The hospital corridors echoed with the hurried footsteps of nurses as Zane was rushed into the operation room. Kai Roberts approached Ella, who was pacing back and forth outside the door.
"Ella," Kai began gently, holding the medical report in his hands, "Zane's stitches reopened, and the blood loss caused him to faint. The doctors are working on him now, but he'll need another operation."
Ella's hands trembled as she gripped the back of a chair for support. "Why does this keep happening to him, Kai? He doesn't deserve this pain."
Kai placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "He's a fighter, Ella. He'll get through this."
Inside the operation room, Zane lay on the table, tears silently rolling down his cheeks. Though unconscious, his mind was consumed with the overwhelming loneliness he felt.
The next morning, Zara, Kai, and Sophie arrived at the hospital to visit Zane. His pale form lay motionless on the hospital bed, hooked up to monitors and IVs. Ella stood at the corner of the room, her eyes red from crying.
Sophie walked over to Ella and hugged her tightly. "He's strong, Ella. He'll wake up soon."
Zara placed a small bouquet of flowers on the bedside table. "We're all here for him," she said softly, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced with concern.
Kai stood by Zane's side, adjusting the blanket to make him more comfortable. "Hang in there, buddy," he whispered.
After spending some time in the room, the three visitors left to give Ella some privacy. Ella sat by Zane's bedside, her tears falling freely as she held his hand. "Please wake up, Zane. I need you," she whispered.
At a cozy café, Zara sat across from Finn Walker, her arms crossed as she listened to his explanation.
"Zara," Finn began, his voice filled with sincerity, "I know what you saw hurt you, but you have to believe me. Indira is just a junior from my class. I didn't even know she had other intentions."
Zara raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. "And you expect me to believe that? She was clearly trying to seduce you, Finn."
"I swear, I didn't realize it at the time," Finn said earnestly. "You're the only one I care about, Zara. Please don't let this misunderstanding ruin what we have."
Zara sighed, her anger slowly dissipating. She could see the genuine regret in Finn's eyes. "Fine," she said reluctantly. "But this is your last chance. If something like this happens again, we're done."
Finn smiled in relief. "Thank you, Zara. I promise I'll never let you down again."
The Wilson estate stood grand and imposing as Aiden and Sophie arrived for dinner. Sophie felt a wave of nervousness as they entered, clinging to Aiden's arm for support.
Rebu and Chole Wilson greeted them warmly, their faces lighting up when they saw Sophie.
"Aiden, is this the girl we've heard so much about?" Rebu teased, nudging her brother playfully.
Chole grinned. "She's lovely! Sophie, it's so nice to meet you."
Sophie blushed, offering a shy smile. "Thank you. It's nice to meet you too."
Dinner was served in the lavish dining room, the table adorned with elegant dishes. The atmosphere was warm, filled with laughter and light conversation. Sophie began to feel at ease, enjoying the company of Aiden's sisters.
However, the evening took a turn when Mason Wilson called Aiden into a private room after dinner. The air grew tense as Mason's expression turned cold.
"Aiden," Mason began sternly, "we need to talk about Sophie."
Aiden crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. "What about her?"
"She doesn't belong in our world," Mason said bluntly. "She's not one of us, and you know it. You're risking everything by being with her."
Aiden's eyes narrowed. "Sophie is important to me. I don't care about your opinion or the so-called family reputation."
Mason scoffed. "You're being reckless. Think about what this could mean for the family."
"I've thought about it," Aiden shot back. "And I've made my choice. Sophie is staying in my life, whether you like it or not."
The brothers stared at each other, the tension palpable. Aiden turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, his anger evident.
Sophie noticed the strained expression on Aiden's face as he approached her. "Is everything okay?" she asked softly.
Aiden forced a smile. "Let's go home."
As they drove back, Sophie couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Aiden remained silent, his thoughts consumed by the confrontation with Mason.
...