“I promise you,” I continued softly, “when you wake up later, you’ll be as good as new. Strong like before.”
As I spoke, I removed my sunglasses and adjusted the scarf wrapped around my head.
The scarf slipped.
Before I could stop it, it fell just enough to reveal my face.
Malaika blinked slowly. Then her eyes widened with sudden recognition.
“I remember you,” she whispered weakly. “You are my angel.”
The words struck straight into my chest like an arrow finding its mark.
“You saved me from the bad man before… in the forest.”
Quickly, I pulled the scarf back into place and slipped my sunglasses on again just as the anesthesiologist returned to the room.
I stepped aside quietly as he prepared the injection.
Within seconds, Malaika’s eyes closed completely. She was unconscious.
I leaned down and kissed her forehead. Then I straightened and took one last look at both beds, whispering a silent prayer that they would both recover.
Without another word, I left the room.
I turned the corner quickly and collided with someone.
My breath stopped.
I looked up.
Caleb.
The pounding of my heartbeat roared in my ears like thunder in my skull. My pulse raced wildly, and my legs felt weak beneath me.
I dropped my gaze immediately and forced my feet to keep moving.
Just keep walking.
“Nyah!”
I froze at the sound of my old name. It hit me like a blow to the chest. My heart lurched painfully. He hadn’t used that name in so long… but hearing it again felt like someone had reached into my past and yanked it violently back into the present.
Panic surged through me as I realized my mistake.
I bent down quickly and pretended to tie my shoelaces, hoping the movement would hide my face and give me a second to regain control.
When I stood again, I continued walking forward casually, keeping my head slightly lowered.
Don’t turn around. Don’t look back.I knew if I did, everything I had worked so hard to rebuild would collapse.
I turned the next corner and pushed open the nearest door.
It led to the stairwell.
Without hesitation, I slipped inside and hurried down the stairs, my heart still pounding violently against my ribs.
Once I reached the lower level, I pulled out my phone and sent Elle a quick message, thanking her for all the help.I told her I would see her back at the house.
