Page 19 of Shadows of Recovery

"He's doing better. I'll leave you to spend some time with him. If you need anything, I'll be just outside. Please keep it to two at a time."

As she stepped out of the room, her mind raced. She didn't recognize him, but the way he looked at her was unnerving. She tried to focus on her next patient, but the feeling lingered. It wasn't until she had a moment alone that the memory came rushing back.

Her brows furrowed. "No, it can't be...but it is. It’s him.” How else would he know her first name? The man from the bar.

It was at Nina's pre-wedding celebration. She had gone out with her friends to let loose, and the night was a blur of laughter and dancing. Then, there was the man who showed a predatory interest in her. He drugged her drink—a fact that still made her shudder. Tristan rescued her.

Now, here he was, standing in her hospital, shaking her hand as if nothing had happened. The realization made her stomach turn.

Sophie retreated to her office and sat at her desk, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to steady her breathing. She had to focus, keep her emotions in check. The door creaked open, and she looked up to see Damon standing there, his expression unreadable.

"Sophie, I just wanted to thank you again for what you're doing for my father,” he said.

Sophie kept her voice steady. "It's part of the job, Mr. Whitlock."

Damon stepped closer. "Please, call me Damon."

Sophie’s voice turned cold. "Mr. Whitlock, if there's nothing else, I have other patients to attend to."

"Of course. But you look like you've seen a ghost, Doctor. Are you alright?" He stepped closer.

Her heart was racing. "I'm fine. Just a long day."

Damon smiled slightly. "Well, thank you again. I'll see myself out."

As he left, a wave of nausea crashed over her. She knew she couldn't avoid him forever, but she needed to gather her thoughts and figure out what to do next.

Sophie took a deep breath and walked back to the nurses' station. The head nurse raised a brow. "Dr. Everhart, are you okay?"

"Yes, just a bit tired. Could you do me a favor and keep an eye out for Mr. Whitlock's sons? If they come back, let me know immediately."

"Of course. Is everything alright?"

"Just a precaution. Thank you." She signed into one of the computers and did her job. She admitted Trace to the telemetry unit. And she gave report on her other patients, closing out her shift.

* * *

Damon tookhis turn and sat beside his father's bed, holding his hand. Trace's breathing had stabilized, and he looked more comfortable.

"Damon... is that you?" Trace whispered.

"Yes, Dad. I'm here. All of us are here."

Trace smiled slightly."Good... good to have my boys with me."

"Rest now, Dad. We'll take care of everything." Damon's words were soothing, but there was an undercurrent of something darker in his tone. As he gently adjusted the blanket around his father, the vulnerability in his expression was evident. The lines on his face, often sharp and commanding, were now etched with worry and care, revealing a side of Damon that few ever saw—a son deeply concerned for the man who had always been his rock.

* * *

At seven-thirty,she stepped outside to find Tristan waiting. She climbed into his car, his familiar scent immediately soothing her frayed nerves.

They drove in comfortable silence, the day slowly lifting as they neared the home they now shared. Once inside, Sophie took a quick shower and changed into more comfortable clothes.

She found Tristan starting dinner. “Mmm, what are we making?”

“Spaghetti with marinara sauce. You feel up to making a salad?”

“Sure. How was your day?” She stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

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