1,2,3 And.. Love! (GXG)

Chapter 35

Olivia's POV

A week had passed, but it felt like an eternity. The sterile white walls of the hospital room were suffocating, and the rhythmic beeping of Elijah’s monitors had become an unwelcome soundtrack to my days.

Elijah was awake now, sitting up in bed and scrolling through his phone as if he hadn’t just spent days in the ICU. His colour had returned, and the shadow of death that had loomed over us was finally gone. But the weight in my chest hadn’t lifted.

I sat in the corner of the room, pretending to read a magazine. The words blurred together as my mind wandered. Zoya hadn’t called, texted, or shown up since that night in the waiting room. I wasn’t sure why it bothered me so much, but it did.

“Elijah’s looking better,” a familiar voice cut through my thoughts.

I glanced up to see Ezra stepping into the room, his tailored suit immaculate as always. He carried a bouquet of flowers, a gesture that felt oddly out of place for him.

“Ezra,” I greeted, forcing a smile as I stood. “You didn’t have to come.”

“Of course I did,” he replied, flashing his usual charming grin. “Elijah’s an important part of our lives, both personally and professionally. I had to see for myself that he’s recovering.”

Elijah looked up from his phone, a genuine smile breaking across his face. “Ezra, good to see you, man.”

They exchanged a handshake and a few pleasantries, but my gaze lingered on Ezra. Ava’s words replayed in my mind, an unwanted echo.

Whoever did this isn’t your friend.

What if it was Ezra?

I studied him, searching for something—anything—that would confirm or deny my suspicions. But he was unreadable, his charm as disarming as ever.

Ezra turned his attention to me. “How are you holding up, Liv?”

“Fine,” I lied, my voice steady. “Now that Elijah’s out of the ICU, things feel... easier.”

He nodded, his expression softening. “Good. You’ve been through a lot. Both of you.”

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe that his concern was genuine, that he wasn’t capable of orchestrating the chaos that had upended my life. But the doubt Ava had planted refused to let me rest.

“Elijah’s lucky to have you,” Ezra added, his gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary.

“Thank you,” I said quietly, lowering my eyes to the magazine in my lap. The room felt smaller, the air heavier.

Ezra stayed a while longer, chatting with Elijah about the show and filling him in on the latest developments. I listened, half-present, my thoughts drifting back to Zoya.

She hadn’t called. Not even once.

I told myself it didn’t matter. She was probably busy with the show, with her own life. But the silence stung more than I wanted to admit.

As Ezra finally stood to leave, he turned to me, his voice warm. “Take care of yourself, Liv. Let me know if you need anything.”

I nodded, my smile tight. “I will. Thank you, Ezra.”

When the door closed behind him, I exhaled, the tension in my chest easing slightly.

Elijah noticed, raising an eyebrow. “You okay?”