CHAPTER 79

Arabel's POV

For days, I haven't moved a muscle from where I am seated, right next to Richard's bed.

The more days we spend here, the less my hope diminishes, leaving me with nothing but doubts and fear.

I have cried. Pleaded. Prayed. Apologized. Hoped. And I wished for nothing but for him to open his eyes, smile at me, and tell me he loves me or that he would love to kiss me again.

Just anything.

Anything would do.

But he has been silent. Eyes closed. And unconscious.

It makes me wonder just how long he is going to be this way, even though I don't stop praying for him to come out of it.

“Arabel?” Someone calls, coming into the room as I look over my shoulder. It is Mother. “Why aren't you sleeping? Did you even sleep at all?”

It is just the break of dawn, but I haven't slept a wink in days. Most times, I don't cheat nature, and I make up for it by sleeping during the day, but at night, my eyes are always wide open, staring at Richard and hoping for a miracle.

I shake my head without