As Alexander noticed her staring at him with something like hurt in her eyes, he knew he needed to say something—anything.

"It seems like you know me," he started, his voice a bit hoarse. "I guess I’m Alexander," he added, taking a quick look around to absorb his surroundings. Then it hit him—he was in a hospital. But why? What was he doing here?

At that moment, the door to the room swung open, and Jake walked in. The instant he saw Alexander sitting up, his eyes widened in shock. He rushed over, grabbing hold of Alexander and inspecting him closely, not even noticing Marianne in the room.

"Damn it,...