Forever Lost

I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. My head pounded with a fierce intensity, like a thousand drums beating in unison. My vision was blurry at first, but as I blinked, it began to clear. I was in a room I would always recognize - a luxurious bedroom with cream-colored walls and a massive four-poster bed. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me back onto the pillows.

That's when I saw him - Alexander, sitting beside the bed, his hand clutching mine. His eyes were red-rimmed, his face etched with worry and fatigue. He looked like he hadn't slept in days.

"Ivory?" he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "Oh, thank God you're awake."

I tried to speak, but my throat was parched and dry. Alexander quickly poured me a glass of water from the bedside table and helped me take a sip.

"What...what happened?" I croaked, my mind foggy and unclear.

Alexander's expression turned grim. "You've been through a lot, Ava. Russo...he's dead. You