FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 44

The soft beeping of the heart monitor was the first sound Cyrus heard as he slowly regained consciousness. The sterile smell of the hospital room filled his senses, and he felt the dull ache of his injuries. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim lighting.

"Cyrus?" Selena's voice was soft, filled with a mixture of relief and worry.

He turned his head slightly, seeing her seated beside his bed. Her eyes were red and puffy, evidence of hours of crying. Despite her disheveled appearance, she looked beautiful to him.

"Selena," he croaked, his voice weak and raspy.

Selena's face broke into a relieved smile, and she gently squeezed his hand. "You're awake. Thank God."

Cyrus tried to sit up, wincing at the pain that shot through his body. Selena quickly moved to help him, adjusting his pillows to make him more comfortable.

"Don't try to move too much," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "You've been through a lot."

He nodded, taking in the concern etched on her face. "What happened?" he asked, his memory fuzzy.

She took a deep breath, her eyes glistening with tears. "You fainted. The fever and the stress... it was too much. Reggie ... He... He..."

Cyrus's expression darkened as the memories flooded back. "He beat me up."

Selena nodded, her grip on his hand tightening. "I'm so sorry, Cyrus. They didn't know how sick you were. They were just... angry."

"It's not your fault," he said, his voice soothing despite the pain. "It's mine. I should have handled things differently."

Selena shook her head, tears spilling over. "No, Cyrus. They had no right to hurt you. This is on them."

The door to the room opened, and Aziel walked in, followed by Ezra and Reggie. Their expressions were somber, filled with guilt and regret.

"Cyrus," Aziel said, his voice gentle. "I'm glad to see you're awake. How are you feeling?"

"Sore," Cyrus admitted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at Reggie and Ezra.

"We're so sorry, man," Reggie said, his voice trembling. "We didn't know. We didn't mean for it to go this far."

Ezra stepped forward, his eyes filled with remorse. "I shouldn't have let it happen. I should have stopped Reggie. I'm sorry."

Cyrus nodded, not saying anything.

"They were fools... and still fools... Sorry for how they acted and what they did that landed you here," Aziel said. Cyrus responded with a weak smile.

"I'll get the doctor," Selena said, leaning in to give him a kiss on his forehead.

"Okay," he said, watching her walk out.

Cyrus turned to Aziel, his voice hesitant. "Uh... I'm sorry for even being with her."

Aziel's expression softened. "Oh, don't worry. If you like her, then no problem. Just don't break her heart, because I might do worse to you," he said with a soft chuckle, and Cyrus managed a small smile.

"See you around," Aziel said before leaving the room.

Silence hung in the air as Cyrus, Ezra, and Reggie stood there, each lost in their thoughts.

"Look, Cyrus... I'm really sorry. I lost my temper," Reggie said, his voice thick with regret.

"It's okay. At least you were able to beat me once in your life," Cyrus said, trying to lighten the mood with a chuckle. Ezra smiled slightly.