"It's a cold world, but I'm alright, I got you to keep me warm."
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- O N E W E E K L A T E R -
I awoke to the soft light filtering through the curtains. Emerald was still sleeping beside me, her face peaceful. I took a moment to simply watch her, my heart swelling with love and a determination to fight for her recovery.
I got up quietly, letting her sleep for a little longer before freshening up and telling Naya to send some breakfast upstairs.
Giorgio knocked lightly on the door before stepping in with a tray of breakfast a while later.
"Breakfast, Mr. Ricci, just like you asked." He said quietly, placing it on the bedside table as I nodded once and watched him leave before sitting on the bed and running my fingers through her long hair.
I leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, which stirred her from sleep as she mumbled something incoherent, making me smile to myself.
"Good morning, darling." I said softly, watching her open her eyes slowly, blinking at the morning light.
"Good morning." She replied, her voice still thick with sleep as she yawned before taking my hand and intertwining our fingers.
"How are you feeling?" I asked, hoping for a sign that she was improving as my eyes drifted towards the bandage that covered her stomach and something inside me constricted painfully at the memory before I looked away.
"Better, I think." She said, stretching slightly before wincing at the movement, "What time is it?"
"A little past eight. I had some breakfast brought for you," I said, nodding to the tray when she frowned and I just knew she was going to refuse like all the other times, "Can you at least try to eat a little for me?"
She looked at the tray, and I could see the conflict in her eyes.
"I'm not very hungry." She admitted, but I could sense her resolve wavering.
"Just a few bites, for me?" I urged gently, my heart swelling at the effort it took for her to even consider it when she sighed, biting her lip as she contemplated my request. Finally, she nodded.
"Okay, just a little." She whispered when I smiled, helping her out of bed so she could go to the bathroom to freshen up.
She returned a few minutes later and I was filled with a sense of relief as I picked up the spoon and carefully brought it to her lips. She hesitated at first but then took a small bite, chewing slowly.
"There you go," I encouraged, watching her as she swallowed, "See? Not so bad, right?"
Emerald managed a small smile, and I felt a flicker of hope reignite within me.
