025-10-09 Read more