Elena's POV
I stayed by Callum's side throughout the night. The steady rhythm of the heart monitor was the only sound in the dim room, a quiet reassurance that he was still here—with me.
He slept, barely stirring, except to shift slightly or murmur something I couldn't quite catch. I held his hand the entire time, afraid that if I let go, he might slip away again.
My phone buzzed for the fourth time in under ten minutes.
Julian. Again.
Sebastian's messages weren't far behind. Both of them had called, left voicemails, flooded my screen with concerned texts.
I sighed and finally reached for it.
> I'm at the hospital. Callum was stabbed last night. He's stable now. Please stop calling. —Elena
I copied the message and sent it to both of them.
My chest felt like it was caving in. So many people. So many secrets. And only one version of me to hold it all.
I dropped the phone face-down on the side table and leaned back into the chair, never once letting go of Callum's hand.
