Chapter 31

ANNA

The sound of a persistent beep invaded my dreams, causing me to stir in my sleep. It was strange because Dante wasn't the type to set alarms, and I definitely hadn't set one. As I tried to sit up, a sharp pain shot through my abdomen, stopping me in my tracks.

As I forced my eyes open, the beeping became more insistent. It took me a moment to realize that I was in a hospital room, hooked up to various machines that were beeping and whirring around me. I scanned the room, trying to get my bearings, and spotted Dante sitting uncomfortably in a white plastic chair beside me.

His eyes met mine, and he offered a small smile. "Good morning," he said softly. Despite his attempt to sound upbeat, I could sense that something was off.

"Morning," I replied, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling of anxiety in my gut. "What's going on?"

Dante rose from his chair and sat down on the edge of my bed, taking my hand in his. "Are you in pain? Do you need me to call a doctor?"

As Dante held my hand,