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XANDER’S POV

I woke up in the hospital bed, the beeping of machines around me reminding me where I was.

My eyes blinked open slowly, adjusting to the dim light of the room. The first thing I noticed was the empty chair beside my bed. Adeline wasn’t there.

Panic surged through me, and I sat up abruptly, my heart racing. Where was she? Did she leave me? Did she hate me now?

I rubbed my eyes and looked around the room frantically.

My mind was racing with questions. I wasn’t used to not seeing her. For the past few days, she had been by my side constantly, taking care of me, talking to me, and making sure I was comfortable.

The thought of her abandoning me now was unbearable.

Then, I saw it, a small piece of paper on the nightstand. I reached for it with trembling hands and unfolded it.

Her neat handwriting filled the page. It read, “I went home to pick up some things. I’ll be back soon. Love, Adeline.”

I sighed, relieved. She hadn’t left me. She was just getting some things. I sank bac