Aria’s POVThe second I realized I had reached for Damien in front of Adrian, embarrassment crashed through me instantly. My hand pulled back too quickly, but the damage was already done. Silence filled the hospital room again. Damien stood near the door holding coffee and food, his posture stiff, as though he suddenly regretted entering. Adrian looked away first, and that hurt more than anger would have. “I brought food,” Damien said quietly after a moment. His voice sounded careful, controlled, like he was trying not to make the situation worse. Too late for that. Adrian stood slowly from the chair beside my bed. “I should go.” Panic rose immediately inside my chest. “Adrian—” “You need rest.” The distance in his voice frightened me. Not coldness. Not rage. Distance. Like he was already emotionally stepping away to protect himself. And somehow that felt unbearable. “You don’t have to leave.” A faint, sad smile touched his face. “I think I do.” My throat tightened p
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