43. Annalise

43

ANNALISE

T he sterile scent of the hospital room invades my nostrils as I step inside, my heart pounding in my chest. Cassius, my Niko, lies motionless on the bed, an orchestra of machines monitoring his every breath and heartbeat. I can’t help but feel a sense of urgency and concern wash over me. What if he never wakes up?

“Annalise, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up,” Isabella’s voice trembles as she approaches me. Her eyes are red-rimmed, her worry for Cassius palpable.

“Isabella, it’s okay. I know you’re worried about him too.” I offer her a reassuring smile, though my own fear gnaws at me inside.

My fingers itch to reach out and touch Cassius, to feel the warmth of his skin and reassure myself that he’s still here, fighting. But the sight of the tubes and wires snaking around him holds me back. Instead, I focus my attention on Isabella, trying to comfort her as I grapple with my own emotions.

“Is there any news?” My voice cracks slightly, betraying my vulnerability.

“They said he’s stable, but waking up is going to be the hardest part,” Isabella whispers, her gaze never leaving her brother’s pale face.

“Then we’ll be here for him, every step of the way.” My resolve hardens, fueled by my love for this man who’s become so important to me and my daughters.

I pull Isabella into a tight embrace, the weight of our shared worry pressing us together like gravity. Her body trembles against mine, and I can feel her tears dampen my shoulder.

“Everything’s going to be okay, Isabella,” I murmur, gently rubbing her back as if to soothe away her fears. “We’re all here for Cassius, and he’s strong. He’ll get through this.”

She sniffles and pulls back, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Her gaze flickers to my still-flat stomach, concern etched deep in her expression. “What about the baby?” she asks, her voice barely audible. “Is…is everything all right?”

“Of course,” I assure her, resting a hand on my belly as if to shield the fragile life growing within me. “The baby’s safe, and your brothers are doing everything they can to protect us.”

“Thank God,” Isabella breathes out, relief flooding her features. “You know how much I care for you and the girls, Annalise. I just want everyone to be okay.”

“Your love means the world to us,” I tell her sincerely, squeezing her hand for emphasis. “We’re so grateful to have you in our lives, Isabella.”

Her smile is small but genuine, and it warms me to see that even in this dark moment, we can find solace in each other.

“Let’s stay strong for Cassius, okay?” I say, determination surging through my veins like electricity. “Together, we’ll make sure he wakes up and comes back to us.”

“Absolutely,” Isabella agrees, her own resolve shining bright in her tear-filled eyes. “We’ll be there for him, no matter what.”

As we stand side by side, united in our love for Cassius and the family we’ve created together, I can’t help but feel that despite the shadows that loom over us, there’s a glimmer of hope guiding us forward. And for now, that’s enough.

The steady beeping of the heart monitor fills the air like a haunting melody, each beat a reminder of the fragile thread that connects Cassius to this world. As I stand in the dimly lit hospital room, the weight of the situation settles heavily upon my shoulders.

“Annalise,” Isabella murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper as she reaches out and grasps my hand. “I know this is hard, but you have to believe that my brothers won’t let anything happen to the baby.”

Her reassuring words bring a small measure of comfort to my troubled heart. “I know,” I reply softly, my fingers tightening around hers. “It’s just difficult not to worry when so much is at stake.”

“Understandable,” she says with a nod, her eyes filled with empathy. “But remember, they’ve always had our backs, and they’ll do everything in their power to keep us safe.”

“Thank you, Isabella,” I say, feeling a touch more grounded by her support. “You’re right. We just have to trust them.”

A moment of silence passes between us before I find the courage to ask the question that has been gnawing at me since I entered the room. “How is he really doing, Isabella? What are the doctors saying about Cassius’s condition?”

She hesitates, her eyes darting toward the unconscious figure lying motionless on the hospital bed. “They’ve done all they can for now,” she admits, her voice wavering ever so slightly. “He’s stable, but it’s up to him to fight his way back to us.”

“Then we’ll be here for him, every step of the way,” I promise, my resolve steeling itself once more. “We’ll help him find the strength he needs to recover.”

“Of course, Annalise,” Isabella agrees, offering me a tremulous smile. “We’re in this together, and we’ll see Cassius through this, no matter what it takes.”

As we stand there, hand in hand, a newfound determination surges within me. We may be facing daunting challenges, but our love for Cassius and the life we’ve built together will not waver. With Isabella by my side and the protection of her brothers surrounding us, we’ll confront the darkness head-on and emerge from it stronger than ever before.

My heart races as Isabella’s words sink in, the gravity of Cassius’s situation becoming all too real. I swallow hard, my voice barely above a whisper. “So his life is truly hanging in the balance?”

Isabella nods solemnly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “The doctors said that the next few hours are critical. Waking up will be the most challenging part for him.” The suspense clings to the air like a heavy fog, and I can’t help but hold my breath, praying for some sign of life from Cassius.

“Thank you for telling me the truth,” I murmur, appreciating her candor even as my heart aches with worry.

“Of course, Annalise. You deserve to know what’s happening.” She reaches over and squeezes my hand, offering a small measure of comfort amidst the emotional turmoil we’re facing.

“Can I get you anything?” Isabella asks, brushing away her own tears before they can fall. “Maybe some coffee? You look like you could use it.”

Her offer provides a brief moment of respite, a touch of normalcy in this chaotic situation. But I shake my head, unable to think about anything other than the man lying motionless before me. “No, thank you. I just need to be here for Cassius right now.”

