Raymond’s gaze was filled with disbelief. As he was shouting earlier, one would think that he would be the first person to rush up to her as she woke up.
Raymond’s eyes was fixated on her. She sat on the bed, looking frail. She had lost weight due to lying in bed for a while now. Having to rely on infusions to keep her hydrated, Her face was beautifully pale. Her hair looks messy under the bandage wrapped around her forehead.
Regardless of her flawed appearance, Raymond gazed at her like she was the best thing in the world. He looked awestruck by her.
Lina was also looking at him in a daze. Gone was the ravishing and polished man. Though he was as handsome as ever, he looked disheveled. His always perfectly styled hair was now messy and unkempt, his eyes were sunken, and his face was pale. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days, and his usual confident demeanor was replaced by a look of vulnerability and adoration.
Lina was uncomfortable with the man’s deep gaze on her. Clearing her throat, she smiled weakly. “Good morning.” Her hoarse voice brought back those people in her ward back to their senses, showing they weren’t dreaming. The person that was in a coma for more than a week was now awake.
“Oh my God, Jane.” Ria was the first person to rush towards her, her arms spread to envelope her best friend in a tight hug. She sniffed, almost crying. “It’s three pm in the afternoon.” She was overwhelmed with emotions. I’m so happy you finally woke up. “Ahh,” she cried out as someone pushed her away, rushing forward like a wind.
Before they could process what just happened, Raymond wrapped his arms around Lina, holding her close to feel she was actually real this time.
Lina stiffened in his arms. This was the first time Raymond was acting this way towards her. Though they were married, apart from their first official kiss, and the goodbye kiss they shared before she left for school, he had never shown her such affection before . Lina’s mind was racing as she tried to process what was happening.
She had always thought that Raymond didn’t have any romantic feelings for her, that their marriage was just a business arrangement. But now, as he held her close, she could feel the warmth of his body, the beating of his heart, and the gentle pressure of his lips on her hair. It was all so overwhelming, and Lina didn’t know how to react.
She felt like she was frozen in time, unable to move or speak. Raymond, on the other hand, seemed to be savoring the moment, holding her close as if he never wanted to let her go. “Lina,” he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. “I was so scared I was going to lose you.” Gone was the brute that was threatening everyone earlier.
Lina’s eyes soften, savoring the warmth of his body. She was also scared of losing him just like he was. “Raymond,” her hoarse voice was muffled by his tight embrace. “I’m not letting you go. He said.
“Water, I need water.” Raymond reluctantly released her, he sat beside her with his arms wrapped on her waist protectively. He then tilted his head to look at their spectators, who were in awe at Raymond’s possessiveness towards Lina.
“Go get her some water.” Raymond tilted his head at Lucas. “Alright boss.” Lucas left to get some water.
Sister in-law, you are finally awake. Thank God you are awake, if not, the hospital might have collapsed under someone’s pressure. The cheeky Nicholas said, lifting the awkward air in the ward.
Raymond took the water from Lucas, and gently gave it to the precious gem in his arms. “Be careful not to burn yourself. He passed her the water like he didn’t hear what Nicholas said. It was like only Lina was in here, everyone else was invisible.
Lina smiled awkwardly at Nicholas, before snatching the cup of water from his hand and drank it in one gulp. Lucas passed another cup of water to his boss like he knew a cup won’t be enough, so he brought one more. “Are you hurting anywhere? Did you want more water?” Raymond’s concerned voice asked her as he brushed the fringe covering the bandage wrapped on her forehead.
He frowned looking at the thick bandage. “No, I’m fine. Lina answered awkwardly, still unfamiliar to this caring Raymond beside her.
“Ria, are you alright.” Lina ignored Raymond, shifting her body from his embrace. She was feeling shy with all gazes cast on them. She was only familiar with Ria in the room.
Ria was looking at her friend in awe, using her eyes to communicate with her asking how she had gotten the mighty Raymond hooked by her. Ria wasn’t angry that Raymond pushed her earlier, instead she was happy. It’s like her friend had found her forever after.
Ria’s eyes sparkled with tears as she nodded at Lina, still in shock that her friend was awake and okay. She was still traumatized with the kidnapping incident. She woke up a day after she was admitted to the hospital. Jayden was by her side throughout.
She took a step forward, but Raymond’s arm shot out, wrapping around Lina’s waist again, pulling her close to him. Ria’s eyes widened in surprise, but she couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Raymond being so possessive and protective of Lina. “Are you okay now?”
“I’m fine Ria,” Lina said, trying to reassure her friend. But Ria just shook her head, still grinning from ear to ear. “You’re more than fine, Lina,” Ria said, her voice filled with emotion. “You’re alive, and you’re going to be okay.” Lina’s eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Ria, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and love for her friend. But before she could respond, Raymond’s voice cut in, his tone low and husky.
“I think Lina needs to rest now,” he said, telling his friends and Ria indirectly they should get lost. “We can catch up later, Ria.” Ria nodded, still smiling, and backed away slowly. “I’ll come back later, Lina,” she said. “Get some rest, okay?” Lina nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as Ria left the room with Raymond’s friends.
As she turned to look at Raymond, she felt a flutter in her chest. He was still holding her close, his eyes burning with intensity as he looked at her. “Thank you,” she whispered, feeling a sense of shyness wash over her. Raymond’s face softened, and he leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear. “You don’t have to thank me, Lina,” he whispered. “I’ll always be here for you, I’m your husband.”
Lina’s face turned a beet red from Raymond’s words. How can he said the word husband so sweetly, fluttering her mind. “Raymond… ”
A faint cough sounded from the doorway, and Raymond and Lina’s heads jerked up, their eyes meeting the gaze of the person standing there.