into the sun

my heart craves for you, i don't

While Earn was stabilized in the trauma bay, Lada walked away from the chaos of the emergency area. In the hallway, she caught sight of the TV above the nurses' station—headlines flashed across the screen: "Jirawat Arrested for Suspected Syndicate Ties."

Images of Jirawat being led away in handcuffs filled the screen, his expression unreadable. Lada felt a chill run down her spine. That man—the one Earn had been sitting with at the café—was part of something dark. But why had Earn been there? Was it just bad timing, or was she somehow involved? A pang of fear and confusion twisted in Lada's chest. Was this the kind of life Earn had gotten herself into after they had separated?

She pushed the thoughts away, focusing instead on what she could control. Lada approached Dr. Bow once again, this time with a more specific request. "Bow, I need Earn moved to a private room as soon as she's stable. And please, make sure everyone understands that her presence here is confidential," Lada said, her tone sharp and unyielding.

Bow frowned slightly, sensing Lada's determination. "I'll take care of it. But you know you're not supposed to—"

"Please," Lada interrupted, her eyes meeting Bow's, full of unspoken emotion. "We both know what it would mean if anyone finds out she's here. The last thing she needs is paparazzi or strangers gawking at her."

Bow's expression softened, understanding crossing her face. "Alright, we'll move her as soon as it's safe. I'll make sure no information gets out."

Lada nodded, her heart easing slightly. As much as she wanted to step back, a part of her couldn't. She walked to the hospital administrative office next, speaking with the head administrator to keep Earn's admission strictly confidential. Her words were careful but firm—no public records, no leaks. "The last thing she needs is ending up in tomorrow's headlines," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. She knew she sounded overbearing, but she didn't care. She wouldn't let Earn's suffering become a spectacle for anyone.

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Hours passed, but Lada remained. She had ensured that Earn was moved to a private room, the lights dimmed to a soft glow, her presence limited to only essential staff. Earn lay there, resting, her face pale against the stark white of the pillow. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor filled the silence, a steady reminder of Earn's presence, her fragile hold on life.

Lada sat beside the bed, her eyes fixed on Earn's face. In this room, with no one watching, she allowed herself to drop the facade she had worn for so long. Her heart ached as she took in Earn's features—her eyes closed, her breathing slow and even, the faint rise and fall of her chest. The woman who had left her, who had broken her heart so completely, looked so vulnerable, so unlike the confident, smiling face she had seen plastered on billboards and magazines.

Lada's hand trembled as she reached out, her fingers brushing against Earn's. The warmth of her skin, the soft feel of her hand, sent a shiver through Lada's body. It was as if, for a moment, she was transported back in time—to a time when Earn's hand in hers had meant comfort, safety, love.

The door creaked open suddenly, and Lada jerked her head up, quickly wiping her tears as she straightened. She slipped her hand away from Earn's, her heart pounding as she turned to see who had entered.

It was P'Suzie, Earn's manager, followed closely by Earn's mother. Their faces were drawn with worry, their eyes wide as they took in the sight of Earn lying unconscious in the bed.

P'Suzie, her face etched with both exhaustion and determination, approached first. "Excuse me, are you the doctor?" she asked, her voice hesitant, her eyes searching Lada's face.