Hailey's POV
*********flashback*********
A cacophony of memories burst forth in my mind, like a long-forgotten door creaking open. A deep, hoarse voice reverberated through my skull, its malice and contempt palpable.
"How dare you?!" the voice bellowed, its fury making my skin crawl.
"You're just a worthless orphan...
Baby, just leave her to rot alone in poverty."
A tiny, trembling voice responded, its innocence and vulnerability piercing my heart.
"Do you love me?"
"We're getting divorced"
The response was a cold, mirthless laughter, its edges sharp as knives. "Hahaha... You'll never be happy."
A faint, hesitant voice whispered, "Are you like him?"
The laughter swelled, growing louder and more menacing. I felt a wave of despair wash over me, followed by the sound of sobs – my own, I realized, as the flashback began to fade.
******flashback ends*******
I jolted awake, my eyes snapping open to the harsh fluorescent light. "No, no, no... Leave me alone!" I yelled, my voice hoarse from sleep. The only sound in the room was the frantic pounding of my heart.
As I struggled to catch my breath, a flurry of white coats burst into the room. Doctors and nurses swarmed around me, their faces etched with concern. Aiden's worried expression stood out among the crowd, his eyes locked onto mine.
One of the doctors moved in close, shining a tiny light into my eyes. I winced, feeling a surge of discomfort. Aiden's warm hands enveloped mine, his touch calming my frazzled nerves. I felt my tense muscles relax slightly as he held my hands.
The medical team worked quickly, their movements efficient and practiced. Minutes passed, and they finally finished their examination. As they stepped back, the bed was adjusted, and I was helped into a sitting position.
I looked around, taking in the sea of faces surrounding me. Aiden's eyes met mine, his expression softening into a gentle smile. I felt a sense of gratitude toward him, this stranger who seemed to care for me deeply.
"Miss. Hailey, are you alright?" One of the doctors asked.
"Well I'm fine now, but doctor what happened to me?" I asked curious. My head hurts and it feels like I have just run a thousand miles in one night. I said, holding my head.
As Aiden's hand settled on my head, his warm touch sent a soothing wave through my frazzled nerves. His eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep concern that made my heart skip a beat. For the first time, I felt a sense of safety, like I was shielded from the world's dangers.
A pang of regret hit me, remembering how I'd lashed out at him the day before. His kindness and gentle gaze made me realize that I'd misjudged him. He wasn't trying to hurt me; he genuinely cared about my well-being.
A wave of remorse washed over me, and I felt my eyes prick with tears. I looked away, trying to compose myself, but Aiden's gentle pressure on my head kept me grounded. His silent understanding and empathy wrapped around me like a warm blanket, making me feel seen and heard.
"Miss. Hailey, it seems like some little fragments of your memory are fighting their way through. But I'll advise that you don't force it, when the time's right you'll remember it all."
"But doctor…"
As the doctor's words hung in the air, I felt a surge of frustration and desperation. Aiden's calm voice cut through my emotions.
"You heard the doctor, Hailey, don't force it." I looked up at him, my eyes welling up with tears.
Aiden's expression softened, and he reached out, wrapping me in his warm arms. I buried my face in his chest, feeling a sense of safety and comfort. My body shook with sobs as I poured out my emotions.
"I just want to be fine, I just want to be happy," I sobbed, my voice muffled against his chest.
Aiden's arms tightened around me, holding me close. "You will be Hailey, you will be happy," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction.
As I pulled back, looking up at him with pleading eyes, Aiden's expression changed. He looked taken aback, as if unsure if I truly meant my words.
"Please stay with me," I begged, my voice barely above a whisper.
Aiden's face softened, and he nodded. "Okay Hailey, I will," he said, his voice filled with warmth. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, canceling his appointments for the day.
As he sat back down beside me, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Aiden took my hand in his, his touch warm and comforting. "We'll get through this, I promise," he said, his eyes locked on mine.