CH 58.
As Andrianne entered Lucas’s hospital room, she noticed that he was sitting up in bed and looking at the cards and flowers that had been delivered to him. He looked up as she walked in, and she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he looked with his dark hair tousled and his blue eyes sparkling.
“Hey,” he said, smiling at her. “You’re back.”
Andrianne smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “Yeah, I couldn’t stay away for long.”
Lucas chuckled. “I don’t blame you. This place is pretty boring without you around.”
Andrianne rolled her eyes playfully. “I highly doubt that. You’re probably enjoying all the attention you’re getting from your adoring fans.”
Lucas grinned. “Yeah, but they’re not as pretty as you.”
Andrianne felt her cheeks flush at the compliment. She sat down in the chair next to his bed and they chatted for a while, catching up on what had happened while she was away. Lucas told her about the surgery he had undergone and how he was feeling better already. Andrianne listened attentively, asking questions and offering words of encouragement.
As they talked, Andrianne couldn’t help but feel drawn to Lucas. He was kind, smart, and brave – everything she had never found in her father’s world. She had always seen their marriage as a duty, something she had to do to please her father and secure her place in the family business. But now, she was starting to see Lucas as more than just a means to an end.
But she couldn’t bring herself to say anything. They were both still recovering from the traumatic events of the past few days, and she didn’t want to complicate things by admitting her feelings. Instead, she focused on making sure Lucas was comfortable and happy, bringing him books to read and snacks to munch on.
As the days passed, Lucas continued to improve, and Andrianne was there every step of the way. They talked about everything and nothing, and Andrianne found herself opening up to Lucas in ways she never had before. He was a good listener, and he always knew just what to say to make her feel better.
Andrianne knew that eventually, she would have to face the reality of her situation. She was still married to Lucas, and her father was still pulling the strings. But for now, she was content to live in the moment and enjoy the time she had with Lucas.
As the sun began to set outside, Andrianne stood up to leave. “I should probably get going,” she said, feeling a twinge of sadness at the thought of leaving Lucas alone.
Lucas nodded. “Yeah, I should probably try to get some sleep.”
Andrianne leaned down and gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead. “Sleep well, Lucas. I want to go out for a walk.”
Lucas smiled up at her. “Goodnight, Andrianne. Thank you for everything.”
Andrianne walked around the hospital premises feeling a mix of emotions – happiness at being with Lucas, sadness at having to leave him, and a sense of uncertainty about what the future held. But for now, she was content to take things one day at a time, knowing that no matter what happened, she had Lucas by her side.
Andrianne settled back into her chair next to Lucas’s bed. She had brought a small blanket from home and draped it over her lap, feeling the chill of the hospital air conditioning. She watched as Lucas slept, the rise and fall of his chest a comforting sight.
She had brought a book to read, but found herself unable to concentrate. Her mind kept drifting back to the events of the past few days. She couldn’t believe how much her life had changed in such a short amount of time.
As the night wore on, Andrianne found herself dozing off in the chair. She would wake up with a start every now and then, afraid she had missed something important, but Lucas remained asleep, his breathing steady.
At one point, a nurse came in to check on Lucas and Andrianne took the opportunity to stretch her legs. She walked down the corridor and found a vending machine, buying herself a bag of chips and a bottle of water. When she returned to the room, Lucas was still sleeping soundly.
Andrianne settled back into her chair, munching on the chips and trying to keep herself awake. She wondered how long they would have to stay in the hospital, and what the future would hold for them once they were released.
As the night wore on, Andrianne found herself growing more and more tired. She tried to fight it, but eventually her eyes grew heavy and she dozed off once again.
When she woke up, it was morning. She looked over at Lucas and saw that he was still sleeping. She stretched her arms and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She was exhausted, but she didn’t want to leave Lucas alone.
She stood up and walked over to the window, looking out at the city below. It was a new day, and she had no idea what it would bring. But she knew that she would face it with Lucas by her side.
“Good morning,” Lucas whispered softly as he hugged her.
“Good morning,” Andrianne replied with a smile. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better, thank you,” Lucas said, still holding her close. “I’m sorry if I scared you earlier.”
Andrianne shook her head. “No, it’s okay. I’m just glad you’re feeling better.”
They sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying each other’s company. Andrianne felt a warmth spread through her as Lucas held her,
“Lucas,” she said, breaking the silence. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Lucas looked at her expectantly. “What is it?”
Andrianne hesitated for a moment before finally blurting out, “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Lucas’s eyes widened in surprise, and Andrianne felt her heart racing as she waited for his response.
“Really?” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “Because I think I’m falling in love with you too.”
Andrianne couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She had always felt a connection with Lucas, but she never imagined that he felt the same way about her.
They spent the rest of the day talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. Andrianne felt happier than she had in a long time, and she knew that she had found something special with Lucas.