Chapter 1568:

Her throat tightened, raw as though barbed wire twisted inside, every breath tinged with iron.

Her fingers trembled as they brushed the side of his cheek. It had been so long since she allowed herself to look—truly look—at him. The angles of his face had sharpened, and the hollows of his cheeks spoke of weight lost. Had she been too harsh to him?

Bending closer, Lydia pressed her lips to his, a single tear spilling, streaking his face with her sorrow.

“Why are you so impossibly stubborn?” Her whisper cracked under grief.

“Please, wake soon. Our baby longs for you…”

Lydia’s heart ached for Jeffry—just as deeply as it did for the baby growing inside her.

Her lashes fluttered as her lips finally parted from his. When she lifted her gaze, she found herself caught in the depths of his eyes. She went rigid, stunned by the clarity staring back at her.

He was already awake?

The shock rooted her in place for a beat, until instinct snapped her into motion. She turned, ready to call for a doctor, but a strong hand closed around her wrist before she could take a step.

Jeffry pulled her back toward him, his voice rough and hoarse.

“Where are you going?” Was she about to leave him again?

Realizing he’d misunderstood, Lydia shook her head quickly.

“You just woke up. I wanted to get a doctor to check on you.”

Jeffry studied her as if he was afraid she’d disappear if he blinked. When he spoke again, there was something raw in his tone.

“Don’t leave me. Stay with me… please.”

𝓥𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓯𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓼𝓲𝓽𝓮: 𝗀𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀﹒ⅽ𝗈𝗺

Pale moonlight spilled across his face, revealing the fear etched into his expression, and it stung tears into Lydia’s eyes. She squeezed his hand and lowered herself into the chair beside him.

“All right,” she said softly.

“I’ll stay right here.”

She knew it was her past coldness that had made him so wary now.

Gently, Lydia urged, “Close your eyes. You need rest. I promise I won’t go anywhere.”

But Jeffry refused. His gaze clung to her—wide, unblinking. Was this moment really happening, or was it only another dream? He’d woken up before, only to find she was already gone, night after night after night. That fear kept him from closing his eyes.

Watching him lie there in silence, staring at her, Lydia’s concern grew. Her voice trembled.

“Does the wound hurt too much?”

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