The soft beep of the hospital machines had become a comforting white noise to Emma as she sat beside Diana's bed, absently flipping through a magazine. Her mother dozed peacefully, the new treatment plan already showing promising results.
A gentle knock on the door frame made Emma look up. Her heart clenched painfully at the sight of Tom standing there, his usually impeccable appearance disheveled, dark circles under his eyes.
"Emma," he said softly, his voice rough with emotion. "Can we talk? Please?"
For a moment, Emma considered refusing, the pain of betrayal still raw and throbbing. But a quick glance at her sleeping mother steeled her resolve. She wouldn't cause a scene here.
"Five minutes," she said coldly, rising from her chair. "Outside."
Tom nodded gratefully, following her i
