Page 333 of Hateful Games

Her lips part, expression twisting in pain, and says in a weak voice, “Nova.”

“I’m here.” I kiss her forehead. “You’re okay, Rose.”

She opens her mouth to say something, but we get interrupted by the door opening and nurses and the doctor running inside. Behind her, Bianca, Dash, Iris, and Nathan join us. The girls cry out in relief and hug each other.

I gaze back at Rosalie and wish I hadn’t.

Because the relief I saw earlier has shifted into indifference.

A sinking feeling spreads and taunts me…

I’ve lost her, truly.

Chapter Eighty-six

Rosalie

The nurse sternly orders everyone to clear out the room, allowing only a single person to remain inside while the doctor checks me over. Bianca and Nova have a stand-off, silently telling the other to leave.

My body is sore all over. My face feels numb and throat dry and scratchy. Every breath is a struggle and I feel sluggish. However, slowly I notice my surroundings, becoming alert when the wave of anxiety recedes.

The last person I expected to wake up to was Nova.

Hell, I never expected to wake up at all.

Yet here he is, looking guilt-ridden and disheartened. His soft brown eyes wet with tears. Did he cry for me? When did he come here? My mind runs amok with questions.

If I’m alive, does that mean Dad and Uncle made it too?

Was it all for nothing?

I think someone said I was unconscious for over sixteen to seventeen hours. Except I was busy replaying the memories of the fight with Nova, my uncle taking me home like a hostage, the beating, and then the fire.

“If you can’t decide, then both of you please leave.”

I glance at my heartbreak and my best friend.

When neither of them makes a move, the nurse turns to me expectantly. They gave me a sip of water a few minutes ago and it’s why I’m able to speak. “Nova, stay.”

Nova’s chest expands as though he didn’t expect my choice to be him. Relief and gratefulness swarming his tight features. He’s in the same clothes I saw him wearing last. He’s as much of a mess as I am, minus the broken bones and bruises. While Bianca looks crushed at my answer, but concern for me overrides it.

“Are you sure, Ro?” she asks softly.

I nod.

The sooner Nova and I have a talk, the sooner he leaves. When the police show up in a short while since they were informed that I regained consciousness, he can listen as I confess everything. I don’t have the will to rehash the traumatic experience again. I simply want to close this chapter in my life and move on.

Bianca reaches my side and kisses my head before leaving. Dash, who is hovering near the door, takes her hand. With one final glance, she disappears. Iris already hugged and left after making sure I was okay and telling me how much she loves me. I was grateful for both of them. I’ll need them a lot in the coming months.

“Mrs. D’Cruz, you don’t have to give a statement until you’re feeling better. I can tell them you need more rest.”

“No. I just want to get it over with, please.”

“Okay, I’ll send them in once they arrive.”

“Thank you.”

The nurse fusses over me for a moment before exiting until it’s just Nova and me left in the room. He stands near the foot of the bed, watching me with the saddest and most forlorn expression until the urge to hide my face becomes stronger.

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