When Julian woke up, his head throbbed and his vision blurred.
He blinked a few times, trying to focus.
After what felt like an eternity, his sight gradually cleared.
The room around him was stark white, and the faint smell of antiseptic hung in the air.
As his eyes adjusted, he realized he was in a hospital room.
Feeling a gentle grip on his hand, Julian turned his head slightly and froze when he saw Sophie holding it.
He was momentarily stunned.
Sophie was asleep, her head tilted slightly, long lashes resting against her cheeks.
Peaceful and beautiful, she looked like a perfect picture of serenity, as if every graceful word imaginable could describe her at that moment.
Julian gazed at her profile, his expression complicated. After a long pause, he withdrew his hand all of a sudd
