Chapter 5

 Asher’s POV

Fatigue was overwhelming me; indeed, I was heading home to shed all the rest of the weary day behind me. But then something caught my eye.

At first, I believed it was some rubbish or clothing dumped off the road. Then the headlights were close enough to reveal to me that it was not: Someone lay there, immobile. My chest felt tight.

I slammed on the brakes, swerved off the road, and jumped out of the car, hardly aware that the rain was soaking through my jacket. Cold air hit me as I rushed forward, splashing through puddles in my shoes. 

She lay on her side; her hair was wet and clinging to her face, her clothes damp from rain. I was squatting near her, my heart pounding. 

"Hey," I said softly, hoping for some kind of response. Nothing. 

At least she moved her chest slightly; she was breathing. It gave me some relief, but not enough. I needed to get her help.

I quickly pulled out my phone and dialed for an ambulance. My voice was shaking as I explained what I'd found and gave the street name. They told me they were on their way. 

I stayed with her, knowing not what to do but unwilling to leave her alone. The rain made her seem so small, so fragile. There was a bruise along her jaw, faint but noticeable. I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened to her. Who was she? How did she end up there, alone in the rain?

The sound of distant sirens became nearer and nearer; soon the ambulance lights would be glaring into the darkness. Paramedics jumped out, quickly moving to take her pulse and breathing.

"Do you know her?" one of them asked while they worked.

I shook my head. "No. I just found her lying here."

The other paramedic nodded and slowly began hoisting her up on the stretcher. I stood back watching them secure her, but something in me just wouldn’t let me walk away. 

"I'm coming with you," I suddenly said, stepping towards the ambulance.

"With that look," answered the paramedic.“Are you family?”

“No, but...” I paused, unsure how to explain the pull I felt. “Please. I need to know she’ll be okay.”

After a moment, they nodded, and I climbed into the back, sitting quietly in the corner.

As the ambulance sped toward the hospital, I kept my eyes on her. There was something about her—a deep sadness, a kind of pain that went beyond the bruises. It stirred something in me, something I couldn’t ignore.

I didn’t know her name or her story, but I knew one thing: I couldn’t just leave her.

Eugene’s POV

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the cold, sterile smell of the hospital room. Machines beeped softly in the background, their rhythm steady but distant. My whole body ached, and the light above my bed was so bright I had to squint just to keep my eyes open.

As my vision adjusted, I saw a man sitting by the window. He looked completely out of place. His tailored suit was crisp, the fabric expensive and perfectly fitted. A gleaming watch sat on his wrist, catching the light as he adjusted his sleeves. His polished shoes looked like they belonged in an office building or a gala—not here.

He turned toward me, and for a moment, I was struck by the warmth in his dark eyes. His face was calm, composed, but there was a softness in his expression that I didn’t expect.

“Who... who are you?” I croaked, my voice barely audible. My throat felt raw, like I hadn’t spoken in days.

The man stood and moved closer to the bed, his presence both commanding and reassuring. “I’m Asher Malik,” he said, his voice deep but gentle. “You were in an accident. I found you lying on the street and called for help.”

I tried to make sense of his words, but my thoughts were jumbled. The last thing I remembered was walking down the street, blinded by tears. And then... nothing.

“How long?” I whispered. “How long have I been here?”

“A week,” he said simply, watching me carefully.

A week? My heart sank, and panic began to rise in my chest. “Nicole,” I said quickly. “My husband—has he been here? Has he asked about me?”

His expression changed slightly, but he didn’t look away. “No one by that name has come,” he said quietly. “I’ve been here every day. No one’s come looking for you.”

He had delivered the messages harshly like a punch to the gut. Nicole really hadn't come? He hadn't tried to find me? A wave of hurt and confusion threatened to drown me as I struggled to keep it at bay.

And then it hit me. 

My baby.

 My hand flinched to go to my stomach. "My baby," I gasped, the words tumbling out of my mouth before I could stop them. "What about my baby? Is my baby okay?" Asher looked taken aback and stepped closer, his brow narrowing. "Your baby?" he asked, voice cautious. 

The door opened without letting him complete his sentence; a doctor entered with a clipboard. Conflicted relief and dread washed over me at the sight of her. "Doctor," I said, voice trembling. "Please... my baby. Tell me my baby is okay." The doctor hesitated and I could see the pity in her eyes before she even spoke. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. "The injuries from the accident were just too severe. We couldn't save the baby."