Chapter 69
(After somedays)
Days had passed, and the hospital room that once echoed with tension and fear now held a sense of relief and gratitude. Aston had finally recovered, his strength returning with each passing day.
Aston couldn't help but chuckle as he looked at the familiar, bland breakfast that had been his only sustenance for days. "Seriously, Dad? More of this?" he teased, making a face at the unappetizing spread.
James shrugged, trying to maintain a stern expression but failing as a small smile tugged at his lips. "What can I say? The doctors know best," he replied, though the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his amusement. It was a side of James that Aston hadn't seen in a long time—one that was softer, more caring. It was a change that astonished Aston, but one he welcomed wholeheartedly.
Nyrah, ever diligent, had quickly set up the table on the bed, carefully arranging the food. Aston watched her, his heart swelling with affection. She had been his rock, her presence a constant comfort during the long days of recovery. And now, as she fussed over him, making sure everything was in place, he couldn't help but feel incredibly lucky to have her by his side.
James, on the other hand, had also been a surprising source of support. From the moment Aston had been admitted to the hospital, his father had never left his side. It was a stark contrast to the man who had once been so focused on business and power, and for the first time in years, Aston felt the warmth of true paternal care. It was as if the accident had shaken something loose in James, reminding him of what truly mattered.
"How're you holding up, son?" James asked, his voice gentle as he took a seat beside Aston's bed. The question was simple, but the concern in his tone was evident.
Aston smiled faintly. "Better, thanks to all of you," he replied, glancing at Nyrah as she settled beside him. "Though I could really go for something other than hospital food."
James chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, that's what Zale's for, isn't it?" he said with a wink. "I heard he's been sneaking you some contraband."
Aston laughed, the sound lightening the room's atmosphere. "Yeah, he's been my savior in that department. I don't know how I would've survived without those sodas."
Nyrah rolled her eyes playfully. "You two are impossible," she said, though there was no mistaking the fondness in her voice. She reached out, brushing a lock of hair from Aston's forehead, her touch lingering. "But I'm just glad you're getting better. That's all that matters."
"Nyrah, you're not well yourself, dear. You should go home and rest. Aston's much better now, and I'll take care of everything here."
James was clearly concerned about her, especially with the pregnancy, but Nyrah shook her head, her resolve unyielding. She had declined every suggestion to leave, insisting that she couldn't abandon Aston until she was certain his condition was fully stable.
Nyrah didn't know how to respond. Deep down, she was terrified of leaving Aston, afraid that if she left him, he might somehow slip away again. Even if she went home, her heart and mind would remain here with him. It wasn't just about physical presence; it was like her very being had become intertwined with his.
Sleeping beside him, waking up to his face, caring for him—these routines had given her a sense of purpose, a reason to keep going. The thought of being away from him felt unbearable, as though without him, she might lose that purpose entirely.
As the doctor stepped into the room, Aston's eyes lit up with a mix of hope and impatience. "Doctor," he began, his voice tinged with a restless energy, "when can I get out of here?" The sterile walls and the monotonous routine of hospital life had begun to wear on him. He craved the comfort of home, the warmth of his bed, and the simple pleasures of a life free from beeping machines and constant check-ups.
The doctor looked over Aston's charts, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he noted the steady improvement. "Well, Aston," he said, his tone carrying a hint of satisfaction, "you've made remarkable progress. If you're feeling up to it, you can leave today. You've pretty much recovered."
The idea of finally leaving the sterile environment behind, of stepping back into the world where he belonged, filled him with a sense of relief.
Aston let out a deep breath, as if he had been holding it in for days. "That's it, then," he said, more to himself than anyone else. "I'm getting out of here."
After everyone had left, James went to handle the discharge papers and prepare the car for Aston's departure. Nyrah watched as Aston got out of bed, making his way to the bathroom to freshen up. She knew he was going to change and instinctively followed him inside. As he washed his face, she took the damp towel, hanging up his fresh clothes nearby. When he was done, she moved closer, intending to help him change, her hands deftly beginning to unbutton his shirt.
But Aston stopped her midway, his hand covering hers as he gently took the towel from her grasp. Nyrah frowned, puzzled by his sudden resistance. "It's okay, I'll do it myself," he said, his voice unusually distant.
"Why? I want to see your wounds, Aston," she protested, her concern deepening as he avoided her gaze. She reached for the towel again.
He remained quiet, his posture stiff. Nyrah's frustration grew. "What happened to you, Aston? It's not like I haven't seen or touched you before," she said softly, her fingers gently working to remove his shirt. She carefully wiped down his chest, her touch tender, when suddenly he pulled her close, so close that there was no space left between them.
Her heart raced, her pulse quickening as she felt the warmth of his body against hers, his hot breath brushing against her face. It was as if time had stopped in that moment. Even with his injuries, Aston looked impossibly handsome, his features chiseled and captivating, despite the bandage on his head. Nyrah couldn't help but stare, mesmerized by how striking he was up close.
She found herself wondering if their child would inherit his father's looks. The thought made her heart swell with both love and a touch of longing. If their child did take after Aston, she knew he would be the most handsome boy she could ever imagine.
"Why are you doing this, Nyrah, when tomorrow is our divorce?" Aston announced, his voice heavy with resignation as he looked into her eyes.
Nyrah froze, her hands still resting on his chest. The words stung, piercing through the delicate moment they were sharing. She felt a lump form in her throat, but she forced herself to meet his gaze, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and confusion.
"It wasn't easy for me, Nyrah, to agree to this divorce," Aston said, his voice thick with emotion. "But now that I've made up my mind, please... don't care about me. Don't give me more hope." Nyrah's heart clenched at his words.
With that, Aston turned and walked out of the bathroom, pulling on his shirt. He left Nyrah standing alone, her emotions in turmoil. The room seemed to close in on her as she was left with her own thoughts, her mind racing with memories of their time together and the looming reality of their impending separation.
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Hey everyone!
This is the second last chapter of the book. So yeah we have only one more left. Hope you like this chapter. Do follow me on instagram for future book updates.
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