Beneath the Surface

Chapter 12: A Reckoning at the Hospital

Amelia had never been one to take risks—she was cautious, grounded, and always aware of her surroundings. But that day, fate had different plans for her. As she drove home from the grocery store, her mind was filled with the remnants of her conversation with Adrian. Though she had moved on, a part of her still struggled to fully shake off the remnants of their past.

The road was familiar, the kind she drove on every day without a second thought. But as she rounded the bend, the screeching sound of tires, a blinding flash of headlights, and the sickening sound of metal crashing against metal were the only things she could hear before everything went black.

Amelia's eyes fluttered open, her head pounding, her body aching in ways she couldn't comprehend. The sterile, cold smell of a hospital room greeted her, and she blinked rapidly, trying to clear the fog that clung to her mind. Her hands were bandaged, her leg in a cast, and the sharp pain shooting through her ribs told her that she'd been in a serious accident.

She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness swept over her. She collapsed back onto the pillow, groaning in discomfort.

"Amelia, you're awake," a voice said, low and relieved. It was Daniel's voice, the one that always calmed her even in the most chaotic of times. He was sitting at her side, his hand gently resting on hers.

Her heart skipped a beat as she turned her head toward him, her eyes locking onto his. "Daniel..." she whispered, her voice hoarse. "What happened?"

"You were in an accident," he said, his voice tight with worry. "A car ran you off the road. Do you remember anything?"

Amelia's mind was fuzzy, the details of the accident still eluding her. But she did remember the moment when she had swerved to avoid a car that had come out of nowhere. She'd tried to steer away, but it had been too late.

"I... I don't remember much," she said softly, her eyes drifting to the bandages on her body. "Is it bad?"

"Nothing you can't heal from," Daniel replied, though his eyes betrayed his deep concern. "But you're going to be okay. I promise."

Amelia smiled weakly, but then her thoughts turned back to the accident. "Who was the one who hit me? Do we know anything about them?"

Just as Daniel was about to answer, the door to her room slammed open, and a figure stepped in—tall, intense, and unmistakable. Adrian.

Amelia's heart lurched as she met his gaze. He looked different, more disheveled than usual, his sharp features contorted in a mix of anger and fear. His eyes were bloodshot, as if he hadn't slept in days. And the moment he saw her, his expression softened, but only slightly.

"Amelia..." Adrian breathed, his voice thick with emotion. "You're awake. Thank God."

Daniel's hand tightened around Amelia's, and she could feel the tension in his muscles, the protective aura that surrounded him. "What are you doing here, Adrian?" he asked, his voice a low growl.

Adrian didn't even flinch. "I heard about the accident. I came as soon as I could."

"Did you have anything to do with this?" Daniel's tone was dangerous now, his gaze never leaving Adrian's. "If you know anything, you'd better tell me right now."

Adrian's jaw tightened, and for a moment, Amelia thought he might snap back with some sarcastic remark. But instead, he stood silently, looking between her and Daniel, as if caught between two worlds.

"It wasn't him," a voice suddenly interrupted.

The door opened wider, and the hospital officer who had been investigating the accident stepped in. "We've spoken to the driver who caused the accident," the officer said, his face grim. "He was intoxicated, speeding, and lost control of his vehicle. We've already got him in custody."

Adrian and Daniel both turned to the officer in unison, their faces filled with the same burning intensity. But it was clear they were focused on something else entirely—the person responsible for Amelia's pain.

"So it was an accident?" Daniel asked, his voice steady but edged with fury.

The officer nodded. "Yes, but it was a reckless one. He's being charged with DUI and reckless driving. Amelia's lucky to be alive."

As the officer left the room, the tension in the air grew thicker. Adrian looked at Amelia, his gaze filled with concern, but this time, his emotions were different. This wasn't about jealousy or possessiveness—it was about her safety.

"Amelia..." Adrian began, but his voice trailed off, and he couldn't seem to finish the sentence.

Daniel stood up, his body tense and rigid. "You don't get to talk to her like that," he said, stepping between Adrian and the bed. His voice was low, dangerous. "You're not welcome here."

Adrian didn't back down, his eyes locking onto Daniel's. "I'm not leaving until I know she's okay," he said firmly, his voice unwavering.

Amelia watched the two men, both of them standing tall, both of them fiercely protective of her in their own ways. But she knew she could only have one of them in her life—Daniel had proven time and time again that he was the one who would be there for her. Not Adrian. Not anymore.

"Daniel," she whispered, her voice weak but clear. "Please... let him stay. Just for a little while."

Daniel hesitated, his gaze flicking between her and Adrian. He clearly didn't trust Adrian, and she understood that. But she needed both of them to understand that this wasn't about them—it was about her, about healing, and about moving forward.

Reluctantly, Daniel stepped back, but his eyes never left Adrian's. "Fine. But don't think this means anything's changed," he warned, his voice low and full of warning.

Adrian nodded, his face softening as he took a few steps closer to Amelia's bed. "I just want you to be okay," he said quietly, his voice thick with sincerity.

Amelia looked between the two men, their presence in the room overwhelming her, but at the same time, she felt the weight of her own decision. She had chosen Daniel. She loved him. And that love was unwavering, no matter what.

"I'm going to be fine," she whispered, her gaze meeting Daniel's. "And I'm with you. Only you."

As the tension between Adrian and Daniel simmered just below the surface, Amelia closed her eyes, allowing herself to feel the love and comfort Daniel had always given her. Despite the chaos around them, she knew that with him by her side, she would heal, and she would continue to move forward—leaving the past, and Adrian, behind.