An unknown woman slowly open her eyes.
At first, all she saw was blinding white. Her vision blurred, the light stabbing painful into her skull. Confusion washed over her as awareness returned in fragments. Her body felt heavy - as if it no longer belonged to her.
Pain surged suddenly.
"Ah-"she whispered, instinctively lifting her hand to her head. The movement was weak, trembling. Her fingers brushed against thick bandages wrapped around her temple, and a sharp ache pulsed through her skull. The rest of her body felt numb, lifeless, as though sensation had been drained from her veins.
Her breathing grew shallow .
As second passed, she forced her eyes to open wider, taking in her surroundings. Sterile white wall surrounded her, bare and cold. A faint beeping sound echoed steadily nearby.The strong smell of disinfectant filled the air, stinging her nose and making her stomach uncomfortable. Curtains hung beside the bed, slightly drawn and an IV line ran into her arm.
A hospital...?
She layed still, staring at the ceiling, trying to gather her thought. Her mind felt foggy, as though pieces of her memories were scattered and out of reach.
"I was...on a mission",she murmured to herself, her voice hoarse and unfamiliar.
"Then how did I end up here ?".
Suddenly, the memory struck her like lighting
Hands. A shove. Rush of air. The cliff.
Her chest tightened as rage surged through her weakened body. "Those people... ", she whispered, the fingers curling into the bedsheet.
"Just wait. I'll make you pay".
She tried to push herself up, but her muscle refused to respond. Her arms shook violently before collapsing back on the mattress.
"Ahh!" she cried out, frustration and fury breaking through her restraint. She clenched the bedsheet tightly, nail digging into the fabric as helplessness washed over her .
At that moment, the door opened.
A middle aged woman stepped inside, freezing in shock when she saw the woman awake. Her eyes widened, then filled with joy. "You're... you're unconscious !" she exclaimed, rushing closer. "Do you need anything? Are you in pain?".
Receiving no response, the woman softened her tone. "My name is Anna", she gently. "I'm a maid here".
Still silent, the woman only watched her, eyes wary and alert despite her weakness.
"I'll inform everyone that you've woken up," Anna said quickly. She carefully helped her adjust the bed, raising her slightly. "Don't worry, dear. Your safe. We mean no harm."
She paused at the door and glanced back with a reassuring smile.
"Please rest for now", she added before leaving the room.
Moment later, footsteps approached again.
This time, a man entered the room with Anna. He appeared to be in his prime- sharp brown hair neatly styled, dressed in grey suit that fit him perfectly. His posture was straight, his expression serious, almost intimidating. He didn't look like someone who smile easily.
He approached the bed and studied her carefully. "You're awake," he said calmly. I'm Max. I'm the assistant to Mr De Luca".
As his eyes met her eyes met hers, a brief thought crossed his mind." she's beautiful.
The woman swallowed and finally spoke, her voice was weak but steady. "I'm...Elena Cross". She paused, then asked "Where am I ?"
"Don't worry ma'am", Max said. "You are in safe hand. You are currently at Mr De Luca residence. We found you injured by the riverside and took you to the hospital immediately".
Elena watched his face closely searching for any sign of deception. "Then ...why am I not in the hospital?"she asked quietly.
Max hesitated, momentarily puzzled. Shouldn't she be thanking us first? he thought.
Realising the awkward pause, Elena spoke again, guilty flickering across her face. " I'm sorry. I should have thank you first for saving my life. I didn't mean to sound ungrateful."
Max glanced at Anna and let out a small, awkward chuckle. " It's alright. No need to feel guilty."
Silence followed.
After a brief pause, Elena broke it. "How long...have I been here?".
"you've been in coma for two months", Max replied. "You suffered a severe concussion and heavy blood loss".
" what !" Elena gasped, eyes widening in shock.
Her heart raced. Two months... Her mind spiraled with questions. The mission...the fallout.. Ava
She was lost in thought when Max spoke again." Since you've woken up, you should take rest now. I'll inform Mr De Luca".
He turned to Anna. "Please keep an eye on her. Let me know if anything is needed".
With that he left the room leaving Elena deep in thought.
**********