As the soft hum of the hospital continued around him, Kyle found a quiet corner to set up his makeshift workspace. The gentle glow from his laptop illuminated the room as he delved into his work, the rhythmic tap of keys echoing in the stillness.His little sister, Aya, lay peacefully asleep, her earlier conversation lingering in the air. Kyle, determined to balance his responsibilities, focused on the task at hand - preparing for the upcoming exhibit at the gallery sponsored by a big company.His publisher had emphasized the importance of showcasing his talent in the context of the company's product release. They were in search of the perfect photographer, and Kyle aimed to seize this opportunity. Amidst the challenges surrounding Aya's health, he saw a chance to bring a touch of normalcy, success, and a source of strength.As he worked on selecting and editing his best photographs, each image became a testament to the resilience he found within himself. As Kyle sifted through his p
After nearly an hour of concentrated work, Trina softly taps on Dean's office door, seeking permission to enter. Dean looks up from his laptop, granting her access. Trina enters with a warm smile, carrying a delightful assortment of strawberry treats from a nearby cafe. The sweet aroma fills the room, and Kaitlyn, catching a whiff, can't help but feel a pang of longing for those delicious treats.Trina, noticing Kaitlyn, adjusts her plan. "Mr. Castellan, I brought some strawberry delights for Mrs. Castellan. I thought she might enjoy them," Trina says, revealing her considerate gesture.Dean, appreciating Trina's thoughtfulness, nods. "That's a nice touch, Trina. Thank you."Holding the treats for Kaitlyn, Trina politely approaches her. "Mrs. Castellan, these are for you. I hope you like them," she offers with a warm smile.Touched by the kindness, Kaitlyn manages a grateful smile. "Thank you, Trina. They look delicious."Trina then shifts her focus back to Dean, remembering an upcomi
A faint sound of beeping monitors awakens Dean. Slowly, he opens his eyes, only to be met by the harsh brightness of the hospital room. As awareness settles in, he takes in his surroundings and realizes that he's confined to a hospital bed.His gaze shifts to his bandaged arm, evidence of the recent self-inflicted wound. With a cautious movement, he leans back on the pillow, still grappling with lingering dizziness.Turning his head to the right, Dean's eyes lock onto Kaitlyn, lying unconscious in another hospital bed. Concern etches his features, prompting him to attempt to rise, yet a groan of pain halts his movement.The room's door swings open, revealing Maria entering with a tray of fruits and flowers. The contrast between the sterile hospital setting and the vibrant colors of the offering creates a surreal atmosphere in the room.Maria, wearing a mixture of relief and concern, approaches Dean. "You scared us, Mr. Castellan. How are you feeling?"Dean, his thoughts momentarily sh
"Go back to your bed now," Kaitlyn says in a hushed tone, her words carrying the weariness of the hospital room."I don't want to," Dean persists, defiantly nuzzling into the curve of her neck, his embrace protective around her pregnant belly.The sterile atmosphere of the hospital bed, laden with the scent of antiseptics and medicinal undertones, is momentarily swept away by the unmistakable aroma of fresh strawberries emanating from Kaitlyn.'She really does smell like strawberries,' Dean muses, a genuine smile playing on his lips.However, the intimacy becomes a source of discomfort for Kaitlyn. Unwanted memories surge within her; she doesn't want her ex-husband's touch, yearning instead for the familiar embrace of someone else.Her thoughts involuntarily drift to Kyle. A soft whimper almost escapes her lips as she dearly misses him, trapped in a poignant longing that her current circumstances render unchangeable.Yet, her resolve to sacrifice her own yearning persists, driven by t
Having regained composure, Kaitlyn chooses to return to the hospital room for some rest. Upon entering, Dean hurriedly approaches her, desperation evident in his demeanor.He gently cups her cheeks, observing her puffy eyes and red nose. "What happened? Were you crying?" he inquires with deep concern etched on his face.Her response was a gentle push, his attempt at comfort dismissed."I want to sleep," she stated, avoiding eye contact. Though hurt, he accepted the rejection, attributing it to the unpredictability of her pregnancy hormones."Where have you been, though? Who were you with?" he managed to ask, keeping his composure, reluctant to entertain thoughts of Kaitlyn being with someone else."Can you please stop with those questions? It's not like I have the freedom to just go with anyone, knowing you'd-- ugh... Just stop asking questions. Please," she sighed in surrender, carefully climbing onto her bed.Dean stares at her, clenching his teeth. It seems like Kaitlyn is slipping
Alone in the chilly evening, Kaitlyn clutches herself, the echo of her footsteps lost beneath silent sobs. The cold air fails to quell the heat of her tears.Unbeknownst to her, she finds herself at a children's playground and decides to sit on a swing. Laughter and merriment surround her, but she remains isolated.Recollections of a time when her mother thrived and her father was healthy flood her mind, emphasizing the stark contrast to her current reality.'It's tough growing up,' she reflects, realizing the weight of the more significant challenges she faces compared to her carefree childhood.If only she had foreseen that her love for a man who couldn't appreciate her true self would lead to misery, she might have pursued her passion for painting beautiful scenes.Harshly wiping away her tears, a blend of self-pity and frustration takes hold. She resents her own heart, feeling vulnerable and lost without a clear path.These thoughts unleash another wave of tears, her sobs echoing
Muffled voices resonated through the hospital, blending with the noises of a wheeled bed gliding against the tiled floor. Kaitlyn, now in the emergency room, lay unconscious as nurses and doctors urgently collaborated to sustain her fragile hold on life.Amidst the controlled chaos, Dean, finally arriving at the hospital, stirred a commotion when denied entry to see his wife. Dr. Fiona Salvatore, the head doctor and Kaitlyn's friend, emerged from her office after being summoned. Shock gripped her as she witnessed Dean, his clothes stained with blood."What... happened?" she inquired, facing Dean with a wet face of tears."Fiona, please... Please save my wife... Save Kaitlyn..." Dean begged, holding onto the doctor's hand. Reacting to Kaitlyn's name, Fiona rushed into the emergency room, discovering a bloodied and battered Kaitlyn under the care of the medical staff. Suppressing her emotions, Fiona checked Kaitlyn's wrist for a faint pulse, determined to distinguish between Kaitlyn's a
Dean, who returned to his hotel room, sighed and took off his shirt. He laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Kaitlyn's words about wanting to die just wouldn't leave his mind. He knew she was devastated about losing their baby, but they could always try again.He thought it was his child too, and she should know he was devastated at losing their baby as well. But maybe it would be too selfish of him to tell her that.He sat up, got off the bed to have a bath when his phone rang. He immediately answered, thinking it was from the hospital, only to find out it was Cattalina, the model he took with him for the collaborative photography project."Good morning, Mr. Castellan. It's Cattalina Denver. Would you be able to meet with me and the Rileyville staff for the photoshoot today?" Cattalina asked politely on the other line.Dean sighed and rubbed his temples, "I'm sorry, Miss Denver. You already know what happened to my wife. She finally just woke up today, and I don't want to leave h