35. Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Talia

I woke up in the early morning, my mind struggling to emerge from the thick fog of unconsciousness. Everything around me was a blur; the sterile white walls and the incessant beeping of machines created a surreal, disorienting environment that only added to my confusion. Panic surged as I tried to remember where I was and what had happened. A sharp antiseptic smell hit my nose, making me realize I was in a hospital. However, the details were still hazy, like dream fragments slipping through my fingers.

"Talia," a familiar voice called softly, pulling me from the edge of panic. I turned my head slowly, my neck stiff and sore. Aleksandr was there, his face a mixture of worry and relief. He was seated beside my bed, his hand gently holding mine, his grip warm and reassuring, a lifeline in this sea of uncertainty.

"You're safe," he said, his voice steady and soothing. His eyes, usually so guarded, were filled with an intensity that made my heart ache. "You're going to be okay."

I blinked, trying to focus on his face and ground myself in his presence. "What happened?" I managed to whisper, my throat dry and scratchy, each word a painful effort.

Aleksandr's hand tightened around mine. "Do you remember anything?" he asked, his voice gentle but urgent. "Anything at all?"

At first, everything was a muddled mess in my mind. I shook my head slowly, frustration bubbling as I tried to piece together the fragmented images. "No... I don't..." I started, then paused, closing my eyes and concentrating harder. Slowly, fragments of memory began to surface, like pieces of a puzzle coming together.

"I remember coming out of the restroom," I said haltingly. "And then... I was attacked. It's all so fuzzy, but I remember fighting a man... and then everything went black."

Suddenly, a cold dread washed over me, gripping my heart with icy fingers. I squeezed Aleksandr's hand, my voice trembling. "The baby!" I gasped, my eyes wide with fear. "What about the baby?"

Aleksandr's expression softened, and he leaned closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "The baby is fine, Talia. I promise."

"What happened to the man?" I asked nervously, my voice barely more than a whisper.

"We don't know who attacked you, but my best guess is Vic. He injected you in the neck with a paralytic," Aleksandr explained, his voice laced with a mix of anger and concern.

My fingers instinctively flew to my neck, feeling around for evidence of the attack. "I can't believe he did this. How did he know we were at the restaurant?"

"He must have followed us. We'll get him, Talia," Aleksandr said, tucking a strand of loose hair behind my ear with a tenderness that brought tears to my eyes. "Rest now. I'll go get the nurse."

He stood up, his movements quick and purposeful as he stepped into the hallway. Moments later, a nurse entered the room, her demeanor calm and professional. She approached me with a reassuring smile, checking my vitals with practiced efficiency before heading out to get the doctor.

Aleksandr returned to my side, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm of my emotions. "You're safe now," he repeated. "I won't let anything happen to you or our baby."

As I tried to process everything, the door opened, and Dimitri entered the room, holding two cups of hot coffee. Steam rose from the paper cups, and the rich aroma tickled my nose, providing a small comfort amidst the chaos. "You're awake, finally," he teased, a smile on his lips. "You had us worried, but you're strong. I had no doubt you'd pull through," he said in his thick Russian accent.

I smiled weakly, appreciative of his presence here with Aleksandr. It felt like a moment of normalcy in an otherwise nightmarish situation.

Dr. Daria arrived shortly after, her kind but serious expression setting the tone for her visit. She conducted a thorough exam, her touch gentle yet precise. "The baby is fine," she confirmed, reassuringly. "You're both going to be okay. But we need to keep you here a little longer to monitor your condition before releasing you."

I nodded, relief washing over me even as a part of me longed to leave the sterile confines of the hospital. The idea of staying here, vulnerable and exposed, was unsettling, but I knew it was necessary.

A little while later, the door opened, and Sandy burst into the room, her face a mix of worry and relief. Dimitri was on her tail as she rushed to my side, eyes scanning me for signs of injury. "I came as soon as I could. Are you okay? Is the baby okay?" she said breathlessly.

"We're fine," I reassured her, though my voice still shook with residual fear. "The doctor said everything is going to be okay."

Sandy's face crumpled with relief, but her expression hardened as she turned to Aleksandr. "How could you let this happen?" she demanded, her voice shaking angrily. "You were supposed to protect her!"

"Sandy," I said softly, touching her arm. "It's not his fault."

She looked back at me, her deep blue eyes filled with tears. "You should come home with me," she said, her voice breaking.

Before I could respond, Aleksandr stood up, his face a mask of controlled anger. "Sandy, let's talk outside," he said curtly, motioning for her to follow him into the hallway.

Sandy hesitated, glancing at me with concern, but eventually, she followed Aleksandr out of the room. I could hear their muffled but tense voices as they spoke in the hallway. I closed my eyes, exhaustion washing over me. The events of the night had left me drained, both physically and emotionally.

The nurse returned, rechecking my vitals and adjusting the IV. "You're doing well," she said kindly. "Rest now. The doctor will be back to check on you soon."

Aleksandr and Sandy re-entered the room, her expression softer but still shadowed by worry. She sat down beside me, taking my hand. "I'm just worried about you," she said quietly.

I nodded, understanding her reaction. Sandy had always protected me; seeing me in such a vulnerable state must have been hard for her. "I know," I said softly. "But I have to stay here until the doctor says I can leave."

She squeezed my hand gently, her eyes filled with a sisterly love. "We'll stay as long as it takes," she said firmly. "I'm not going anywhere."

The fear gradually ebbed away as the hours passed, replaced by a deep gratitude for the people around me. Aleksandr's unwavering support, Sandy's fierce protectiveness, and even Dimitri's quiet presence were all my anchors, holding me steady in the storm.

The hospital staff came and went, their movements a comforting routine. The beeping of the monitors, once a source of anxiety, became a reassuring reminder that I was being watched over and that every precaution was being taken to ensure my safety and the safety of my baby.

As midday light crept into the room, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. The fear and uncertainty of the night were slowly giving way to a new resolve. I would get through this. We would get through this. Together.

Aleksandr and I exchanged a look, his eyes filled with a fierce determination that mirrored my own. We had a long road ahead of us, but for now, I was content to rest, knowing that I was surrounded by people who cared for me and who would protect me no matter what.

As I closed my eyes, drifting off into a much-needed sleep, I felt deeply grateful for the man beside me, the sister who had rushed to my side, and the new life growing inside me. Together, we would face whatever came next, stronger than ever.