I LOVE YOU

I LOVE YOU

Dax’s POV

"A heart attack? What do you mean by that?" My voice was sharp, but my hands trembled slightly as I gripped the edge of Brianna’s hospital bed.t1a,l2e

The doctor gestured toward a chair. "Come, have a seat. You’re too weak to be standing."

Reluctantly, I sank into the chair beside Brianna, taking her cold hand in mine.

"According to the report, she saw you getting shot. I believe she thought you were dead… The fear and shock triggered a severe panic attack, which escalated into a heart attack and heart failure."

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening.

"We’re still monitoring her condition," the doctor continued. "You need to be patient until she wakes up."

"Will she be okay?" My voice was barely a whisper.

The doctor sighed. "I can’t guarantee anything yet. It all depends on how she responds to treatment."

I tightened my grip on Brianna’s hand. "Can I stay with her until she wakes up?"

"I’m sure that can be arranged," the doctor said. "I’ll have them move your bed in here. You just had surgery—you need to rest, just like she does."

"You don’t have to move me in here," I muttered. "Can I step out for a bit?"

"You’re free to go outside the building, but don’t go too far," he warned.

I clenched my jaw. "Actually, I was talking about going further."

The doctor shook his head. "I’m sorry, but I can’t allow that. Your parents demanded strict supervision. You can’t just wake up after surgery and start moving around recklessly."

I exhaled harshly, already knowing he wouldn’t let me leave.

Seeing my mother earlier had ignited a rage in me that I wasn’t ready to deal with. Why was she here?

I stayed with Brianna a while longer, watching the slow, steady rise and fall of her chest. Then, feeling exhaustion weigh me down, I finally returned to my room.

Maybe the doctor was right. I needed rest.

The moment my head hit the pillow, I was out.

Gia’s POV

Our flight arrived late at night, the exhaustion doing little to ease my worry.

Eric and I had been informed of Brianna’s condition, and we had to convince Mom and Dad to stay behind while we flew out to see her.

I barely spoke during the entire flight. My thoughts were consumed by Brianna, by everything that had happened.

When we finally reached the hospital, Eric and I went in to see her first.

The sight of her pale, unmoving form made my chest tighten.

After a while, Eric stepped out to book a hotel room for us. I wasn’t sure which room Dax was in, but I decided to wait until morning before searching for him.

I sat beside Brianna, watching her fragile form, feeling helpless.

Then—

"Gia?"

The familiar voice made me turn.

Dax stood at the doorway, looking weak and exhausted. He swayed slightly, and before he could stumble, I rushed to his side and helped him to a chair.

"When did you arrive?" His voice was hoarse.

"About an hour ago," I replied.

"And Eric?"

"He stepped out to book us a room at the closest motel."

Dax nodded absently, but I could see it—the guilt. The way he avoided my gaze, the weight of blame pressing down on him.

"It’s not your fault," I said firmly. "I’m just glad the police shot Jake dead on the spot. With him gone, you and Brianna can finally live normal lives."

Dax’s jaw clenched. "I’m really sorry about Brianna."

"Let’s just pray for her to wake up," I said softly. "What did the doctor say?"

"That she’ll be fine," he murmured. "She was taken off oxygen not long ago. They’re still monitoring her to prevent complications."

I nodded, squeezing his hand reassuringly. She’ll wake up. She has to.

"She will be fine. Let's just trust the doctor."

Eric joined us a few minutes later. Dax immediately went down on his knees, his head bowed in guilt, pleading for forgiveness.

"Hey, this time around, I’m not going to put another wall between our relationship like I did eight years ago. It’s not your fault. Brianna will kill me if I give you a hard time."

I watched the two friends reconnect, and I couldn’t help but smile. It felt like old times—except for Brianna’s absence.

"Dude, are you seriously going to allow me to get married before you?" Eric asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You’re getting married? To who?"

"Brianna didn’t mention it to you?"

"I guess we were both having our ups and downs at that moment."

"I’ll soon be married, and I want you as my best man. What do you say?"

"Are you serious? I’d be honored! What’s the date?"

"We haven’t set the date yet," Eric said, smiling down at me. I felt my cheeks heat up and quickly looked away.

"Wait, you both are getting married?" Dax asked, his excitement evident.

"Yes. I wouldn’t want any other woman," Eric said, holding my hand.

"Congratulations, Gia. I’m sorry this idiot didn’t realize his feelings for you sooner. He’s such a fool."

"I know, right? Sometimes, I feel like kicking him hard for that."

"I think you should. He totally deserves it."

"Guys, why are you talking about me like I’m not here?" Eric groaned, shaking his head.

Before anyone could respond, a groggy yet familiar voice interrupted us.

"Can’t someone get some sleep with you three around?"

We all turned toward the bed. Brianna was awake. My heart soared with relief, and before I knew it, I was laughing out loud.

"How long have you been listening to our conversation?" I asked, moving toward her.

"From the start. Help me up."

I quickly adjusted her pillow and helped her sit up.

"You do know you’re in big trouble. Mom is going to fry you up," Eric teased before pulling her into a gentle hug.

"Is she that worried?"

"Of course she is. You’re always getting yourself injured."

"I’m sorry."

"It’s okay."

I noticed the quiet tension between Brianna and Dax. Sensing they needed a moment alone, I grabbed Eric’s arm.

"You must be hungry, right?" I asked.

"Yeah, I’m famished."

"Why don’t we go get something while they rest?" Before he could respond, I dragged him out of the room.

"They both need privacy," I whispered.

"I know. Let’s check with the doctor first, see if there’s anything they shouldn’t eat."

Dax’s POV

I sat beside Brianna, watching her in silence, unsure of what to say. The weight of everything that had happened still hung between us.

"How are you feeling?" I finally asked.

She didn’t answer. Instead, she kept her gaze averted, avoiding looking at me.

"Brianna, please. Look at me. If you’re angry, take it out on me. Just don’t shut me out."

Slowly, she turned to face me, and I saw it—the unshed tears glistening in her eyes.

"I’m sorry," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

I wasn’t expecting her to say that.

"It’s okay," I murmured, reaching for her. I pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as if she might disappear.

"You must be in a lot of pain because of me," she said against my chest.

"I can’t feel it anymore… because you’re here."

She pulled back slightly, her eyes scanning my face with concern.

"Why do you look so pale? Your eyes aren’t as bright as they used to be," she murmured, gently tracing my jawline with her fingers.

I shivered at her touch, closing my eyes as warmth spread through me. Her hands cupped my face, her thumbs stroking my cheekbones.

Then, unexpectedly, she leaned in and pressed soft, lingering kisses all over my face—my forehead, my temple, my nose, the corners of my lips. Each kiss was filled with unspoken emotions, with longing and relief.

I exhaled shakily, my heart hammering.

She was here. She was safe.

I tilted my head, my lips brushing against hers, testing the moment, savoring the way she trembled in response. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she deepened the kiss, her fingers tangling in my hair, her lips parting against mine.

The kiss was slow, unhurried—yet it carried the weight of everything we had been through. It was filled with unsaid words, apologies, promises, and something deeper than I had ever dared to hope for.

When we finally pulled apart, I rested my forehead against hers, breathing her in.

"I love you," I whispered, my voice hoarse with emotion.

She smiled, her fingers tracing the back of my neck.

"I love you," she said back, her voice steady and sure.

I didn’t give her a chance to say anything else before I pulled her in for another kiss—this time, desperate, claiming, full of everything I had ever wanted to tell her but never could.