My First, My Last, My Everything

Chapter 34

Gabriella

The car finally came to a stop, and I gazed out the window, realizing we'd arrived at one of our mansions in Beverly Hills. Stepping out of the car, I took in the surroundings without any particular focus.

Noah gently took my arm and guided me toward the front door. Before we could open it, it swung open from the inside, and there were my parents, faces lighting up as they saw me.

Mom let out a delighted yelp, and they both enveloped me in a hug. After embracing them, they turned their attention to the twins.

"How did you manage to get here?" I asked curiously.

"Anthony Castillo called us this morning and said we could leave his safe house and come back here. It feels like ages since we saw you. What happened?" Mom asked, gently touching my face and wiping away traces of blood.

The mention of Anthony's name sent a pang through me, and I blinked, trying to hold back tears.

"I'm okay, Mom. Don't worry," I reassured her, but concern still lingered in her eyes.

"Everything's alright now, Mom. We're safe," Marco chimed in.

"How can you be so sure? Others want our Royal title and will try to harm us!" Dad snapped.

"We're fine, Dad. What happened today will make them think twice about crossing us again." He looked at me and then nodded slowly.

"I'm going to take a shower. I'll catch up with you guys later." I walked past them, entered the house, and climbed the spiraling staircase to my room.

After entering my room and closing the door, I scanned the space. I shed my jacket and clothes, tossing them around, and headed into the bathroom.

Standing under the warm water, I let my mind drift back to the events of the day at the warehouse.

Right now, my main concern is Anthony's well-being. I can't bear the thought of anything happening to him. He took a bullet for me to save my life. While my family believes things have returned to normal, something feels missing in my life.

After my shower, I quickly dressed in black jeans and a maroon halter top, topping it off with a new leather jacket. Grabbing the car keys from my vanity, I slid my phone into my pocket and headed downstairs.

Mom, Dad, and the twins sat in the living room, drinking coffee. They looked surprised as I entered.

"Where are you going?" Mom asked and placed her mug on the table.

"I'm checking on the others. What's the name of the private hospital they're at?" I turned to Noah.

"Saint Jose Private Hospital. Are you going alone?" I nodded.

"No, take one of the guys with you" Dad protested. I sighed, looking at him.

"I'll be alright, Dad. I can handle myself. Are Liana and Jeremy there too?"

"Yes," Marco replied.

Smiling at them, I left the house and headed to the large garage behind the mansion. I pressed a button, and the garage doors opened, revealing rows of cars. I used the keypad to locate the black Mercedes, which emitted a confirming beep.

Starting the car, I drove out of the garage and headed to Saint Jose Private Hospital.

Parking in the lot, I rushed inside and located the front desk.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for Liana Montoya and Jeremy Ivero." The nurse behind the desk nodded, typing on her computer.

"Room 308, 3rd floor. What's your relation to the patients?"

"Family relative." I filled out the form quickly, handing it back.

"Thanks. And what about Anthony Castillo? Is he here too?" She checked her computer.

"Yes, but he's in the ICU."

After thanking her, I dashed to the elevator and reached the third floor. Finding room 308, I walked in to see Jeremy by Liana's side. The nurse tended to her arm.

I surprised Liana with a hug, and she hugged me back tightly. Pulling away, we exchanged smiles.

"I've missed you. I'm so glad you're okay."

"I missed you too, Gabby."

Another hug followed, interrupted by the nurse. After the bandaging, we chatted.

"How are you feeling? Are you hurt?" I asked Liana.

"Just minor bruises and cuts. Don't worry, I'll be fine." Relief washed over me.

"What about you, Jere?" He shook his head.

"I'm good. You?"

"I'm fine too. What about Lee and the others?"

"They're in another ward. Some got hurt, but they're okay Gabby."

They exchanged a look, that I quickly caught on.

"What's going on?"

"It's nothing."

"What are you two not telling me?"

Liana nudged Jeremy, and he sighed.

"We overheard a nurse saying that Anthony might not make it," he revealed. My heart sank.

"Excuse me, is the patient in the ICU with the gunshot out of surgery?" I asked a passing nurse.

"Yeah, they moved him to a private room on the 6th floor."

Running out, I pressed the elevator button, impatience growing. Finally, on the 6th floor, I searched until I found Anthony's room.

He lay there, his condition visible. Tears started to well up in my eyes, but I brushed them away.

Sitting beside him, I took his hand. "I thought I lost you."

As I held his hand, I resolved to finally confess my feelings when he woke. The rivalry between our families doesn't matter anymore. We love each other, and that's what counts. I hoped he'd wake up so I could fix things between us.

I just hoped I wasn't too late.