Arranged marriage

I never left

One week later

"Oh, Lena.."

I sat next to her hospital bed and took a good look at her face. Marriage with me did her no good. She lost her innocence and her heart isn't as pure as it was when we started. Her beautiful face was pale and drained. She had a cut on her forehead and a bruise on her left cheek. I should have protected you instead of dealing with everything except you. I should have been honest from the start and this wouldn't happen. I sighed at the site of my beautiful, yet devastated, fragile ex wife. I made a mistake and it costed me your love. There is no going back. She was in a coma for the past week. Since the car accident. I remember that night like it was yesterday. She ran to Anna's car and drove off. I called her and drove behind her. She hit the tree and landed off the road. The car flipped over and I called the ambulance. I remember them coming and taking her out of the car. She wasn't conscious. I have never been so afraid in my life. It has been a week since I saw her beautiful blue eyes. A week since I heard her sweet voice.

"Come on, Lena. You can do it. I know you're strong. Open your eyes, look at me, please."

I caressed her cheek but she didn't move.

For the past week I have lived in this hospital. I got home just to take a shower. I don't remember when was the last time I had a normal meal. The doctors allowed me to stay with her for 24 hours in case she wakes up.

"You need to be persistent. She will wake up if she hears your voice" they said.

I lost everything. My grandfather shut everything down. I moved out of the house and bought an apartment from the money I earned. He decided not to touch our bank accounts. I lost my position in Martin- Jepsen Industries but I'm not concerned about that. What concerns me is Lena. I lost her and she was the only valuable thing in my life. I sighed. Our divorce was final on Monday. We are divorced for four days.

"Lena, I know you can hear me. I know you will open your eyes, I know you will be fine. You have to be."

I took a paper out of my jacket pocket.

"I promised your Pa I would take care of you. I let him down. I let you down too. There are some things you need to know."

I talked to her like that every day. Like she is awake, like she can hear me.

"I miss you, Lena. You are my Sun and my Moon. I can't lose you."

The doctor said as the time is passing by the chances of her not waking up are increasing. I can't allow that.

"I don't regret a second spent married to you. You know, your Pa left me a letter too, when he died. Do you want me to read it to you?"

I pretended she nodded and I opened the piece of paper.

Mark

I have always wanted a grandson. When Lena's mother gave birth to her I remember it was the best day of my life. I gave her name Lena. It means bright, shinny. She is all that and much more. There is no need to tell you that, you already know that. I never regret her being a girl and not a boy. I got a grandson when she married you.

I know you two had your differences and I know you slept in separate rooms, I know you weren't talking to each other. I am old but I'm not stupid. When we got to Dubrovnik I knew you two will work everything out and fall in love. I saw the spark in your eyes and I knew we did right getting you two married. You just needed a push in the right direction.

Mark, I need you to promise me you will take care of her no matter what. If life sets you apart, promise me you will take care of her and never let her forget how special she is. She doesn't have anyone but you. You're a good man, Mark Jepsen. I know you love my only granddaughter and I know you won't give up at the first obstacle life sets you.