Chapter 86

(Emily's POV)

*Beep. Beep. Beep*

The steady beeps that drew me from a hazy sleep alerted me to the fact I didn't die. Or Satan just had a sick sense of humor.

My body was in a tranquil, painless state, but I hesitated to open my eyes as my imagination went wild. Maybe the surgeons had to amputate a limb. Maybe I was paralyzed. Maybe I was waking from a thirty-year coma. Unfortunately, what I heard was worse than what my imagination could have happened to me. And it had.

My gaze slid to Steve and Lea, who sat beside my bed wearing tired eyes. Silently, he watched me. I somehow knew he'd stayed by my side for as long as I was unconscious. This man I once hated had become the man I loved. I couldn't bear the thought of living without him.

Then it hit me.

I tugged at the IV in my hand as the heartache tore through me, sending sobs up my throat that wracked my chest.

Just as I pulled out the IV, the chaotic energy inside faded, leaving me so drained I could only cover my mouth as tears pou