Chapter 120

Everything felt heavy. Mia's eyelids, her arms, even her thoughts seemed to move through thick honey. The first thing she noticed was the beeping. Steady, rhythmic, annoying. Then the smell hit her, that sharp, clean scent that screamed hospital.

She forced her eyes open, squinting against the harsh white light. The ceiling tiles above her had water stains, and she found herself counting them before she realized where she was. Hospital room. White walls. That terrible antiseptic smell.

"Make sure there's no mistake."

The voice was familiar, but different. Harder. Stefan stood by the window, his back to her, phone pressed to his ear. His shoulders were tense,...