Melanie sat there, quietly observing the young man. Unbeknownst to her, her mind was filled with the image of the man after her death: his crazed obsession, eyes bloodshot as he pushed Aria from the rooftop, then proceeded to kill Ethan. Her man, once with a starlit brilliance behind him, was now surrounded by an abyss. Melanie lowered her eyes, sorrow lingering beneath them.
It was in this moment that the man on the hospital bed abruptly opened his eyes. His gaze was dark and brooding, mixed with a myriad of complicated emotions. Sweat glistened on his forehead, and he bit down hard on his lower lip until it bled, as if confirming something to himself. His gloomy eyes slowly focused on the petite figure before him, and Asher froze, disbelief flickering in his eyes...
In an instant, Melanie seemed to sense his gaze. She lifted her head to look at Asher. In that split second, Asher's demeanor returned to calm. Melanie stared at the awakened man, surprise quickly blooming on her face. She rushed out, shouting incoherently, "Doctor! Doctor, he's awake! Awake!"
The doctor hurried in, examined Asher, ensured he was mostly fine, gave a few instructions, and left the room. Throughout this, Asher's eyes never left Melanie. No one could comprehend the turmoil within him. He was terrified that this moment was nothing but a dream. Memories of past agony flashed through his mind like scenes from a movie. In his previous life, he hadn't been able to hold onto her. This time, he vowed never to let go again. He would hold her tightly, hide her carefully, and protect her.
Melanie noticed a bloodstain on Asher's lower lip and nervously approached to inspect it, asking puzzledly, "Why did you bite your lip?"
Asher managed a strained smile. "Maybe I accidentally bit it when I woke up."
"Let me get you some medicine." Melanie, in high spirits due to Asher waking up unharmed, felt her tense heart relax.
"No need." As she turned to leave, Asher reached out to grab her, pulling her back forcefully. The sudden movement caused him to lean forward significantly from his reclined position.
The commotion startled Melanie, who turned back anxiously. "Are you okay? I-I won't go, just stay still." She was nearly frightened to death.
Asher was aware his actions were unusual, but he couldn't help it. He clutched Melanie's wrist, afraid that if he let go, she would vanish.
After a while, Asher whispered, "I'm scared of being alone in the ward..." His low voice trembled with sadness.
Melanie was taken aback, recalling how Asher had likely witnessed his parents' passing in a ward, which might have left a traumatic impression on him regarding hospitals.
She sighed, sitting beside him, and comforted him warmly, "Don't be afraid, I'm here!"
From now on, Asher wouldn't be alone; she wouldn't shy away anymore. She would learn to be brave. A second chance at life wasn't granted to everyone.
Perhaps it was coincidental, or perhaps not, neither of them mentioned the car accident. Melanie didn't inquire about the cause of the crash, and Asher didn't question her presence in the ward.
It was as if they had an unspoken agreement, starting from the moment of their reunion, to leave the past behind...
Both silently sealed those memories deep within their hearts.
