Will forever love you

CHAPTER4

The sterile smell of antiseptic filled Makky's nostrils as she sat in the darkened hospital corridor. She kept thinking about the last few hours: Mark's fall, the tense ambulance journey, and the eerie call from Anna's phone, which was answered by an unfamiliar person. Since then, she had made several attempts to contact Anna, but each time she got voicemail. She was plagued by anxiety, yet she couldn't get rid of the sense that something wasn't right.

Makky's discomfort was exacerbated by Mrs. Brown's calm manner. Across from her, the older woman sat with a perfect posture and emotionless gaze. Her stern exterior seems to have been unaffected by the seriousness of her son's health.

"Mrs. Brown," Makky said in a somewhat shaky voice, "I'm quite concerned about Anna. She should be here at this moment but is nowhere to be found.

Mrs.Brown sat down looking at Makky, her expression unpredictable. "Maybe she had made her choice."

Makky didn't believe what Mrs Brown said about Anna, and it hurt her knowing she couldn't defend her in the presence of Mrs Brown. She believes that Anna loves Mark and would never leave him at such a time as this.

Mrs. Brown felt a slight, quite undetectable smile tug at the edges of her lips. "Dear, love can be erratic at times. Individuals frequently behave in ways that benefit themselves.

Before Makky could reply, a nurse walked up to them. "You can now see your son, Mrs. Brown. He is still unconscious but stable.

Mrs. Brown nodded to the nurse as she rose elegantly. She looked across to Makky. "Would you care to join me?"

After a moment of hesitation, Makky nodded and followed Mrs. Brown to Mark's room down the clean hallway. She shuddered when she saw him lying still, hooked up to all kinds of machines. Although she had always admired Mark from a distance and valued their friendship, witnessing his vulnerability made her feel more deeply pained.

Mrs. Brown was standing next to the bed, softly stroking a flyaway hair off Mark's forehead. The words "My poor boy," she whispered. Then, with a piercing gaze, she turned to Makky. "You care for him, don't you?"

Makky nodded and gulped hard. "Obviously. I'm friends with him.

Mrs. Brown's eyes grew intense. "Is that all he is to you?"

The question was laden with insinuation and hovered in the air. Makky's cheeks turned red. "I... I don't know what you mean."

Mrs. Brown had a knowing expression on her face. "Makky, I've seen how you gaze at him. In your eyes, friendship is more than that.

Makky started to object, but she couldn't think of anything to say. Was it really that clear?

Mrs. Brown took a step forward, her voice fading to a whisper of conspiracy. "Anna's lack of presence is... worrisome. However, that might be a chance.

"Opportunity?" Makky repeated, perplexed.

Mrs. Brown went on to say, "Mark needs someone by his side, someone who truly cares for him," "If Anna can't be bothered to show up, maybe it's time someone else stepped in."

It was obvious, and Makky's heart pounded. "You think I should...?"

Mrs. Brown gave a nod. "You've always supported him. Why don't we seize this opportunity to be more than simply friends?

It was an enticing suggestion. Because she respected Mark's relationship with Anna, Makky had been suppressing her love for him for years. However, now that Anna is gone and Mrs. Brown seems to approve...

Makky answered, "I don't know," in a hesitant tone. "It feels wrong."

"Does it?" Mrs. Brown shot back. "Or does it feel like destiny?"

The words struck a chord with Makky, unleashing a flame of potential. She looked at Mark, who had a calm face from unconsciousness. Would she be able to replace Anna? It was an exciting and terrible thought.

As the hours went by, Makky and Mark were by themselves. Makky was left to think while Mrs. Brown went out to talk to the doctors. She extended her arm and grasped Mark's hand. In sharp contrast to the icy sterility of the hospital room, his skin was warm.

"Mark," she muttered, "I need you to wake up. I'm not sure if you can hear me. I must know what I should do.

The cardiac monitor's constant beeping was the sole reaction. Makky leaned back in her chair and sighed. She was startled when her phone buzzed in her pocket. When she took it out, she saw a note from a private investigator she had previously hired to assist in finding Anna.

Is there any news regarding your friend? The message was read.

Makky gazed at the television, her thoughts replaying what Mrs. Brown had said. It won't be possible for Anna to be with Mark if she continues to go missing. The desire was irrefutable, but the notion was self-serving.

She texted back, her fingers shaking. There's no need to search further. Thank you.

Feeling a twinge of shame, she paused before sending. However, the temptation to be with Mark and to finally have the opportunity she had always desired was too great. She hit the send button.

Over the course of the following few days, Makky developed a routine. During her days at the hospital, she held Mark's hand and spoke to him in the hopes that her voice might resurrect him. Mrs. Brown frequently remarked on how well they looked together as if she was delighted with her commitment.

Mrs. Brown came up to Makky one evening with a proposal while the sun was sinking beyond the horizon and the room was bathed in a warm, golden glow.

With a soft yet stern tone, she said, "Makky, sweetie," "The hospital personnel asked whether you are Mark's fiancée, and I told them yes. Information is required for his records.

Beat skipped in Makky's heart. "But... Anna..."

Mrs. Brown interrupted with a note of annoyance, "Anna is nowhere to be found," "For all intents and purposes, she has abandoned my son."

Makky could not dispute the harshness of the remarks. To put it mildly, Anna's prolonged absence was strange.

Makky felt Mrs. Brown's touch on her shoulder. "Over the past few days, you have acted more like a fiancée to Mark than Anna ever did. Maybe it's time to formally announce it.

"Official?" Makky's voice hardly made a sound.

Mrs. Brown gave a nod. "The employees require a name. I propose that we offer them yours, which I have done. You just need to go there and sign.

Like a tidal wave, gravity struck Makky. It was an enormously deceptive act to pretend to be Mark's fiancée. However, it also seemed correct.

Makky said, "I don't know if I can," as tears filled her eyes.

Mrs. Brown gave her a comforting shoulder squeeze. "At this moment, you are the best thing for him. We can aid in his recovery if we work together.