Chapter 40 Chapter 40
The night was long, and Adrian barely closed his eyes. He sat on the chair beside Savannah’s bed, watching her breathe. Every little movement made his chest tighten. He had never felt this protective over anyone before, but with Savannah, it was different. He couldn’t explain it, but he knew deep down—he couldn’t let her go through this alone.
Morning came slowly. Light spilled through the small window, brushing against Savannah’s pale face. She stirred and opened her eyes, blinking at the sight of Adrian sitting there, his head resting against the chair.
“You stayed?” her voice was soft, almost unsure.
Adrian lifted his head and rubbed his eyes. “Of course I stayed. Did you think I would just leave you here after what happened last night?”
Savannah gave a weak smile. “You should have gone home. I didn’t mean to keep you.”
Adrian shook his head firmly. “Stop saying that, Savannah. You don’t keep me. I chose to stay.”
Her chest tightened at his words. She turned her face away, staring at the window. “You don’t understand. I don’t want to be anyone’s problem.”
Adrian stood and walked closer to her bed. “You fainted, Savannah. Do you realize what could have happened if I didn’t come? What if I had stayed at home, ignoring my instincts? You and the baby could have—” His voice cracked, and he stopped himself.
Savannah’s throat tightened. She touched her stomach gently, her eyes filling with tears. “I just thought… fetching water isn’t too much. I didn’t want to bother you again.”
Adrian sat down on the edge of the bed, his face serious. “Listen to me. This isn’t about bothering me. It’s about your life and your baby’s life. You can’t keep living like this.”
She looked at him, her lips trembling. “What do you mean?”
“I mean,” Adrian said, his tone firm but caring, “you can’t stay in this apartment anymore. It’s not safe for you. The place is too small, too dirty, and you’re too weak. I can’t stand the thought of something happening again. You need to move in with me.”
Savannah’s eyes widened. “What? Move in… with you?”
“Yes.” Adrian didn’t hesitate. “My house is big, clean, and safe. I can make sure you get proper food, proper rest, and no stress. You won’t have to lift a finger. I’ll take care of everything.”
Her heart began to race, not from fear but from confusion. She shook her head quickly. “No, Adrian, I can’t. I can’t live with you. People will talk. They will say things about me. And… I don’t want to depend on anyone like that.”
Adrian leaned closer, his eyes locked on hers. “People will always talk, Savannah. Let them. What matters is your health. Your baby’s health. That’s all I care about.”
She swallowed hard. “But… I don’t even know you that well.”
A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Then get to know me. I’m not asking you to marry me, Savannah. I’m asking you to let me help you. Don’t push me away when all I want is to see you safe.”
Her chest rose and fell as her emotions tangled inside her. Part of her wanted to accept, to lean on his strength. But another part—the part scarred by Nathaniel’s rejection—was scared of opening that door. What if Adrian turned out the same? What if he got tired of her one day and left?
“I can’t,” she whispered, shaking her head. “Not now.”
Adrian exhaled slowly, trying to keep his patience. “Then what’s your plan? To stay here and keep fainting until one day no one is here to save you? Savannah, you can’t risk that. Not for yourself, not for the child.”
Tears slipped down her cheeks. She hugged her stomach and whispered, “I don’t know what to do.”
Adrian gently wiped her tears away. His touch was soft, not demanding, just there. “Then let me decide for you. Come with me.”
Savannah stared at him, her lips trembling. The sincerity in his eyes scared her more than Nathaniel’s cruelty ever did. This man was offering her care, real care, with nothing in return. It was too much. Too overwhelming.
She shook her head again. “Please… don’t force me. I can’t move in with you now. Just give me time. Let me think about it.”
Adrian clenched his jaw, his frustration clear, but he didn’t push further. He nodded slowly. “Fine. Think about it. But promise me one thing—if you faint again, if anything happens, you’ll agree without hesitation.”
Savannah looked at him with watery eyes and nodded. “I promise.”
Adrian stood and paced the room, trying to calm himself. He wanted to scoop her up right then and take her to his house, but he respected her choice. Still, his chest burned with fear. What if she fainted again when he wasn’t around?
“I’ll come back later with some food,” he said finally, grabbing his coat. “Please don’t try to do anything on your own. Stay in bed, Savannah.”
She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “Thank you, Adrian.”
He turned to the door but stopped for a moment, glancing back at her. She lay there, fragile but strong in her own way. His heart clenched. He wanted to tell her everything—that he cared, that he was beginning to feel more than care—but he bit the words back. It wasn’t the right time.
Instead, he simply said, “You’re not alone anymore. Remember that.”
When the door closed behind him, Savannah lay there staring at the ceiling. Her heart thudded painfully, her thoughts a mess. She touched her stomach again, whispering softly, “What should I do? Can I trust him?”
The silence of the apartment gave her no answer. But in her heart, she knew Adrian’s words had already planted a seed.
Maybe she wasn’t as alone as she thought.