Chapter Fifty-Four: Do you still love Jesse?

Jesse's POV

Tamara was sitting up in bed, still looking pale and tired, but at least she was eating now. That, at least, brought me a bit of comfort. The nurses had helped her sit up earlier, and seeing her somewhat nourished made my heart beat a little less painfully. I watched her carefully from the door, feeling helpless as ever, torn between stepping inside and giving her space.

But then, Aunt Serena strolled in, her presence a mix of comfort and something a bit unsettling. She always knew how to push the right buttons, though whether she was helping or hurting was a whole different story.

“Tamara, my dear!” Aunt Serena exclaimed, her voice sugary sweet as always. “How are you feeling, darling?”

Tamara blinked up at her, clearly surprised. “Aunt Serena? What are you doing here?”

“Oh, sweetie,” she cooed, pulling up a chair and sitting down like she had all the time in the world. “I came because Jesse told me you were being difficult. I had to come check on you myself. We’re fami