THE MOMENT EVERYTHING STOPS
Emily hadn’t moved from James’s bedside in twelve hours.
Her entire world had narrowed down to the slow, rhythmic beeping of the machines, the shallow rise and fall of his chest, and the terrifying possibility that at any moment, he could slip away.
She had barely slept.
Barely breathed.
Her fingers remained curled around his hand, gripping tightly, as if her touch alone could anchor him to this world.
Because if she let go…
If she looked away for even a second…
She was terrified he might disappear.
The room was quiet, except for the hum of medical equipment. The walls were sterile, white, lifeless. But the battle inside Emily’s heart was anything but calm.
James had taken a bullet for her.
And now?
Now, he was fighting for his life.
She reached up,
