CHAPTER 35: Shadows in the Waiting Room

BELLA

I caught a glimpse of David heading down the hallway, his figure casting a long shadow under the dim lights. My voice cracked as I called out, “David.” He stopped, his eyes searching my face as he hurried back to me. His hands found my face, fingers warm against my skin. “What happened? Are you alright?”

A hard knot formed in my throat as I shook my head. “It’s… it’s my dad. He’s in the emergency room.” A single tear slid down, quickly joined by another. The words barely came out, my voice breaking under the weight.

Without another word, David wrapped his arm around me, his grip steady. “We’re going,” he said, firm and resolute. He led me outside, instructing his driver, who pulled up to the curb within seconds. The ride to Hope Valley was a blur, the city lights streaking past, but David’s hand never left mine. The warmth of his fingers anchored me, his thumb brushing gently over my knuckles.

At the hospital, I rushed down the hallway, the sterile scent of disinfectant and the