Chapter 39 Chapter 39
The sun was setting, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink. Inside the small apartment, Savannah sat quietly on the edge of her bed. Her hand rested on her stomach, and her face looked pale. The doctor had warned her to rest, but how could she? Resting meant thinking, and thinking meant remembering all the pain.
She sighed deeply and stood. Her throat was dry, and she wanted a cup of water. She told herself it was simple. Just fetch water from the kitchen and come back. She didn’t need Adrian hovering over her all the time. She could handle this small thing alone.
Savannah walked slowly, her bare feet brushing against the cold floor. Each step felt heavier than it should. Her vision blurred a little, but she shook her head and whispered, “It’s fine. Just water. Just one cup.”
She reached the kitchen counter and held the glass. The tap ran, water filling the cup. But suddenly, her hand trembled. The sound of rushing water grew distant, her vision spinning. She tried to steady herself, gripping the counter, but her knees gave way.
The glass slipped from her hand, shattering on the ground.
“Not now… please,” Savannah whispered weakly before her body gave in. Her world turned black as she collapsed on the floor, unmoving.
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Adrian had been restless the whole evening. He was at his own house, pacing the living room. He told himself Savannah was fine, that she promised to take it easy. But his heart didn’t believe it. Something inside him pushed him to check on her again.
Grabbing his car keys, he drove to her apartment. It wasn’t far, but every minute felt too long. By the time he reached her building, his chest was tight. He hurried upstairs and stopped in front of her door.
He knocked lightly at first. “Savannah?”
No answer.
He knocked again, louder this time. “Savannah, it’s me, Adrian. Open the door.”
Silence.
His heartbeat raced. Something was wrong. He knocked harder, his voice rising. “Savannah!”
Still nothing.
He didn’t think twice. He pushed at the door, and when it didn’t open, he shoved harder until the lock gave way. The door swung open, and what he saw froze him in place.
Savannah lay on the kitchen floor, her body limp, her face pale against the cold tiles. The glass was shattered beside her, water spreading across the floor.
“Savannah!” Adrian rushed to her, dropping to his knees. He lifted her gently, his arms trembling. “Savannah, open your eyes. Please!”
Her head leaned weakly against his chest, but she didn’t move.
Adrian’s throat tightened. He carried her quickly to the sofa, laying her down carefully. With one hand, he brushed her hair from her face, with the other, he tried to feel her pulse. Relief washed through him when he felt it—weak, but there.
He grabbed a cloth, dipped it quickly in cold water, and pressed it against her forehead. “Don’t do this to me,” he whispered hoarsely. “Don’t scare me like this.”
Minutes later, Savannah stirred. Her eyelids fluttered, and she whispered, “Adrian?”
“Yes, it’s me,” he said quickly, holding her hand. “I’m here. You fainted again.”
She tried to sit up, but he stopped her gently. “Don’t move. Just rest.”
Tears formed in her eyes. “I… I just wanted water. I thought I could do it myself. I don’t want to depend on you for everything.”
Adrian looked at her, his jaw tight. “Savannah, you don’t understand. You’re not alone anymore. You have a baby inside you. You can’t keep pushing yourself like this. You scared me half to death.”
She bit her lip, guilt washing over her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
Adrian sighed and leaned closer, his voice softer now. “Stop apologizing. Just let me take care of you. Is that so hard?”
Savannah looked into his eyes. There was no judgment there, no pity. Only care. Real, raw care. Her heart squeezed painfully. She wasn’t used to this—someone wanting to protect her without asking for anything back.
“I don’t want to be a burden,” she whispered.
“You’re not a burden,” Adrian said firmly. His hand tightened around hers. “If anything, you make me realize what’s important. You and that baby… you matter more than you think.”
Her eyes widened slightly at his words. She wanted to believe him, but fear still clung to her heart. Nathaniel’s harsh voice echoed in her mind, the way he had thrown her aside, the way Cassandra had smiled with victory. Could she really trust again?
Her lips trembled, but she stayed quiet.
Adrian didn’t push. He leaned back, his hand still holding hers. “Promise me one thing, Savannah. No more doing things alone. If you need water, food, anything—call me. I’ll be here.”
Her throat tightened. She nodded slowly, tears slipping down her cheeks. “Okay.”
Adrian wiped her tears gently with his thumb, his gaze softening. For a moment, the world grew quiet. Just the two of them in the small apartment, bound by silence, pain, and something neither of them dared name yet.
But in Adrian’s heart, the truth was growing stronger every day. He wasn’t just protecting Savannah out of duty. He was falling for her, deeply and helplessly.
He stayed by her side that night, refusing to leave until he was sure she was safe. Savannah lay back, exhausted but comforted by his presence. Her hand rested on her stomach, and for the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel completely alone.
And Adrian, watching her slowly drift into sleep, made a silent vow.
He would not let her fall again. Not as long as he was there.