CHAPTER 77

Arabel's POV

I open my eyes again to land them on Caleb, who is sitting opposite Ashley and me. I turn to Ashley, and she wraps a hand around my shoulder, understanding what my look means.

I'm blaming myself already.

What if he dies? How could I live with that, knowing full well that I forgave him but not fully? Knowing full well that I caused it?

I sob.

The lump of dread stuck in my throat has refused to go down.

The doctors won't let us in.

We were just lucky enough to see him when he was brought out of the surgery room. There were tubes all around him, and I almost collapsed at the sight.

Richard was hale and hearty an hour ago. Smiling at me. Kissing me.

And now he is bedridden. Unconscious.

How can I possibly cope with that? What do I tell Daisy? What if she asks him? Is this a punishment for me to value him more than I currently do?

I blame myself because I keep pushing him away. Forgiving him was one thing; forgetting everything was another; and giving him another chance was o