LET'S GET MARRIED

Chapter Sixteen - A New Lease On Life

Two months after the operation, I began to stir. The hospital's gentle beeps and soft murmurs gradually registered in my mind.

As I opened my eyes for the first time in months, a sea of loving faces surrounded me. My heart swelled with joy, and a weak smile spread across my face.

My dad's eyes, red rimmed from exhaustion, lit up with happiness. "Britney, welcome back!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling.

My mom's tears of joy streamed down her face as she grasped my hand. Sasha, my sister, stood beside them, her eyes shining with tears, holding Dad's hand.

"Dad, what about Dustin?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"He's outside," my dad replied. "Should I call him in?"

I nodded, and my dad stepped out to fetch Dustin.

Moments later, Dustin walked in, his eyes brimming with tears. "Hey, love," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

I smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "Hey, Dustin."

Dustin's face radiated joy as he approached me. "I told you you were going to recover, didn't I?" he said, his voice filled with conviction. "See, guess I was right."

I chuckled weakly, my throat dry. "Guess you were right."

Dustin's eyes sparkled with unshed tears. "Although I was a little scared, at some point it felt like I was going to lose you for the second time permanently. But thanks to your family's love and support, that gave me the strength to remain positive."

My heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Dustin," I said, looking into his eyes.

Dustin's smile faltered for a moment before he leaned in and kissed my cheek. The gentle touch sent a wave of warmth through me.

Just then, Sasha spoke up, her voice warm and gentle. "You're welcome, little sis," she said, hugging me softly.

As we hugged, a knock at the door interrupted us.

"I almost forgot," my dad said. "Someone else you'll love to see, Britney. Come in!"

The door swung open, and Rachel, my assistant from New York, rushed in. Tears streamed down her face as she hugged me tightly. "I had to rush down to see you the moment I heard you were waking," she said, shaking. "I thought I was going to lose you. You're more than a boss to me, ma'am. You're like a sister I never had."

I smiled, feeling a sense of comfort. "I'm fine, Rachel. You don't have to be scared. I'm not going anywhere."

Little Christian, my nephew, piped up, "Remind me again how long you were gone?"

The whole room filled with warm, relieved laughter.

As the joyous reunion continued, a mysterious figure stood outside the room, whispering to herself.

𝙐𝙣𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙁𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙑𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚

"This is not the end, Dustin. If you can't be mine, then no one else can have you. Even if it takes me to kill the one you love, I will." She adjusted her nurse's uniform, blending in seamlessly with the hospital staff as she passed by my room.