Maddie's POV
I went back to the hospital after paying the Leonard's a visit. I was not going to fall for anything that the Leonard's tell me. Ash should've just left me alone and then things just wouldn't have played out this way with everyone, mainly Mariko and me. They are the ones that could've prevented this.
The soft hum of medical equipment filled the hospital room as I entered, my heart fluttering with a mixture of relief and anxiety. Mariko lay in the bed, his eyes meeting mine as a weak but genuine smile graced his bruised face.
"Mariko, you're awake!" I exclaimed, my voice a mix of joy and concern. I rushed to his bedside, taking his hand in mine.
A flicker of emotion crossed his eyes, gratitude mingled with pain. "Hey," he whispered, his voice still raspy.
Tears welled in
