RIIZE | Tuesdays with You 《Anton》Completed✔

Chapter 7: His Decision

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, and Lola stirred, finding herself still nestled against Anton's side. She blinked, taking in the quiet room, the gentle rhythm of his chest rising and falling beneath her. His arm, still resting around her, felt warm and reassuring.

Carefully, she shifted her position, laying her head on his chest to listen to the steady beat of his heart, a sound that brought her comfort. Even when he was asleep, Anton looked so peaceful, his soft features almost glowing in the morning light. With a tender smile, Lola brushed his hair back, tucking a few stray strands behind his ear. She couldn't help but adore him in this quiet moment before the world outside came crashing back.

Just as she was lost in thought, she felt his hand move, a gentle tap on her back. Her heart fluttered, and she immediately laced her fingers with his, looking up to meet his half-asleep gaze.

"Good morning," she whispered softly, her voice warm with affection.

Anton smiled through the sleepiness, though Lola noticed the way his brows furrowed slightly, a sign of discomfort she was starting to recognize. "Morning," he mumbled, his voice still groggy. He brought her hand to his lips for a soft kiss, but winced slightly, rubbing his temples as if trying to push away an incoming headache.

Lola opened her mouth to ask if he was okay, but before she could, there was a soft knock at the door. Anton's butler entered, carrying a small tray with a bowl of pills and a glass of water. The sight made Lola's stomach turn slightly. She stepped aside, watching as the butler handed Anton the medicine with practiced precision.

Anton, still half-asleep, barely reacted as the butler guided him into a sitting position. Lola watched intently, feeling a knot of worry form in her chest. Anton's eyes remained half-lidded, and as the butler coaxed him to take the pills, he seemed almost unresponsive. For a moment, it felt like she was watching someone else—an elderly patient, fragile and distant. Her heart raced with fear.

"Anton?" Lola called out softly, stepping closer. Something felt wrong.

The butler, usually calm and composed, began to panic, lightly slapping Anton's cheek, trying to rouse him. "Sir, you must wake up," he urged his voice tight with concern.

Lola's pulse quickened. "Anton!" she cried out, her hand reaching for his, but there was no response. Panic surged through her as she leaned in, trying to shake him awake. "Anton, please, wake up!" Her voice cracked with fear.

Just as her heart felt like it would shatter, everything blurred.

"Lola... wake up."

Her eyes snapped open, and she found herself gasping for breath, her hands trembling. Anton was beside her, very much awake, looking at her with concern. His hand was gently shaking her awake, his face soft but worried. Without thinking, she threw her arms around him, burying her face into his chest as tears spilled over. She held him tightly, not wanting to let go. Anton was warm, real, and alive.

"Lola," he whispered, his voice filled with confusion, "what happened? Did you have a bad dream?"

She clung to him, her face still pressed into his chest as she quietly sobbed, not wanting him to see how shaken she was. "I'm okay," she whispered, though her voice was shaky. She didn't want to tell him what she had dreamed—it felt too real, too terrifying. "I'm just overthinking, that's all."

Anton's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer. He kissed the top of her head gently, his fingers brushing through her hair in slow, comforting strokes. "You don't have to tell me," he said softly, "but I'm here. You can always tell me."

Lola nodded, grateful for his kindness, but she couldn't bring herself to speak about the dream. Instead, she just stayed in his arms, breathing in his scent, feeling his heartbeat steady against her. As the fear from her dream slowly ebbed away, she calmed down, though the image of Anton not waking up still haunted her.