Found Obsession

Chapter 67: Raven Working for Us?

The dream left Rose with an ache that settled deep in her chest. Even in sleep, she shifted uncomfortably, as if her mind was pulling her back to that painful day when Jonathan had shattered the fairytale she'd once thought could be.

In her dream and memory, her mother and her had just returned home after meeting the Adlers. Rose's heart felt heavy with disillusionment. As she stepped out of the car, she spotted her father arriving. Panic prickled through her. He walked over, his gaze landing on her.

"Roselyn," he said, surprised. "Our daughter looks lovely," he added, leaning in to kiss her mother.

In her sleep, Rose pressed deeper, searching for answers to the feelings stirring within her.

But then, a cold hand had hers, gripping tightly, as if seeking help. She could feel it was sweaty, slightly trembling—a touch filled with silent urgency.

Rose was being pulled back to reality.

"Raven, let's leave Rose to rest. Come with me." Her father's voice was calm, commanding.

The hand in hers trembled, as though on the verge of slipping away. In a rush of protectiveness, she tightened her hold.

Protect Raven her voice said. She drifted awake.

Rose woke up with a weak cough, barely breaking the haze of sleep. Her fingers remained firmly wrapped around the hand she held. Her eyes struggled to focus, his presence was unmistakable.

"Raven won't be going anywhere," she whispered, her voice heavy with sleep yet carrying an undeniable resolve. She tightened her grip, as if grounding herself and making sure he wouldn't slip away.

Even in her drowsy state, her determination was clear.

"Rose," her father said, his voice anxious.

Rose struggled to sit up, with Raven's steady hands supporting her. She looked around, disoriented.

"What's going on? Why is Raven here?" she asked, the fog of sleep slowly lifting. Memories pieced together—the train, the car ride home, the shower... then going to bed. Her arms ached, and she noticed IVs taped to her left arm. She released Raven's hand to touch them, still dazed.

"What happened?"

"You wouldn't wake up. It's been 32 hours," her father explained.

32 hours. Rose's heart skipped.

"Oh. Am yeah so, why is Raven here?," she asked, looking over at her best friend. Raven sat quietly, his face pale, gaze fixed on the ground.

"I decided to offer him a job—taking care of you. I appreciate and liked how he helped during your allergic reaction," her father explained.

Rose shifted, uncomfortable. "But... he has his job at the hospital—"

"It's alright, Rose. Your father will pay me triple," Raven said softly, meeting her eyes. "And don't you want me close?"

She held his gaze, uncertain.

"If you're uncomfortable, we can find another doctor," her father added. "I just thought, since he's both a doctor and your friend, it might be comforting to have a familiar face around."

Rose nodded slowly. "If Raven is okay with that... I guess it's fine." She paused, glancing at her father. "But I feel fine."

"The mark will make your health falter at times, Rose. That's why I want a doctor close by," her father said firmly. "You've just slept for a long time without reacting to us trying to wake you up, after all."