Completely bewildered by his erratic behavior, Emily grabbed his arm with a laugh, looking at his bruised face.

"Where on earth are you going? You just got to the hospital. Sit down and rest."

He smoothly caught her hand in his. "Just wait for me. I swear I'll be right back."

"But where are you going?!" she demanded, totally lost.

He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be right back, I promise."

Without another word, he bolted out the door.

Emily sat in bed, blinking blankly at the closed door.

After staring in stunned silence for a few seconds, she shook her head with a chuckle and lay back down.

A few minutes later, Elizabeth and Rose cautiously nudged the door open, peering inside like spies.

"Tristan just left," Emily called out. "You guys can come in."

Elizabeth pushed the door wide open, marching in. "Yeah, we saw him sprinting down the hall. Where was he going in such a rush?"

Emily shrugged. "I have absolutely no idea. Pull up a chair."

Elizabeth yanked Rose onto the sofa with her. "Normally, you couldn't pry that guy away from you with a crowbar. What could possibly be so urgent right now?"

Recalling the intense look on his face, Emily mused, "It must be something important, but your guess is as good as mine."

Rose leaned forward sympathetically. "Emily, you went through hell tonight. My grandma and I are going to make some homemade chicken soup and bring it over so you can regain your strength."

Not one to turn down a kind gesture, she smiled warmly. "I'd love that. Thank you both so much."

Elizabeth cleared her throat dramatically, her expression sobering. "I actually came in to let you know Andrew's out of surgery. Did you want to go see him?"

Truth be told, Elizabeth had never been his biggest fan, but his actions tonight had genuinely commanded her respect.

He had done far more for Emily than she, as her best friend, had managed to do Elizabeth couldn't deny that, which was why she was willingly acting as his messenger.

Emily paused for a second. "I really should. Is he awake?"

"He came to about five minutes ago," Elizabeth confirmed. "But you and Tristan seemed busy, so I didn't want to barge in."

Emily threw off her covers and slid her feet into her slippers.

Elizabeth jumped up, grabbing the IV pole with one hand and supporting Emily's

arm with the other. "Take it easy. No need to rush."

Rose quietly slipped to her other side, offering a steadying hand.

Andrew's room was just two doors down; the walk took less than a minute.

The two women escorted her inside.

The only other person present was his secretary, whom Emily finally learned was named Beatty.

She offered Beatty a polite nod before pulling up a chair beside his bed.

Due to the wound on his back,

Andrew was forced to lie on his side. With one hand tucked under his head, he watched her approach, his dark eyes intense and unwavering.

As she sat down, Emily studied his face. He still looked incredibly pale.

"I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me," he remarked dryly.

"Of course not," she replied softly. "How are you feeling?"

"Why wouldn't you?" He immediately slipped into a guilt-tripping tone. "I figured you were too busy thanking everyone else to remember I exist. Do you know I've been out of surgery waiting for you to show

Bow long

up?

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