My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 741

Tristan sat beside Emily on the edge of the hospital bed, his gaze heavy with concern as he looked at the bandage wrapped around her head.

When he reached out to ruffle her hair, all he could feel was the thick layer of gauze beneath his palm. He barely dared to touch her, just letting his hand gently brush over her head.

Before he could sink too deep into his worries, Tristan scooted closer, their arms pressed together. He lowered his voice, adopting a mischievous tone. “If you really can’t get through this, you know, you can always cry your heart out on my broad, comforting chest.”

Emily couldn’t help but laugh, shoving him away. “Are you even listening to yourself?”

Tristan allowed himself to be pushed aside, only to suddenly turn back to her with an exaggeratedly serious expression.

His sudden shift caught Emily off guard. She blinked at him, momentarily stunned by how sincere he looked.

He fixed her with a grave look, though there was a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Not every woman is lucky enough to have the privilege of crying in my arms. You should cherish this opportunity—careful not to play with fire.”

He looked so solemn it was almost comical, as if he’d arrived at this conclusion after deep contemplation.

Emily was once again thrown off by his mock-seriousness, but as the absurdity of it all dawned on her, she burst into laughter. She gave him another gentle shove, clutching her side as she collapsed against the headboard. “What are you, some kind of melodramatic CEO from a teen soap opera?”

“Tristan, I should pay you to star in a low-budget web series—seriously, what is wrong with you?”

Her laughter was infectious, but after a few seconds, pain lanced through her ribs, and her face went pale. She gasped, clutching her side.

Tristan’s smile faded instantly. He leaned in to steady her as she doubled over, his brow furrowed with concern. “Easy. Take it slow.”

Emily leaned back against the headboard, eyes squeezed shut as she waited for the pain in her chest to subside. When she finally caught her breath, she reached out and gave Tristan a light punch. “Stop making me laugh, will you?”

He immediately ducked his head in mock-contrition. “My bad, my bad. I surrender.”

At the door, Tristan paused, turning back for one last look. Emily was fast asleep, her breathing deep and steady.

He couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips.

***

The next morning, Emily woke up early. The nurse helped her freshen up, and after breakfast, the doctor arrived to check on her.

He examined her, then smiled. “You’re recovering well.”

Relief flooded Emily, easing some of the tension in her chest.

As the doctor prepared to leave, he gestured toward the bedside table. “I noticed the herbal scent as soon as I walked in. Is that coming from this aromatherapy diffuser?”