Rhoda's POV
The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the heart monitor.
Lucian's fingers played weakly with mine, his grip still light but determined, like he was afraid to let go.
“Rhoda…” his voice was hoarse barely above a whisper
“I'm here,” I said softly, squeezing his hand.
His tired eyes met mine, holding a depth of vulnerability I'd never seen before. “Kiss me,” he said.
I blinked, unsure if I heard him right. “What?”
“Please…kiss me,” he repeated his gaze, never leaving mine. “I just….I need to know that this is real. That you're real”
My heart stuttered.
I could see fear lingering behind his request, the fear that this moment was nothing more than a cruel dream.
I leaned in slowly, brushing my fingers against his face.
His skin was still pale, his lips dry and c
