Livia swallowed hard, the enormity of his words sinking in. She gripped his hand tighter, feeling the tingles again as they sparked against her skin. “You’re here now,” she said softly. “That’s all that matters.”
For the first time in years, she felt like she belonged, as if the pieces of her fractured life were finally beginning to fall into place. Henry was awake, and the bond between them was undeniable.
--
Livia’s instincts kicked in the moment Henry spoke, her emotions momentarily set aside as her nurse training took over. Her demeanor shifted to one of professional focus, though the rapid beating of her heart betrayed her inner turmoil.
“How are you feeling?” she asked softly, leaning closer to him. “Are you in any pain?”
Henry’s brow furrowed as he blinked a few times, his voi
