Chapter 73

Gregory stood before the hospital ward, his hand resting on the door handle.

He inhaled deeply, trying to steady his nerves. Breathe in, breathe out, he told himself, but the pounding of his heart seemed to drown out the calming rhythm.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally twisted the handle and stepped inside.

The moment he entered, his eyes landed on Emma.

She was sitting up in bed, her face lit up by a radiant smile as she chatted with his mother, who sat beside her.

The warmth of their interaction sent a burst of emotions surging through him, and Gregory momentarily froze in place, feeling both relieved and unnerved at the same time.

His mother was the first to notice him. "Oh, Gregory," she said softly, glancing from him to Hema.

"I’ll leave you two alone for a bit." She rose from her chair, gently patting Emma’s hand. As she approached Gregory, she stopped for a moment by his side, tapping his shoulder. “Take your time,” she whispered before quietly leaving t