Later that night…
When Dylan made sure that Gianna had drifted into a deep sleep, he quietly slipped out of her room and went to see Ava. He found her sleeping peacefully, her expression serene, as if all the tension and pain from the day had vanished.
For a moment, Dylan stood frozen, just watching her. Ava looked beautiful even in her sleep. Her delicate features captivated him.
Her face was calm, her rosy lips slightly parted in sleep. Her head was tilted softly to the side, and her long, curled lashes rested on her cheeks, giving her an ethereal look. He half-expected her eyes to flutter open and catch him staring.
Compelled by an overwhelming urge to be close to her, Dylan walked quietly to the side of her bed. He stretched out his hand to caress her cheek but stopped an inch away, hesitating. He didn't want to disturb her rest. Instead, he sat down in the chair beside her, his eyes never leaving her face.
