In my dreams (On Hold)

She's not Hanna??

As Jake re-entered Hanna's room, he found her slumbering peacefully, and his heart swelled with a gentle tenderness. He quietly placed the breakfast on the table, trying not to disturb her, but Hanna's soft voice called out from behind,
Hanna: Thank you so much again, Mr. Detective.
Jake turned, his eyes locking onto hers, and a small smile played on his lips.
The silence between them was palpable, both struggling to confront the unspoken emotions. Jake broke the stillness, his voice low and soothing,
Jake: You rest, and then have your breakfast.

Hanna's concern, however, was elsewhere,
Hanna: All those girls reached their homes safely, right? And Uncle Smith, how is his daughter Jennifer? How is aunty's condition now?
Jake's face was a picture of astonishment, his eyes wide with wonder. How could someone, amidst their own suffering, worry about others? Hanna lay on the hospital bed, her selflessness radiating like a beacon. Jake's smile grew, his nod slow and deliberate, as he struggled to find words to match her empathy.
Jake: Yes, they're all safe...and Jennifer...she's recovering well. Aunty's condition is stable too.
The room seemed to shrink, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment.
A week had passed, and Jake had been Hanna's constant companion, nursing her back to health with a dedication that bordered on obsession. Martin, ever the faithful sidekick, had watched over Jake with a knowing eye, aware of the depths of his emotions.
Finally, the day of discharge arrived, and Jake escorted Hanna home, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of curiosity and concern. As they pulled up to her house, Jake sprang into action, opening the door and gently guiding her out of the car. His hands lingered on her shoulders, as if reluctant to let go.
Once inside, he settled her onto the sofa, his movements soft and solicitous. He disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a glass of water, which he handed to her with a tender smile. As she sipped, he stood beside her, his eyes drinking in the sight of her, his heart swelling with emotion.

Hanna's voice broke the spell, her words a gentle dismissal.
Hanna: I think you should go now, Mr. Detective. Your family must be looking for you. You've done so much for me this past week; I'll always be grateful.
Jake's face tightened, his eyes flashing with a mix of sadness and longing. He nodded, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jake: Take care, Hanna. If you need anything.
He trailed off, knowing she wouldn't ask. With a final glance, he turned and left, the silence echoing behind him like a promise unfulfilled.
As Jake turned to leave, his heart rebelled against departing. Fate conspired to keep him there, as Hanna struggled to rise from the sofa, her feet tangling beneath her. In a flash, Jake's arms encircled her waist, his hand cradling the back of her head, saving her from a fall. Their eyes met, and the world around them melted away.

Time suspended, leaving only the two of them, lost in the depths of each other's gazes. The air pulsed with unspoken emotions, their bodies inches apart. Hanna's cheeks flushed, her eyes never leaving Jake's, as she freed herself from his grasp.
Hanna: Thank...thanks.
She whispered, her voice barely audible. She turned to leave, but Jake's voice halted her.
Jake: No need, Miss Elisa.
He said, his tone low and husky. Hanna's eyes widened, her head swiveling back to face him. The air was charged with tension.
Hanna's eyes narrowed, her gaze meeting Jake's piercing stare. She sensed a hint of accusation, her instincts screaming warning. Jake's expression was a mixture of curiosity and knowing, his voice low and probing.
Jake: Still, you don't want to tell me the truth?
He asked, his eyes boring into hers. Hanna's lips parted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hanna: You...you know? Jake's nod was almost imperceptible.
Jake: Yes, I knew you're not a florist, Hanna. You're Elisa Johnson, the daughter of Mr. Johnson.
Elisa's eyes flashed, her mind racing.
Elisa: Then why...?
Jake's chuckle was low and husky.
Jake: Oh, come on, Ha...sorry, Elisa. I'm a detective. Did you think I'd appoint someone for a high-stakes mission without knowing their background? I knew your capabilities, that's why I chose you. Elisa's voice rose, her words laced with indignation.
Elisa: Oh, so you used me because of my family's influence?
Jake's expression turned stern, his voice firm.
Jake: No, never. I don't play that game, Elisa. I have a goal, and I won't compromise my values. Your brother, Mr. Mike, met me that day and shared your story. I was shocked, but it only strengthened my resolve. And I understand your fear, Elisa. But remember, not everyone who enters our lives is meant to teach us a lesson. Sometimes, God sends people to heal us, to mend the cracks in our souls. Don't assume everyone has an ulterior motive. Some people are simply messengers of hope and redemption, sent to guide us through the darkness and into the light.
Jake's words were a gentle breeze, soothing her frazzled nerves, and offering a glimmer of hope.
Jake: And yes, Elisa, before I go, if I made any mistakes while taking care of you over the past week, please forgive me. I understand I overstepped boundaries, and I promise to respect your privacy from now on. Consider this my farewell gesture. Goodbye, Elisa. May the future bring you peace and happiness.
With that, Jake turned to leave, his eyes lingering on hers for a moment, before disappearing into the unknown, leaving Elisa to ponder the complexities of their encounter.