The next day, Mitchel finally regained consciousness. As his eyes fluttered open and he saw the woman sitting beside his bed, he thought he was still caught in a dream. He hesitated to reach out his hand, fearing that the dream would shatter with just a touch.
Raegan had just arrived. She had tried to sleep the previous night but had not rested well, tormented by nightmares that Mitchel had died, her mind a whirlwind of distress.
This restless night left her eyes swollen in the morning, though a few cold compresses had somewhat alleviated the puffiness.
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Seeing Mitchel awake and staring at her without moving, Raegan spoke softly. Youre awake. Ill have the caregiver come and help you wash up.
As she turned to call the caregiver, Mitchel reached out and grabbed her hand, his voice breaking slightly, Is this not a dream?
His question was laced with vulnerability, his grip seeking confirmation of reality. The warm touch of her hand reassured him that he was indeed awake.
These days, Mitchels sleep had been fitful, caught between dreaming and waking, a liminal state where reality seemed elusive.
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He didnt want to wake up fully, unable to face the reality that Raegan might truly be married to someone else. It felt surreal, and despite his efforts, he found no evidence to prove otherwise. But whether he accepted it or not, it seemed to be the truth.
Raegan, he whispered her name.
Raegan responded without turning, I didnt leave. Go ahead and wash up, then have something to eat.
Mitchel surprisingly complied, allowing the caregiver to help him wash and even managing to eat some breakfast.
After he finished, Raegan returned to sit by his bedside.
Only then did Mitchel notice that she was wearing a black wool coat that was far too large for her, hanging loosely on her frame, clearly not her own.
The item was unmistakably mens clothing. Mitchel had noticed Stefan wearing it at the park earlier.
At once, Mitchels face took on a displeased look.
Raegan had left in a rush the previous night, dressed only in light clothing, and Stefan had drped his coat over her shoulders.
Later, Victor arrived with a warmer piece of clothing, yet Raegan decided to don Stefans coat instead.
Raegan looked at Mitchel and asked gently, How are you feeling?
Mitchel looked tired but tried not to show it and said, Im alright.
Raegans eyes welled up, and she whispered, How can you say youre alright?
Witnessing her teary eyes, Mitchel felt a pang of sadness. His hand twitched at his side, but he halted just a breath away from the bed, as if an unseen barrier held him back. He could ignore his reputation, but considering Raegan might stay in Aurora long-term, he had to be cautious
Im sorry, he said. Did I frighten you?
No. Raegans voice was strained. Im not that easily scared.
Raegan knew she was the cause of his knee injury. Had he not been determined to deal with Lorenzos threat to protect her before he died, he wouldnt have sustained such a serious injury.