Page 129 of Heart of The Night

‘God knows. Maybe she’s in love with you,’ John retorted gruffly, his voice thick with disdain. ‘Regardless, she’s hardly any better than her deplorable boyfriend.’

Daphné leaned closer to William, her touch gentle as she brushed her hand across his cheek, bringing a momentary softness to the tense room. ‘How are you feeling, sweetheart?’

‘Starting to feel a bit more alert… less foggy,’ William replied, managing a weak smile.

‘That’s good to hear. Do you need anything? Some water, perhaps?’

‘No, I’m all right for now, thanks.’

Just then, a soft knock sounded against the door. It creaked open, and a middle-aged nurse appeared, his expression apologetic but warm. ‘Hello, William,’ he greeted with a professional yet friendly nod. ‘How are you feeling?’

A spark of humour flickered in William’s gaze. ‘Actually, quite thirsty now.’

Daphné shot him a deadpan look, to which he responded with a wry, cheeky smile.

The nurse walked straight to the basin in the room and removed the plastic from around a disposable cup. As he filled it with water, he looked at us. ‘I’m sorry, guys, but it’s been ten minutes. You’re more than welcome to visit him tomorrow.’

‘Right.’ John nodded and looked at his wife. ‘Daphné, you heard him.’

‘Yes.’ Daphné stood up and bent to kiss the top of William’s head. ‘We’ll be back tomorrow, darling. Get some rest. I love you.’

‘Love you too, Mum.’

‘Aren’t you forgetting someone?’ John gestured to himself.

William chuckled. ‘I love you just as much, Dad.’

‘Good. And I definitely love you too.’

Jason moved past Daphné to William’s side, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. ‘Hey, Will, you’d better not scare us like this again, you hear? You owe me at least a dozen gym sessions when you’re back on your feet.’ His attempt at light-heartedness did little to veil his genuine concern.

William smiled weakly. ‘It’s a deal.’

Jason nodded, then leaned down, placing a gentle hand on William’s shoulder. ‘Good. I love you, man.’

‘I love you too, son of Jay,’ William replied, his gaze shining with brotherly affection.

Jason grimaced with a blend of anguish and amusement, then turned and walked toward the door with Daphné and John.

I lingered by William’s bedside, my heart aching as I took his hand. The idea of leaving him, even for a night, felt intolerable after everything we had been through today. My eyes searched his face, memorising each detail – his bruised skin, the faint traces of pain in his features, and the warmth of his gaze that held mine with an intensity that spoke volumes.

‘Will, I…’ My voice broke, the weight of unspoken words pressing heavily between us.

He squeezed my hand, a gesture so full of love and reassurance that it almost made me stay right there. ‘It’s all right, Cara. I’m not going anywhere. And neither are you, not really. You’re always right here,’ he said, bringing our entwined hands to his heart.

The nurse, standing politely by the basin, cleared his throat gently, reminding us of the time constraint. ‘Miss, I’m sorry, but we really do need to make sure all our patients get their rest.’

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. I knew he was right, but leaving William felt like the hardest thing I’d ever done.

‘Come back tomorrow, first thing. I’ll be waiting,’ William said, his voice stronger now, edged with a playful challenge.

‘I will,’ I promised, bending down to press a soft kiss on his lips. As I straightened, I reluctantly released his hand. His fingers lingered in mine until the last possible second, sending a shiver through me.

As I crossed the threshold, William’s voice stopped me. ‘Cara?’

I turned back, finding him propped up slightly against his pillows, his gaze earnest.

‘Yes?’

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