Chapter208 Even after I die, please remember me

Chapter208 Even after I die, please remember me
Aliya POV
I kissed him gently and whispered, "I know."
After Nikolai and I finished our romantic moment, I noticed Patrick was still looking at me with that intense, loving expression. He spoke carefully, almost reverently. "You look absolutely beautiful."
Nova walked over to him and noticed something was wrong. "Your face looks really pale. Do you want some water?"
But Patrick was still staring at me, transfixed. "Seeing you this happy, it's wonderful."
Then suddenly, Patrick collapsed.
I cried out and lifted the heavy skirt of my wedding dress, rushing over to him. Patrick fell onto my lap as I knelt beside him.
I called his name over and over, desperately trying to channel my healing power into him. But Patrick just kept getting weaker and weaker.
The wedding dress that had looked so beautiful moments before was now spread out on the floor around us, the white fabric stark against Patrick's pale face. Nova stood nearby, her little hands pressed to her mouth in shock.
"Patrick, stay with me," I pleaded, my hands glowing as I poured every ounce of healing energy I had into him. "Don't you dare give up now."
Nikolai was immediately on his phone, calling for an ambulance. "They'll be here in five minutes," he said, kneeling down beside us.
Patrick's eyes fluttered open briefly, focusing on my face with effort. "The dress," he whispered weakly. "You look perfect in it."
"Don't talk," I said, tears streaming down my face. "Save your strength."
"I meant what I said," Patrick continued, his voice barely audible. "About loyalty. About always being there for you."
"I know you did. And you've proven it over and over again."
Patrick's hand found mine, his grip surprisingly strong for someone so weak. "Promise me something."
"Anything."
"I have a very selfish request. Even after I die, please remember me."
I squeezed his hand. "I promise."
The paramedics arrived then, efficiently loading Patrick onto a stretcher. As they wheeled him toward the ambulance, I realized I was still in the wedding dress, the train dragging behind me as I followed.
"Ma'am, are you coming with us?" one of the paramedics asked.
"Yes," I said without hesitation.
Nikolai caught my arm gently. "Aliya, maybe you should change first."
I looked down at the elaborate gown, then back at Patrick's unconscious form on the stretcher. "There's no time."
Nova tugged at my dress. "Is Patrick going to be okay, Mommy?"
I picked her up, balancing her on my hip despite the cumbersome dress. "I don't know, sweetheart. But we're going to make sure he gets the best care possible."
At the hospital, I must have made quite a sight, sitting in the waiting room in a full wedding dress with Nova curled up asleep in my lap. Other patients and visitors kept staring at us, probably wondering what kind of drama had unfolded.
Nikolai sat beside us, his jacket draped over Nova to keep her warm. "He's tough," he said quietly. "He'll pull through this."
"You don't know that," I replied, my voice hollow. "You didn't see how weak he's been getting. How much the trial and everything took out of him."
"I've seen how much he cares about you. That gives someone a reason to fight."
A doctor finally emerged from the emergency room, looking tired. "Are you here for Patrick Dalton?"
I stood up carefully, trying not to wake Nova. "Yes. How is he?"
"His condition has deteriorated significantly. The stress of recent events, combined with his underlying illness, has accelerated the progression. We're doing everything we can to stabilize him, but you should prepare yourself for the possibility that his condition may continue to decline."
The words hit me like a physical blow. I sank back into the chair, the wedding dress pooling around me like spilled milk.
"Can we see him?" Nikolai asked.
“Come in with me. The patient’s condition is very critical, and you must be prepared at any moment for the possibility that he may pass away.”
The doctor nodded and led us to Patrick's room.
He looked so small in the hospital bed, hooked up to various machines that beeped and hummed around him. The strong, protective man who had saved me so many times looked fragile and vulnerable.
I approached his bedside, still wearing the wedding dress that now felt like a mockery. Here I was, dressed for a celebration of love and new beginnings, while the man who had sacrificed everything for me was fighting for his life.
"I'm so sorry," I whispered to his unconscious form. "This is all my fault."
Nova stirred in my arms. "Mommy, why are you crying?"
"Because sometimes people we care about get very sick, and it makes us sad."
"But you can make him better, right? Like you did before?"
I looked at my hands, which had failed to help Patrick when he needed it most.
His illness stemmed from a curse that even my power could not reach.
Despite all my healing abilities, despite everything I could do for others, I couldn't save the one person who had given up everything for me.
"Sometimes even our best isn't enough, sweetheart."
Then I heard the beeping of the monitor, and the once-fluctuating ECG line had flattened into a straight line.