“Deviana, wait!”

Adrian jogged after Deviana’s quick steps down the hospital corridor where her mother was being treated. His breath was uneven, while Deviana didn’t even glance back. The heels of her shoes clicked against the marble floor, faster and faster, as if she were running away from Adrian’s voice.

“I said wait!” Adrian finally grabbed Deviana’s wrist.

She stopped in her tracks, turning with a sharp, wounded glare. “Let me go, Adrian. You’ve held me back too many times.”

Adrian froze, his face tense. But this time, it wasn’t only anger or guilt flickering in his eyes. There was hesitation… and fear.

“Deviana,” he said softly, almost a whisper,...