Chapter 225
Freya
A few days later, I finally woke up. My head felt dizzy and foggy, like I'd just emerged from the longest dream imaginable. Dream over, back to reality. Michael's words echoed in my mind as consciousness slowly returned.
In the haze, I heard Lucas's voice.
I looked down to see him sitting in his wheelchair beside my bed. My eyes lit up immediately. For me, it felt like I'd lived through an entire century.
Lucas grasped my hand, grounding me completely.
Atlas entered with a medical team, conducting thorough tests. Everything checked out perfectly. After providing fresh clothes, he left us alone.
I definitely needed to clean up after waking.
Fortunately, the room had an en-suite bathroom. After a quick shower, I emerged from the bathroom and threw myself directly into Lucas's arms. "Lucas, Lucas," I whispered his name like a prayer, wrapping both arms tightly around him. My voice was soft, almost murmuring.
To me, it really had been so long since I'd seen him. In Michael's world, I'd always felt like I had a mate. I'd been searching constantly, meeting so many people, but none of them were him. Only when I woke up and my memories fully returned did I realize just how much I loved Lucas. I truly couldn't live without him.
"I missed you so, so much," I breathed against his neck.
Hearing me, Lucas's eyes lit up with a playful yet relieved glint. "I missed you way more," he said, grinning as he ran a hand through my damp hair.
"Let me dry your hair first." He reached for the hair dryer. He gently ruffled my hair, then turned on the dryer to help me.
Once my hair was dry, I threw myself into his arms again, pressing my lips against his before he could respond. I really, really missed him.
Our lips intertwined until he pulled back gently. "We can't do this here," Lucas said rationally. This was Celia's facility - there were definitely surveillance cameras everywhere.
I made a small sound of dissatisfaction but knew he was right, settling against him instead.
"Did you meet Michael James?" he asked.
I nodded. "It was like stepping into a story world. There, I had both a father and mother, and my father loved me so completely. He was the greatest father I've ever seen."
"Michael told me he could hear everything Celia said to him," I continued. "He apologized for what she'd done. He said I didn't need to forgive her - he only hoped I'd make choices that would make me happy."
"I've never been cherished like that in my entire life. It was the first time I understood what a real father is."
I cupped Lucas's face, eyes crinkling with joy. "Father said he really admires you and wants to thank you for taking care of me. He wants to meet you when he gets the chance."
"What about Celia?" Lucas asked carefully. "Was she good to you in that world?"
I buried my head against his chest. "It's different. No matter how good Celia was to me in that virtual world, she wasn't there for everything I endured in the real world. I felt hurt, and it matters to me."
Lucas responded, "It's okay. If you don't like her, we'll have minimal contact. As long as you're happy, I'll go along with whatever you want."
I asked, "What time is it now? How many days until my appointment with Jade?"
Lucas replied, "Sean contacted Atlas, who accelerated the time flow. There are still three days left. We can make it."
I felt relieved. "Father asked me to deliver a message to Celia. After I see her, we'll go back together."
I asked, "Did they provide you with a medical team?"
"Atlas arranged treatment for me," Lucas smiled. "They really can heal me. My legs can feel pain now. Since the injury hasn't been untreated for too long, treatment and rehabilitation won't take much time."
His voice turned tender. "Freya, wait a little longer. When I can stand up again, we'll hold our mating ceremony properly."
He was determined to wait until he could stand before our mating ceremony. He didn't want people mocking me for completing the bond with someone in a wheelchair.
"Okay, I'll wait for our mating ceremony," I said with a bright smile.
When we left the medical facility, Atlas was waiting outside on a bench.
Seeing me emerge, his eyes filled with joy, though his gaze cooled when it fell on Lucas.
"Freya, are you really sure you want to choose him?" he asked.
Just like Celia, Atlas felt that Lucas wasn't good enough for me right now.
I placed my hand on the wheelchair armrest, my face showing mockery instead of a smile.
I responded, "Atlas, I find you quite interesting. You and I don't have that close a relationship. You're just someone Celia raised - you're not really my brother in any meaningful sense. So you don't have the right to question my choices."
I didn't bother hiding the sarcasm in my tone, directing it straight at him to defend Lucas.
"I'm sorry, that was my mistake," Atlas said without anger. "You just woke up and need proper rest. Later, I'll take you to see Celia."
After sleeping for a full day, I finally felt better. Only then did I go to see Celia.
Celia was lying on a beach chair, sunbathing. She looked genuinely happy, her eyebrows carrying a joyful expression. Fresh coconut juice sat on the table beside her.
"You finally came," Celia said, taking a sip of coconut juice. She stood up lazily and poured me a glass.
"Atlas said you have something to tell me. Go ahead, I'm listening."
Now, Celia's attitude toward me was obviously different from before. She seemed indulgent now, like she would let me do whatever I wanted.
I lowered my eyes slightly. I didn't particularly like this feeling, but found myself accepting it by default.
"Father is regaining consciousness," I said quietly. "I saw him."