Awake

(Continuation of CHAPTER 121 - June 19, 2026)

~He is in the Maldives...destination wedding.~

This was Lucius' answer when Latton asked where Lucian was. These were the words that were tormenting her mind.

It pained her that after all the things they'd been through, it all ended like this.

Her heart is breaking knowing that he is there somewhere getting married in a beautiful place just 6 months after she was shot.

"Am I that easy to forget? He didn't even wait a year," She mumbled while replaying all the promises he had told her. Soon, the item on the spare bed caught her attention.

It's the teddy bear she gave to Lucian and the scarf she made for him.

Her thoughts were soon interrupted when Lucius entered with Xavier, who had just arrived from Ohio.

Xavier smiled from ear to ear seeing her awake. "Latton," he called out, then gently held her hand.

He could sense her sadness.

"What's with the sad look on your face? Aren't you happy to see me? Are you still mad?" He asks politely.

She shook her head, "I'm tired, that's all." She lied to him.

Xavier lowered his head, "Is it because he is not here?" He commented.

Her eyes reddened in distress, but she ignored his comments.

MEANWHILE, in the Maldives.

After the ceremony, Lucian turned on his phone and saw the message that he had been longing to receive.

~ Latton is awake.

He didn't waste any time and booked the first flight available. His heart was filled with excitement, all he could think of was to head back to California, nothing else. He was so happy that he almost forgot to tell John and Vivian that he was leaving without attending the reception.

But the couple didn't need any words. When they saw the look in his eyes they knew it was about her.

He didn't even change his clothes when he drove to the nearest airport.

CONCURRENTLY, in Los Angeles, California

Derek had arrived for his monthly visitation.

"A lot of things have happened here, and only I can get you to travel back to Los Angeles," Latton remarked while staring at his brother.

He laughs, "You're my sister after all. Goes to show how much I care for you." He replied concernedly.

"How have you been doing lately?" She asks politely.

"Same old bachelor stuff. Party, more parties." He laughs.

"I thought when I woke up I'd have tiny niece and nephews." She replied playfully.

Derek laughs.

She then smiles weakly, "Can someone call my mother? I know I upset her yesterday with the way I reacted." She said to the three men in her room.

Xavier volunteered himself, "She's in the corridor. Let me get her for you." He replied.

Shortly, Thalia arrived. Her face is red, and her eyes are swollen from crying.

"Momma. Sorry about earlier." She mumbles.

"You don't need to apologize." She muttered as tears rolled down her eyes.

"I feel like I have to." Her tone was sorrowful.

Thalia held her hand tightly. "Don't say that like you are saying goodbye."

Latton frowns, "I've been through a lot. I survived 3 car crashes. I was shot twice. Every time good things happen, it's followed by a bunch of shits. What else does the universe haven't given me? Cancer? I could die anytime, and I don't want my last breath to be filled with regrets." She explains.

"Don't let your pessimism suck out the fun in life. You will be fine. You'll thrive, and you'll have a happy life. You're going to give me a lot of grandkids." She said assuringly while caressing Latton's hair, which was now long dark brown with red tips.

Their conversation was soon interrupted by a knock on the door.

Shortly after, Lucius entered the room with a smile on his face.

"I have a surprise for you." He uttered, then opened the door wide, revealing a man behind him.

"Daddy!" She shouts enthusiastically. If she could move her legs she would definitely jump out of bed and run to him.

From Albert's perspective, he sees Latton as if she's 13 years old. Innocent, lively, and sassy. He hurriedly walks to her, "Thank God, you are finally awake. I miss you so much." He blurted out while firmly hugging her.

Latton stared at her father. He was wearing casual clothing. She glanced at the door where Lucius was still standing. She couldn't see any police officers nearby.

As if Albert could read her mind, "I got released from prison for good behavior." he explains.

Latton gasped in surprise, "That's great news," she replied. Her eyes filled with delight.

" ... And aside from that, there's another thing I want to tell you..." He paused then gestured for Thalia to hold his hand.

"... While you were in a coma, your mother and I spoke... A lot... and resolved our differences. We are in the process of rekindling our relationship."

Latton's mouth was left open.

Hearing no response from her, "Latton?" Thalia calls.

Latton's mouth was still ajar, "That's the best news I've ever heard." She cried out in delight. "Our family is finally complete," she commented as she held Albert and Thalia's hand, then gestured for Derek to join them.

It felt like a dream and she started sobbing.

"Why are you crying?" Albert asks.

"I'm just so happy," She replied as she wiped her tears of joy.

As if her tears are contagious, all of them start tearing up.

After a few more stories and pleasantries, the conversation died down.

Xavier and Lucius left.

Thalia went to the nurse's station to confirm Latton's follow-up check-up.

While Albert slept in the spare bed, which he seemed to enjoy compared to his prison bed.

She could hear her father's loud snore and couldn't stop giggling like a little girl.

THE NEXT DAY

AT Los Angeles International Airport.

Lucian arrived in California still wearing the same suit he wore to the wedding with only a passport, wallet, and a now dead phone.

He hurriedly took a cab. Excited to see her again, "I hope she will still accept me," he said to himself. He could still remember the last words he said to her.

~We are a mistake~

~ Let's call off our engagement~

Up to this day, he is still mad at himself for saying those things and leaving.

"Too many mistakes. I've wronged her too many times." He yelled internally.

His hands were sweating. His heart is pounding as he gets near the hospital.

Still in deep thought about how to make things right, he was soon jolted back to his senses, "Sir, we are here." The taxi driver said.

After paying handsomely. He sighed deeply, then went straight to the 10th floor where her room was.

He could feel every step getting heavier, his pulse throbbing rapidly. His heart wanted to jump out of his chest in anticipation.

Without noticing it, he now stood in front of the 10th-floor nurse station

Where he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror. He looked exhausted and disheveled. He brushed his hair using his hands, then saw a basket of flowers nearby and took a white rose. That he hid behind his back.

He felt a bit guilty that he did not bring her any flowers or gifts.

"I have plenty of time to make up for it," he said to himself.

He headed for her room and slowly opened the door.

All the plans he wanted to make with her once she woke up, their wedding, their travels, flashed before his eyes in excitement, but he was soon brought back to reality.

He could hear Thalia's hysterical sobs while Albert tried his best to calm her down while stopping himself from breaking down.

Lucian felt the weight of the world crushing him.

His knees weakened, and he could only kneel on where he stood.

The sound of the machines followed by the doctor's confirmation felt like a hard stomp on his chest.

"Time of death 3:24 PM"