Holding On To Hope

Chapter 15: Healing and Hurt

The days following Lina's hospital stay were a blur of pain and support. Her fractured rib throbbed with every breath, but the emotional wounds—those inflicted by years of her mother's cruelty—throbbed even more deeply. Yet in Leon's apartment, she found a kind of sanctuary. It was quiet, spacious, and safe. Leon had made sure of that.

Though she had a new apartment waiting for her, Leon insisted she stay with him until she fully recovered. "My child," he'd say, using the affectionate nickname he had for her, "you're not going anywhere until I'm sure you're back on your feet. Understood?"

His words were final. Lina often smiled at his stern protectiveness. She didn't argue—there was no point. Besides, being at Leon's place with Grayson and Mia coming by regularly, she felt surrounded by care in a way she hadn't felt in her own home for years.

Each morning, Leon would check in on her, sitting by her side with his laptop while she rested on the couch. "You need anything?" he'd ask, though the answer was always the same. He'd make sure she didn't move much, constantly reminding her that recovery took time.

Grayson would pop by in the evenings, bringing food and distracting her with jokes and stories from work. "You missed quite the day," he'd say with a grin. "Leon's still as terrifying as ever, by the way."

And then there was Mia, always appearing with snacks and bright conversation. "You're getting better every day, girl. Soon you'll be back to running things like usual," she'd say, painting Lina's nails or flipping through magazines with her.

Still, despite the love that surrounded her, Lina couldn't completely escape the shadow of her mother's presence. The weight of her words lingered, even when she wasn't speaking to her directly.

A week passed, and Lina felt the need to step back into her old routine. The fashion shoot had been scheduled for weeks, and though she hadn't fully recovered, she was determined to be there. It was her escape, a chance to lose herself in the creativity of her work.

Leon, as usual, wasn't pleased. "My child, you're not ready yet," he said, arms crossed as he watched her lace up her shoes.

"I'll be fine," Lina insisted, her voice firmer than it had been in days. "I need this. I need to feel like myself again."

Leon sighed. "Alright, but don't push yourself. I'll be watching you, so don't think for a second you're getting away with anything."

As much as she wanted to laugh, Lina knew he wasn't joking. At the shoot, Leon moved between shots with his usual focus, capturing the models as they posed, the lights flashing brilliantly around them. Lina, meanwhile, directed the team, her energy faltering but her resolve unshaken. Every now and then, the pain in her side flared up, and she had to pause, her hand instinctively reaching for the tender spot.

Leon noticed. His eyes flicked toward her every time she winced, and though he didn't say anything, she could feel his gaze, watchful and protective. By the end of the day, she was exhausted, her energy drained completely.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the shoot was over. The models packed up, the equipment was loaded, and the team dispersed. Leon walked over to her, his camera slung over his shoulder.

"Let's get you home," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. Lina didn't fight him. Her body was screaming for rest.

As they drove back to Leon's apartment, the silence was comforting. She rested her head against the window, watching the city lights blur past, her thoughts drifting in and out. It felt good to be back at work, but the toll it had taken on her body was undeniable.

Just as they pulled into the driveway, her phone buzzed in her lap. Without thinking, she picked it up and unlocked it. Her heart sank as she saw her mother's name flash on the screen. Hesitantly, she opened the message.

You think you can run from me? Pathetic. Ungrateful child. You've abandoned your own mother. Everyone will see you for what you are—worthless. No one will stand by you forever, you'll end up alone. Just like you deserve.

The words hit her like a physical blow. Her vision blurred as tears filled her eyes, her chest tightening painfully. She tried to stifle a sob, but it escaped anyway, her hands trembling as she struggled to keep her composure.

Leon noticed immediately. "Lina?" he asked, his voice sharp with concern. "What happened?"

She shook her head, trying to hide the phone, but her trembling hands gave her away. Before she could stop him, Leon reached over and gently took the phone from her hands. His eyes scanned the message, his expression darkening with every word.

"Lina..." His voice was low, filled with anger he was trying to keep in check. She could see the tension in his jaw, the way his hands clenched the steering wheel. But then he looked at her, and his anger melted into something softer. He saw the way her body shook, the way her breath came in shallow gasps.

"Breathe," he said softly, his voice firm but calm. "You're okay. You're here with me. She can't hurt you anymore."

Lina tried to focus on his voice, but the panic was rising quickly, her breaths coming faster, her vision narrowing. It had been so long since her last panic attack, she had almost forgotten how suffocating they felt. But her mother's words... they had a way of pulling her back into the darkest places.

Leon shifted in his seat, turning to face her fully. He didn't reach out to hold her, knowing she didn't need that right now. Instead, he spoke, his voice steady and authoritative, like a father speaking to his child.

"Look at me, Lina." His tone was gentle but firm. "You're safe. I'm here. Grayson's here. No one is going to hurt you. Not ever again. I won't let it happen."

Lina's breathing slowed, the tightness in her chest loosening just enough for her to catch her breath. She wiped at the tears spilling down her cheeks, trying to compose herself, though the weight of her mother's words still pressed on her heart.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Leon frowned. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

"But—"

"No." He cut her off, his voice soft but firm. "You've done nothing wrong, Lina. Don't let her make you believe otherwise."

He reached out then, placing a hand on her head, gently patting her as though she were a child. "You're going to be okay," he said quietly, his fingers brushing over her hair. "I'm not going anywhere. You're not alone."

The words settled into the air between them, offering a quiet reassurance that Lina hadn't realized she needed. Her tears slowed, though they didn't stop entirely. Leon stayed by her side, his presence solid and unwavering, until finally, exhaustion took over, and Lina felt herself drifting toward sleep.

"Rest," Leon whispered, his hand still on her head. "I've got you."

And as Lina's eyes fluttered shut, the last thing she heard was the steady rhythm of Leon's breathing beside her, grounding her in the safety of the present moment. Despite everything, she knew one thing for sure: with Leon and Grayson by her side, she would never have to face her fears alone.