Chapter 299

"Okay, got it."

June turned on her heel and dashed out of the hospital room, already calling Lucie as she hurried after her.

The phone buzzed just as Lucie settled into the driver's seat. She glanced at the screen and sighed before answering.

"Hey, June, what's up?"

June's voice was tight with panic. “Lucie, where are you right now?"

"Elio woke up. He's freaking out, demanding to see you. You have to come back!"

Lucie's brow furrowed. The sting of Joanna's sharp words was still fresh in her mind. Honestly, going back was the last thing she wanted.

"If he's awake, he must be okay. I don't think I should go in. Just tell him I said hi—"

June cut her off, even more anxious now. "No, listen, he's dead set on finding you himself. His leg's broken, Lucie. If you don't come back, he's going to drag himself out of bed looking for you."

Lucie's chest tightened with worry for Elio.

"Please, Lucie. Mrs. Pitts sent me to get you."

"...Alright. I'll go check on him."

"Thank you. Please hurry."

Lucie hung up and let out a long sigh. She got out of the car and made her way back inside.

The elevator doors slid open and June was already waiting, grabbing Lucie's arm and practically dragging her down the hall.

"Hurry! Elio won't calm down until he sees you."

Five minutes later, June burst into the hospital room.

"Lucie's here!"

Elio, pale and weak on the bed, immediately tried to sit up. Joanna and his grandparents were crowded around him.

"Elio, stay down! Don't hurt yourself," Joanna scolded.

Lucie felt a pang in her chest and walked straight to the bed. "Elio, are you okay?"

His eyes filled with tears as he reached for her, voice trembling. “Lucie... Lucie..."

Lucie's own eyes burned as she took his hand. "I'm just glad you're awake."

Before she could finish, Elio pulled

her into a tight hug, clinging to her like h he was terrified she'd disappear if he let go.

"Lucie, seeing you safe... that's all I needed."

"Do you know how scared I was? I thought I'd never see you again."

Lucie's heart twisted. She wanted to pull away, but seeing him so broken, she just couldn't.

Elio held her close, tears brimming in his usually defiant eyes.

"When the crash happened, all I could think about was you."

"I promised myself, if I made it out alive, I'd never let you go again..."

Joanna and the two elder Pitts

stood

cre, stunned. Joanna looet upset her son's awek

setting

her on edge

"Elio, enough. You're hurt-you can't get so worked up," Joanna snapped.

"You saw her, now rest. Take your medicine. It's special, imported stuff, costs a fortune. Don't waste it!"

Mrs. Pitts reached over, voice gentle, coaxing him like a little kid. “Elio, please take your medicine, sweetie."

Elio didn't even seem to hear them. He just kept holding Lucie, refusing to let go.

Lucie's cheeks burned with embarrassment. She glanced at his family, worried she was making things worse.

"Elio, seriously, you need to take your medicine,” she whispered, trying to gently push him away.

He shook his head, holding her even

tighter No. I just want to hold

you. I

don't want to let go. Not even for

second content

Relief and longing flickered across Elio's face as he finally let himself breathe with

her safe in his arms.