Chapter 7 - The Awakening
Hours passed like minutes.
Roman did not move from the chair, nor did he let go of her hand.
Outside, the blizzard continued to rage, blanketing the city in silence.
Inside the hospital, Roman’s men maintained a perimeter of absolute security.
Nobody entered the hallway without Roman's direct approval.
Suddenly, Clara’s fingers twitched against his palm.
Roman leaned forward, his heart skipping a beat.
Her brow furrowed, and she let out a soft, pained sigh.
Slowly, her heavy eyelids fluttered open.
She blinked against the dim light, her gaze wandering aimlessly for a moment.
Then, her eyes found him.
For a second, there was confusion, followed instantly by stark terror.
"Roman," she gasped, trying to pull her hand away.
"Shh, don't move," he said softly, tightening his grip just enough to keep her still.
"You are safe."
"My baby," she panicked, ignoring him and trying to sit up.
"Where is my baby?"
"He is safe," Roman assured her quickly.
"He is in the NICU."
"He is strong, Clara."
She collapsed back against the pillows, tears spilling over her cheeks.
"How did you find me?" she whispered, staring at the ceiling.
"The hospital called me," he explained.
"You never took me off your emergency contact list."
Clara closed her eyes.
"It was a mistake."
"I forgot."
"No," Roman said, his voice firm.
"It was fate."
"You needed my blood to survive, and I gave it to you."
She looked at him, noticing the bandage on his arm and his pale complexion.
May you like
"You donated?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"I would bleed out completely if it meant keeping you alive," he replied evenly.
