Adam hesitated for a moment, surprised by Elena’s request, but then he nodded and returned to her side. Pulling the chair from her desk, he placed it next to the bed and sat down, leaning forward slightly with his hands clasped between his knees.
Elena shifted slightly, her fingers nervously toying with the edge of the blanket. The quiet between them wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was charged—heavy with things that needed to be said.
“Why do you care so much, Adam?” Elena finally asked, her voice barely audible.
He smiled softly, a mix of tenderness and sadness in his eyes. “Because I always have, Elena. From the moment we met, you’ve been someone I couldn’t stop thinking about. And seeing you hurting now... it kills me.”
Her heart skipped a beat, and she looked away, her cheeks flushing
