The hospital room was packed with people from both the Davis and Rivera families. Tristan’s fiancée—at least the one who had just announced their engagement in front of everyone—stood among them, looking like she belonged there. Emily Blair knew she couldn’t stay, no matter how much she tried to convince herself otherwise. The tension was thick, uncomfortable, and she’d had enough. Tristan had Cynthia and both families fussing over him. There was no real reason for her to stay.
She walked out, her anger simmering just beneath the surface.
The second she left, the whole room seemed to relax. Cynthia let out a relieved breath and focused all her attention back on Tristan.
Emily had barely made it to the elevator when Tristan’s eyes finally fluttered open.
Cynthia rushed to his bedside, her voice trembling with tears. “Tristan, you’re awake! I was so worried…”
Steven Davis stepped over, concern etched on his face. “Tristan.”
Everything was blurry to Tristan at first, but he scanned the faces surrounding him, searching for someone. For her. But Emily was gone. His brow knit with worry. He turned to Steven. “Grandpa, where’s Emily?”
It was the first thing out of his mouth.
Everyone looked a little surprised. Steven’s expression didn’t give anything away. Mr. and Mrs. Rivera stared, their faces stiff. Cynthia looked like she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She clung to Tristan’s hand, her voice tight. “Tristan, why are you asking about her? I’m your fiancée now. Shouldn’t you care about me?”
No one answered him. Tristan looked around again, double-checking. Emily really wasn’t there.
Cynthia was leaning in too close. Tristan turned his head away, the frown on his face deepening. His voice was rough. “Cynthia, just… give me some space.”
Cynthia’s eyes filled with tears. “Why are you acting like this…”
Tristan tried to move his hand, but Cynthia was gripping it tightly. He let out a low sound of frustration and pulled his hand away, pushing her off before she could lean any closer.
He glanced around the room one last time. Still no Emily. Nothing at the door, either. An uneasy feeling crept in. He struggled to sit up. Cynthia reached for him, but he brushed her off.
The medication was wearing off, leaving him weak but determined. He didn’t want or need anyone’s help.
Now that he was upright, he could see the whole room. Emily wasn’t there.
He looked back at Steven. “Grandpa, where is she? Why isn’t Emily here? Is she outside?”
Steven didn’t answer. Everyone wore different expressions, but none of them looked happy. Cynthia’s face was flushed with anger. Looking at the group, at the heavy faces of his grandfather and the Rivera parents, Tristan finally understood.
His expression turned cold. “She left, didn’t she?”
Steven’s voice was serious. “We’ve troubled her enough. We thought she should go home and rest. Is there a problem with that?”



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