Quickly, Gerard caught her hand. "Stay with me. Help's on the way.

Just hold on, alright?"

Lilah gazed at him, her lips curving into a faint smile even as the grip of darkness tightened.

“Gerard, I've always... cared deeply... for you..." Her voice wavered, the world around her growing dim.

"I know," he whispered, tears flowing freely. "Hold on, Lilah. Stay with me."

"You're truly... wonderful." Her voice was barely audible now. “In another life, maybe... we'll meet again."

"Don't even think like that." Gerard's voice trembled.

Desperation surged within him when he saw her eyes fluttering shut.

"Stay awake, Lilah. Please."

Soon after, the wailing sirens grew louder.

The hospital staff were taken aback. Not long ago, Lilah had left their care; now she was back, her condition far graver than before.

When Calvin arrived, he was met with the harrowing sight of Gerard in the corridor. Blood smeared Gerard's shirt and his aura radiated unchecked fury. Gerard's hand was a bruised mess from repeatedly striking the wall, each punch serving as a makeshift anchor to his composure.

"Mr. Harris." Calvin's voice wavered. Never before had he witnessed Gerard in such a state. He quickly relayed, “We're tracking down the driver. Preliminary findings suggest this was premeditated. After striking Miss Phillips, she fled the country, avoiding standard international routes by stowing away. Rest assured, we'll locate her."

“She better be alive when you do." The cold menace in Gerard's bloodshot eyes was chilling.

Calvin nodded, unable to meet that fierce gaze. "Understood."

The emergency room's light continued to pierce the dark hallway.

Images of the accident had surfaced online, and with Lilah's rising fame, it didn't take long for the news to spread like wildfire.

Brenda, upon receiving the news, immediately called Gerard, her voice thick with worry. “How's Lilah? Is she alright?"

“She's still in the emergency room," Gerard replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

The fiery Brenda didn't hold back. "Such reckless drivers should get a taste of their own medicine!"

Though Brenda's rage was palpable, Gerard barely registered her words, his focus unwaveringly directed toward the emergency room door. As the light dimmed, a shiver shot down his spine.

Emerging from the room, the doctor met Gerard's eyes with a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry—"

Gerard's eyes brimmed with anguish as he tightly held onto the doctor's lapel. "No, this isn't possible! She can't just—"

"Mr. Harris, I urge you to remain composed," the doctor implored.