Natalie was wheeled out of surgery and into the ICU.
Arianna tried to keep Alexander from following, but Bruce gently pulled her away.
“This is really something between the two of them. They should work it out on their own. There are things you don’t know. Come on, let’s go somewhere else and I’ll explain.”
Arianna was annoyed with Alexander, but Bruce made sense. She gave in and didn’t argue.
When Samuel Thompson looked like he was going to follow too, Bruce stepped in front of him.
“This doesn’t concern Mr. Thompson. You don’t need to come.”
Before Samuel could say anything, Arianna jumped in. “Mr. Thompson is Natalie’s friend. If this is about her, why can’t he hear it too? Besides, just the two of us might be awkward.”
Samuel just smiled quietly.
Bruce sighed, realizing Arianna didn’t trust him. He nodded, giving up. “Fine, let’s all go.”
Inside the ICU, the only sound was the steady beeping of Natalie’s monitors.
Alexander sat by her bed, holding her hand so tightly his knuckles were white. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her face was so pale, he was afraid if he blinked, she might slip away forever.
“I’m sorry…” His voice was rough and raw, heavy with regret.
He lowered his head, resting his forehead on her hand. “I know nothing I say will ever make up for what I’ve done. I hurt you so much. I just… I don’t know what to do anymore. Please, Natalie, just wake up.”
He would do anything if she’d just open her eyes.
But Natalie lay silent and still, her breathing barely there.
Alexander brushed her cheek with his fingers. “I was arrogant. I thought I could control everything. I just stood by and watched you suffer. I’m such an idiot. Please, wake up and yell at me, okay?”
His words faded to a whisper, and tears slipped down his face before he realized he was crying.
“Can you hear me? I’m begging you… please, wake up.”
No one answered. Natalie didn’t move.

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