Our love story

18

SHAWN SHANE WINSTON POV

As I slowly regained consciousness, the sound of a monitor beeping and movements around me filled my senses. After a few moments, I managed to open my eyes, blinking thrice to clear my vision.

"Shawn!" Hope exclaimed, rushing to my side with a mix of concern and relief.

Keith quickly departed to fetch the doctor, his voice firm and reassuring.

I turned to Owen and inquired, "How long have I been here?"

He replied, "Only a few hours; you don't have to worry, Shawn."

But my heart clenched in pain as I suddenly recalled aunt Davina words, and the weight of my past mistakes bore down on me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt a deep sense of loss and regret, knowing I would never see Raven again or have the chance to earn her forgiveness.

"Shawn,"

I shook my head, trying to compose myself, as a tear slipped from my eyes. "Aunt Davina told me Raven committed suicide. I'm such an awful person," I muttered, overcome with emotion.

Hope sat beside me, offering comfort and support. "You're not, trust me, Shawn. You're not," she said softly, trying to reassure me.

I shut my eyes tightly, struggling to hold back tears, not wanting to appear weak in front of them. The door was pushed open, and I knew it was the doctor, his presence calm and professional. He checked my condition, offered some words of encouragement, and left.

"Yes, what you did to Raven was wrong," Keith said, his voice measured and thoughtful, "but I know you aren't the cause of her suicide. Didn't Aunt Davina give you more details about it?"

I shook my head, still trying to process my emotions. "Her parents are dead, and then she lost all hope to live,"

Keith continued, his words gentle but firm. "Exactly, bro!"

Hope exclaimed. "The reason behind her death is not your fault, Shawn."

I sighed deeply, feeling a mix of emotions: guilt, regret, and sadness.

"How do you know that?" I asked, seeking reassurance.

"Because we all know what you did to her was unforgiving," Hope said, her voice soft but honest, "but it's been years since that happened, Shawn."

I fluttered my eyes open again, fearing I might hurt Nadia like I hurt Raven. I didn't deserve her, and the thought of losing her was unbearable.

"Where is Nadia? Is she aware I'm here?" I asked after a moment of silence, my voice laced with concern.

Owen nodded. "I called her when the hospital called me. She was with you all night and this morning. But we all left to get breakfast, leaving her alone. When we returned, she was nowhere to be found, and her number is turned off."

"What?"

Keith stepped forward, his voice firm. "You have to calm down, Shawn. You had a heart attack last night. We'll find her," he said, trying to reassure me.

I shook my head, feeling a sense of desperation. "What if something happened to her?"

"Shawn, don't you dare do this to yourself," Hope said, her voice firm but gentle. "She's fine. She probably went to change or run some errands."

"Hope, you don't know that," I said, feeling a sense of urgency. "Find her for me, or I'm leaving this bed," I demanded, trying to sit up despite their protests.

They all nodded, knowing they wouldn't be able to stop me. Keith gave the mansion a call, and my heart shattered when he informed me that Nadia did come to the mansion but only to get her things and then left in a hurry.