Rhianna had a long, long dream.
In the dream, countless times, Rylee held her gradually cooling body while she, as a soul, stayed by his side, unable to offer him any comfort.
And her Rylee, the stern, iron-willed man, who didn't shed a tear even when shot, held her like a soulless shell.
*
Rhianna was awakened by the morning sunlight.
In the hospital, she had suffered only minor skin abrasions.
Her mind was solely on Rylee—how was he?
Damon and Carlo had stayed in her room, overjoyed to see her awake.
After this incident, Damon felt gratitude towards his brother-in-law, whom he had thought would divorce with his sister long ago.
They stood outside the ICU, where Rylee lay. His parents had been keeping vigil for three days. Rylee had been shot nineteen times, with one bullet hitting a vital organ. Fortunately, Rylee had arranged for help at the cliff's base, enabling timely rescue. Following coordinated police efforts from several countries, the remnants of the drug cartel, including Antonio, were captured. The police also rescued Arely, while the woman who lured Rhianna was an expert in disguise from the cartel.
Everything was settled, but Rylee remained in a coma.
*
Three years later, Javion and Rhianna starred in Carlo's directorial debut, "Burning Poison," which premiered nationwide and became a dark horse, winning the annual box office champion.
After the southwestern trip, Carlo extensively revised the script. "Burning Poison," based on the real international anti-drug operation against the cartel of Antonio, was a thrilling, artfully crafted film that realistically depicted the story.
Rhianna won Best Actress for her role as an international drug expert, secretly an undercover officer. Her character was a highlight in the male-dominated crime thriller, showcasing her acting prowess and earning her a large fanbase.
At the film awards ceremony, Rhianna stood on stage, receiving the trophy from a senior actor.
The host, as usual, asked whom she wanted to thank and her future plans in film.
Rhianna wore a white silk ruffled dress, designed to highlight her graceful figure. Holding the microphone, her smile was enchanting, but her eyes sparkled with unshed tears.
"I've held too many misunderstandings about him, unwilling to see the real him. I thought I had died for him once, not knowing he had experienced countless life-and-death separations by my side. Like the characters in the film, enduring final partings, I want to tell him I will wait for him to wake up, just as he silently protected me. Rylee is the person I most want to thank and love. Every day from now on, I will wait for you to wake up."
*
Military Hospital, Convalescent Ward
Nurse Smith was conducting her routine checks and recording data.
In Room 709, the patient had been there since her first day on the job, marking her growth from an intern to an independent nurse.
Sadly, the patient was in a vegetative state, but even in illness, he was incredibly handsome.
Almost every day, a beautiful lady came to visit this patient, and she looked remarkably similar to a popular celebrity.
But today, while she was taking his temperature, she saw it. She saw his fingers move!
*
Rhianna visited the hospital almost daily, sitting by Rylee's bedside for an hour, talking about her life and sharing amusing stories. Even when she had to go out of town for filming, she made sure Lauryn set up a video call so she could see Rylee.
Rhianna had always wanted to transition to behind-the-scenes production, and her directorial debut was her first serious project. She recorded her and Rylee's daily life through videos and texts.
Today, Rhianna had just come from an awards ceremony. She declined the celebratory banquet and was about to enter the hospital when she received a call from Rylee's mother, telling her that Rylee had woken up.
Without a second thought, she ran to the ward, her emotions indescribable.
When she saw him, the person she had been longing for, awake and alive, she stood at the door, tears streaming down her face.
She heard his voice.
"Rhi, don't cry."
Rylee, seeing her in tears, tried to get up despite being bedridden for three years without rehabilitation.
But the soft girl threw herself into his arms, warm and real.
Though he lacked strength, he still wanted to hold her like this.
Rylee caressed her tear-streaked cheeks, looking into her eyes with a solemn promise.
"Don't worry, I will never leave you alone again. Never."
