Chapter 188

When Simon finally opened his eyes, he knew he wasn’t alone.

Blinking up to push the dizziness aside, he turned his head to glance over to his left.

As he had already guessed, Elena sat in the chair next to his bed, her head down, her fingers laced with his.

A soft smile broke across his lips. His thumb caressed the back of her hand, his heart at peace seeing that she was doing much better than the last time he remembered.

“Elena,” he spoke softly, gently, and with so much love that his own eyes prickled a little. “Wake up, darling, or you’ll hurt your back like that.”

She stirred awake, and as soon as her gaze found his, she sat up, a look of utter relief washing over her face. Her hand left him and cradled his cheek instead.

“You’re awake!”

“Yes, I am.” “I was so worried.” She was on the verge of tears again. “The surgery was over, but they told me you’d be out for a while. But it’s been hours already! And you were still sleeping! I thought— I was so—”

“Hey.” Simon cupped her face, s