Forever Meant for You.

Chapter 53 Between Two Hearts

Ava's POV

The room was quiet now, except for the soft hum of the monitors. Matt was sitting beside me, holding my hand like he never wanted to let go. His touch was warm, familiar, comforting... and yet, I couldn't shake the hollow ache that Alex had left in my chest when he walked away.

I turned my head slightly, just enough to look at him. "Matt..." My voice was weak, but I needed to speak, to reach for him, even if only with words.

He leaned closer, his smile gentle but guarded. "Hey... how're you feeling?"

"Alive," I whispered, managing a small smile. "But... it's complicated."

His brows furrowed slightly. "Complicated how?"

I swallowed hard. "I... I can't stop thinking about Alex." My eyes flicked to the door, imagining him just outside. "He stayed with me... when I couldn't even open my eyes. He never left."

Matt's hand squeezed mine, but there was a strange tension there, like he was holding himself back. "Ava... you know Alex... he's my brother. You know how that works between us."

"I know," I admitted. "I know everything. But I can't help how I feel. I... I care about him too."

Matt's gaze softened, but it was tinged with sadness. "Ava... I've got Skylar now. We've... we've been together again. I wanted you to know that. I can't—" He paused, shaking his head, trying to find the right words. "I can't give you what Alex can."

I looked down, squeezing his hand gently. "I understand, Matt. I really do... I just wish it wasn't so hard."

Matt gave a small, sad smile. "I know. But some things in life... they don't make sense. We just have to do the best we can with what we've got."

I nodded slowly, my chest tight. "I think... I need time. To figure out what my heart really wants."

He squeezed my hand one last time, letting go slowly, and stood up. "Then take all the time you need. I'll always care about you, Ava. Always."

As he left the room, I finally allowed myself to close my eyes and think of Alex—the brother who had been my quiet strength, my constant through the storm. My heart ached for both of them, but I knew one thing clearly: I had a choice to make. And it wouldn't be easy.