Page 240 of From Rivals to I Do

Understanding and compassion emanate from Maria's eyes as she embraces me, a silent understanding passing between us. "You're going to sleep here

tonight?" she asks. I nod. "All right, I'll go back home and get some rest. I'll be back in the morning to check up on you and Jackson. Call me if you need anything. We'll get through this together, okay?"

I nod, my gratitude overflowing as I watch her leave the room. With a heavy heart, I settle into an uncomfortable chair at the reception. The hospital's

sounds fade into the background as I contemplate Jackson's condition and all the events that led to this moment. Fatigue settles in, yet I resist the pull of sleep.

As the hours pass, the rhythmic beeping of the machines all over the hospital lulls me into a fitful slumber. Dreams and nightmares intertwine, and I jerk

awake a couple of times in panic. I pray to God about Jackson, pleading with Him to save him and restore him quickly. Sleep eventually claims me, and I

drift away to a dreamless rest.

Chapter nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Isquint my eyes as I slowly wake up, my body aching and disoriented. As my vision adjusts to the dim hospital lighting, the first thing I see is Maya's face.

Though worn and exhausted, it is the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. My heart swells at the sight of her, and for a moment, everything else fades away.

I try to reach out to her, to touch her face and reassure her that I'm here, but as I attempt to move, a sharp jolt of pain courses through my body. My eyes

widen, and I look down, only to find myself enveloped in casts and bandages.

Suddenly, Maya stirs, her eyes fluttering open. Recognition dawns in her gaze. She launches herself toward me, her arms wrapping around me in a

desperate embrace, forgetting, for a moment, the agony I'm in. I flinch involuntarily, a sharp intake of breath escaping me, and she pulls back, her eyes widening with remorse and anguish.

She's unable to speak, her voice stolen by the overwhelming surge of emotions. Her gaze remains fixed on me, tears pooling in her eyes, shimmering like stars and spilling onto her cheeks. The weight of her emotions hangs heavy in the room, filling the silence. Words seem inadequate in the face of this overwhelming reunion, and we simply stare at each other, two souls deeply connected, trying to comprehend the depth of what we've endured.

The memories of that night flood back into my consciousness. I remember the fragments of what had transpired, and I piece them together to make sense of my present reality. I had been consumed by thoughts of Maya, my mind scattered and absent as I approached the flames. I failed to notice the leaking fuel until it was too late, and the explosion engulfed me. The explosion had caught me off guard, and though I managed to shield my face with my elbows, the rest of my body was left vulnerable. The impact had sent me crashing to the ground, my world plunging into darkness.

Maya clears her throat, drawing my attention back to her. She had been calling my name, her voice lost in the fog of my memories. I reach out to touch her

cheek, my trembling hand mirroring the tremors within my heart. "Maya," I manage to say, my voice choked with emotion. "You're here. You came back."

Her tears flow freely now, and she shakes her head, her voice trembling. "I love you Jackson and so sorry for leaving you, this is all my fault," she whispers, her words laced with guilt and regret."

"No, Maya, you... you never left my side. I felt your presence, even in the darkest moments."

Tears continue to cascade down Maya's face as she apologizes once more. I reach out, my hand trembling, and gently brush away her tears. "Maya, I missed you," I confess, my voice laden with longing and vulnerability.

Her lips quiver, her voice laced with a mixture of sorrow and relief. "I missed you too, Jackson. More than words can express," she chokes out, her words laced with regret.

"I'm so happy to see you again, my love," I say, filled with compassion for her.

She takes a shaky breath, her gaze never leaving mine. "You've been unconscious for two days, Jackson," she reveals, her voice thick with emotion. "I was scared... scared that you might never wake up."

"I'm here now," I assure her again, my voice filled with determination. "And I'm not going anywhere." Suddenly, a thought ripples through me. I lurch forward, and pain courses through me. "Where's Henry?" I demand, forgetting the pain my body is in.

Maya's smile radiates warmth, yet concern flickers in her eyes. "He's in safe hands, Jackson," she reassures me, her voice a soothing balm to my troubled

mind. "Karen has been taking care of him this whole time. She's been an incredible help while I've been here with you. The doctors advised that Henry

couldn't visit until you woke up, but he's been asking about you ever since that night you left."

My heart crumples thinking about Henry and how he must be feeling now. "Thank you for everything, Maya," I murmur, my voice filled with sincerity and love. "I love you."

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