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Melissa stepped into the luxurious hospital room, her gaze sweeping across the space as her eyes widened in awe. Everything around her was impeccable—designer furnishings, soft lighting, and an air of exclusivity that almost made it hard to believe this was a hospital. She could feel the cool, soft fabric of her blue sundress brush against her legs as she shifted on her feet, clutching the bouquet of fresh red roses a little tighter. A soft smile spread across her lips, one filled with both awe and disbelief.
"Wow," she whispered, a little breathless as she took in the sight before her.
Her grandmother lay resting on a hospital bed that seemed more fitting for a five-star hotel than a medical facility. A plush, five-seater sofa, upholstered in the finest leather, was positioned beside the bed, adding to the ambiance of understated opulence. One could easily mistake this room for a luxurious apartment if not for the quiet hum of medical equipment in the background.
Alice, standing beside Melissa in her crisp blue nurse uniform, gave her a knowing smile. She had been working at the hospital for years but never in a ward quite like this. "This is the first time I've ever worked in a ward like this," Alice commented, her voice a little hushed. "It's rare for patients to experience this much luxury."
"Shh," Melissa playfully hushed her friend, her smile transforming into a girlish grin as if she were a child again. The two shared a quiet laugh. "Alice, I'm so glad to see you," Melissa said softly, her heart swelling with emotion as she reached out to clasp Alice's hand in hers.
Alice's eyes softened as she squeezed back. "Me too," she replied, her voice tinged with the same tenderness. They hugged, a quick but heartfelt embrace, both of them lingering for a moment, lost in the comfort of their shared bond.
After a moment, Melissa glanced down at the roses in her hand. "Do you have a vase?" she asked.
"Yes, of course," Alice responded, gently taking the bouquet from Melissa's hands. She crossed the room with graceful efficiency and placed the roses in a crystal vase at the far end of the room, positioning them carefully on the side table. The flowers instantly brightened the space, adding a splash of color to the otherwise muted, elegant room.
"Thank you," Melissa said appreciatively, her voice warm.
With the room now set, Melissa walked over to her grandmother's bedside. The older woman was sleeping peacefully, her chest rising and falling rhythmically. A small tube ran from her nose, providing her with a steady flow of oxygen, and a blood pressure monitor was gently wrapped around her arm, its display silently updating every few moments.
"Nana…" Melissa whispered, her voice soft as she caressed her grandmother's silver hair. She leaned in closer, her hand gently brushing through the soft strands. "It's me, Nana. I'm here."
Her grandmother didn't stir, her face serene, as if she were in the middle of a deep, restful sleep. Melissa's heart clenched as she watched her, remembering the strong woman who had always been there for her. She sighed quietly, then lowered herself onto the sofa beside the bed, her body sinking into the soft leather. Alice joined her, sitting down as well, the air between them heavy with the weight of the moment.
For a while, neither of them spoke, just taking in the quiet sounds of the hospital room—the soft beeping of the machines, the distant murmur of nurses outside. Then, Alice broke the silence, her voice suddenly excited and playful.
"So," she began, leaning a little closer to Melissa, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "How does it feel to be married to the future boss of the Torex gang?"
Melissa stiffened slightly, her face instantly clouding with uncertainty. She wasn't sure how to answer that. "Oh…I… I had no idea what I was getting myself into," she admitted with a nervous chuckle, trying to mask the heaviness in her chest. She sighed, her fingers twisting anxiously in her lap. "It's not really Elijah you need to worry about, though."Alice tells mellisa.
Melissa raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "It's not?"
Alice shook her head, lowering her voice. "No, it's Hayden you should watch out for."
A shiver ran down Mellisa's spine at the mention of his name. She had heard rumors—whispers in the shadows about Elijah's brother. Hayden was the quieter of the two, more reserved, but there was an air of danger that clung to him like a shadow.
"Yeah," Alice continued, her tone almost conspiratorial. "He's mysterious, and… well, I've heard a lot of nasty rumors about him."
melissa's curiosity flared, but there was a hint of caution in her eyes. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Like what?" she asked, glancing around as if someone might be listening.
Alice hesitated, biting her lip before speaking. "Like… like all the girls linked to him either go missing or end up dead," she finally said, her voice barely audible, as if saying it out loud would make it real. "You should really be careful around him."
Mellisa's eyes widened at the revelation, her breath catching in her throat. Before she could respond, a sudden cough echoed through the room, startling both women. They whipped around in unison, their hearts racing.
Standing in the doorway, almost like a shadow, was Hayden himself. His tall, imposing figure filled the entrance, his expression unreadable as he stepped inside the room. Neither of them had heard him enter, and the realization sent a chill down Melissa's spine.
He had been there. Listening. Watching.
Hayden's eyes flickered between the two of them, his gaze lingering on Melissa for just a moment too long. His lips curled into a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Ladies," he greeted, his voice smooth but with an edge that made the air feel heavier.
Melissa's heart pounded in her chest as she exchanged a quick glance with Alice. Neither of them had been expecting him, and now, his sudden presence left them both on edge.
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