Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 51

Rhythm's POV

I glanced at Ada slumped on the couch, his breathing finally even. His lashes cast faint shadows on his cheeks, and for a moment, he looked so peaceful — so fragile — that I didn't dare move him to his bedroom. Instead, I carefully adjusted his position, laying him down properly so he wouldn't wake up with a stiff neck.

"There," I murmured softly, tucking the blanket gently over him. "You need this rest, Ada."

I hesitated for a moment, my hand lingering over his hair. He looked exhausted — not just physically, but emotionally. It hit me like a punch that he had been carrying so much on his own for years.

I straightened, grabbed my phone, and dialed his secretary. "Hi, it's Rhythm. Could you do me a favor and grab my laptop from my office? Bring it here. I'll be working in Mr. Ada's office until further notice."

"Yes, sir. Right away," came the prompt reply.

When my laptop arrived, I quietly set up in Ada's office. It felt strange being here, in his space, with him just a few steps away sleeping. But I didn't want to leave. I couldn't. Not when I knew how faint and tired his voice had sounded earlier.

So I worked. I finished my own pending reports, and when I was done, I started clearing his backlog too — answering emails, approving documents I knew he wouldn't mind me handling, signing off on things that only needed his final confirmation later.

Every now and then, I stood and checked on him. He hadn't stirred.

"Sleep well," I whispered to him at one point. "You've been carrying too much."

A faint sound caught my attention hours later. I looked up from the screen just in time to see Ada slowly sitting up on the couch, rubbing his eyes.

"You're awake," I said, standing immediately.

He blinked, clearly surprised to see me still there. "You... stayed?"

"Of course I did." I walked over to him. "You didn't think I'd leave you here alone, did you?"

Ada didn't answer, but the smallest smile curved his lips before fading again.

"You've been asleep for almost three hours," I said gently. "How do you feel?"

He hesitated, then grimaced. "I... I feel—" He didn't finish. Instead, he suddenly got up and rushed to the bathroom.

"Ada!" I followed, panic surging through me.

He was hunched over the sink, coughing and retching, but only clear saliva came out. My chest twisted seeing him like this.

"That's it. We're going to the hospital," I said firmly, stepping closer to steady him.

"No." He waved me off weakly. "I just need water. I'm fine."