“I understand,” she replies softly, her gaze shifting back to her brother. “He’s lucky to have you by his side.”

I watch as Cassius’s chest rises and falls, each breath a testament to his stubborn determination to survive. My thoughts whirl around, a mixture of fear and hope, as I stand steadfastly beside him. For now, all I can do is wait, pray, and believe that our love will guide him back to us.

The steady beeping of the machines surrounding Cassius creates a haunting soundtrack to my racing thoughts. I can almost feel the weight of his vulnerability, and it’s suffocating. I need to anchor him, to remind him that he isn’t alone in this battle.

“Thank you for offering, Isabella,” I say, tearing my eyes away from Cassius’s too-still form. “But I can’t leave him right now. I need to be here when he wakes up.”

Isabella nods, understanding shining in her eyes. “I know. We’re all here for him—and for you.” She gives my hand one last reassuring squeeze before stepping back, allowing me the space I need.

I turn my attention back to Cassius, determined to make my presence felt. With deliberate movements, I drag a nearby chair over to the side of his hospital bed. Each scraping noise against the cold floor seems to echo louder than the last, but I don’t falter. Even if all I can do is sit vigil by his side, that’s what I’ll do.

As I settle into the chair, I reach out with trembling fingers, taking his hand in mine. It feels cold, lifeless, but I refuse to believe that’s all that remains. Beneath the surface, I know there’s still warmth, love, and a fierce determination to survive. I just have to help him find it.

“Please, Cassius,” I whisper, feeling the hot sting of tears in my eyes. “I need you to come back to me. To us. You’re not alone in this fight, so don’t give up on yourself—or on us. We’re stronger together, remember?”

The words tumble out in a desperate plea, but I don’t care who hears them. All that matters is reaching him, somehow. My heart aches with the weight of my love for him, and I can only hope that somehow, it’s enough.

Cassius’s chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm, yet his body remains so still it feels as if time itself has stopped. I cling to his hand, my heart pounding against the silence that surrounds us.

“Remember when we first met?” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. “You were so charming, sweeping me off my feet before I even realized what was happening. And despite everything that’s happened since then, you’ve always been there for me. You’ve shown me how powerful love can be, and I’m forever grateful for that.”

Tears stream down my face, but I don’t bother wiping them away. Instead, I let them fall freely as I continue to pour out my heart. “I know you’re strong, Cassius. I’ve seen it in your eyes every time you’ve faced down danger for our family. I’ve felt it in the way you hold me close at night, as if nothing could ever tear us apart. So please, fight this. Fight for us. I can’t do this without you.”

My throat tightens, words catching as I struggle to breathe through the pain. But I push on, stroking his hand with my thumb. “I love you, Cassius. More than I ever thought possible. I need you to come back to me, to our family. We belong together, and I won’t accept anything less.”

A long moment passes in which the only sound is my ragged breaths and the steady beep of the machines around us. Then, without warning, I feel the faintest pressure against my fingers. It’s so gentle, I almost believe I’ve imagined it—but no, there it is again, stronger this time.

His grip on my hand tightens, and my heart leaps in response. “Cassius?” I gasp, hope surging through me like a tidal wave. “Can you hear me?”

His eyelids flutter, and I hold my breath, willing him to open his eyes. And finally, when it seems like an eternity has stretched between us, he does. Brilliant blue eyes meet mine, hazy with confusion but undeniably awake.

“Annalise,” he croaks, his voice weak but unmistakably his own.

A sob escapes me as relief crashes over me, washing away the fear and uncertainty that’s plagued me for so long. Cassius is awake—truly, finally awake—and in this moment, nothing else matters.

“Doctor! Doctor, he’s awake!” I shout, my voice shaking with excitement as I glance back at Cassius. My heart races with anticipation, and I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face.

Footsteps echo down the hall, and a moment later, Dr. Langford rushes into the room, his eyes widening in surprise when he sees Cassius blinking up at him. “Cassius, you’re awake,” he says, disbelief lacing his tone.

“Seems so,” Cassius murmurs, his voice barely audible but filled with unmistakable warmth.

“Amazing,” Dr. Langford breathes, quickly moving to examine Cassius, checking his vitals and making notes on his chart. The tension in the room is palpable, but I can’t bring myself to care about anything other than Cassius’s miraculous awakening.

I reach out and gently place my hand on Cassius’s cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips. His blue eyes lock onto mine, and for a brief moment, it feels like we’re the only two people in the world.

“Is this really happening?” I whisper, my voice cracking under the weight of my emotions. “Are you really here?”

“Annalise,” he says, his voice weak but filled with conviction, “I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere.”

My heart swells at his words, and tears prick at the corners of my eyes. It’s overwhelming—the relief, the joy, the sheer disbelief that Cassius has come back to us when I’d almost given up hope.

“Thank God,” I breathe, the words slipping past my lips before I even realize I’ve spoken them. But they feel right, because if there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that Cassius’s return is nothing short of a miracle.

With each passing second, the reality of Cassius’s awakening sinks in deeper, and I find myself overcome with gratitude. Grateful for the love we share, for the family we’ve built together, and for the future that now stretches out before us—uncertain but filled with possibility.

“Annalise,” Cassius says softly, his eyes never leaving mine. “Thank you.”

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat, and squeeze his hand in response. There are no words to express the depth of what I’m feeling, but I know he understands. In this moment, as our gazes lock and our hearts beat in tandem, I know that we’re finally whole again.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.