Chapter 15
797words
"He needs a familiar presence," I told Dr. Morgan.
The doctor agreed, letting me sit in the corner. The tests lasted six full hours, during which Alexander was asked to imagine various activities, respond to questions, and even attempt to move body parts.
When the last expert left, Dr. Morgan looked both exhausted and excited.
"The results need analysis, but the preliminary data is very promising."
Victoria and I exchanged a cautious look. We both knew what this meant.
***
That evening, I received an anonymous text:
"Leave the mansion tomorrow. For your own safety."
I immediately showed the text to Victoria.
"Jonathan," she said through gritted teeth. "He must know about the test results."
"What do we do?"
"Speed up the plan." She took out her phone. "I'll contact the lawyers and board members. You go stay with Alexander. Don't leave his side."
I rushed to Alexander's room to find a nurse injecting something into his IV.
"What is that?" I asked, suddenly alert.
"Just routine medication, Mrs. Blackwood," she answered, avoiding my eyes.
"Let me see the label."
She hesitated, which confirmed my suspicions. I lunged forward and grabbed the syringe.
"This isn't his regular medication! Who gave you this?"
The nurse went pale. "Mr. Blackwood—Mr. Jonathan. He said it was a new treatment protocol."
I immediately pressed the emergency call button. "Leave this room. Now!"
The nurse fled, and I checked Alexander's vital signs. Everything was normal, but he looked more tired than usual.
"Alexander," I gripped his hand. "Can you hear me?"
A weak squeeze.
"Jonathan tried to hurt you. But I won't let him succeed."
His fingers trembled in mine, spelling out: DANGER.
"I know. But I'm not leaving you."
Security personnel and doctors rushed into the room. I quickly explained the situation, and they took immediate action, securing the room and analyzing the substance in the syringe.
When Victoria arrived, her face was twisted with anger. "Where's Jonathan?"
"Security is searching the grounds," a guard answered. "But his car is gone."
"The coward," she spat. "He knows we've found him out."
Dr. Morgan examined Alexander. "He's lucky. This drug would have caused stroke-like symptoms, possibly masking his signs of consciousness."
I felt sick. Jonathan hadn't just wanted to prevent Alexander from being proven conscious; he'd wanted to ensure Alexander could never recover.
***
The next few days were tense and busy. Victoria called an emergency board meeting, presenting the test results. The evidence was conclusive: Alexander was conscious, able to understand and respond.
Jonathan was removed from the board, and an arrest warrant was issued. Sophia was also under investigation, but she had already left the city.
A week later, things finally calmed down. Alexander began intensive rehabilitation therapy, focusing on regaining motor functions. I stayed by his side every day, helping him with exercises.
"The doctors say your progress is remarkable," I said while helping him with hand exercises.
His fingers could move more flexibly now, making our communication easier.
"Because of you," he spelled out.
I smiled. "I'm just here for support. You're doing the real work."
"No," he insisted. "You saved me. Twice."
I felt my cheeks warm. "I only did what anyone would do."
"Not anyone. You."
Our eyes met, and something unspoken flowed between us. Our marriage had started as a transaction, but it had become something else.
"Alexander," I said softly, "I need to ask you something."
He waited.
"When you're fully recovered... this marriage... us..."
His fingers gripped mine tightly, interrupting me.
"My choice," he spelled. "I choose you."
Tears welled in my eyes. "You don't even know me."
"I know your heart," he answered. "Better than anyone."
Just then, a miracle happened. Alexander's lips moved slightly, producing a sound—faint but clear:
"O...liv...ia..."
I gasped in surprise, tears streaming down my cheeks.
"You spoke!"
He smiled—a real smile, though a bit crooked, but beautiful beyond words.
"For...you..."
I leaned forward, pressing my forehead against his, letting the tears flow freely. In this quiet moment, after all the plots and dangers, we had found something precious: a new beginning.
Not based on convenience or transaction, but on a deep connection formed in the darkest moments.
"I'm not going anywhere," I promised softly. "We face the future together."
His fingers gently brushed my cheek, wiping away tears. This simple gesture contained all the emotions words couldn't express.
In that moment, I knew I had fallen in love with Alexander Blackwood. Not for his wealth or status, but for his courage, wisdom, and gentle heart.
And from the light in his eyes, I knew he loved me too.
