ALEX

As I sit beside Zoe's hospital bed, a surge of possessiveness grips me, compelling me to protect and care for her. I reach out and gently take her hand, seeking solace in the warmth of her touch. Despite the bandages and the pallor of her skin, she remains stunningly beautiful. Her flawless complexion, long lashes, and rosy lips are a testament to her inner strength and resilience. I find myself captivated by her beauty, unable to look away. In this moment, all that matters is her, and I vow to do whatever it takes to support her on her journey to recovery.

"I know you may not hear me or recognize me, but I need to say this," I murmur softly, my voice trembling with emotion. "I've never stopped loving you, Zoe."

Tears blur my vision as I continue, my heart laid bare before her. "I'm deeply sorry for everything I've done that hurt you. I was immature and not thinking clearly. I let outside voices influence me, and I believed things that weren't true, which I deeply regret."

My voice catches in my throat as I recall the pain of our separation, the regret weighing heavy on my soul. "I never wanted to break up with you; I thought it was the right thing to do at the time, but now I see I was wrong. I'm truly sorry for not listening to you."

Desperation fills every word as I plead for another chance, for forgiveness, for redemption. "I want to give us another chance. I promise to give you my utmost care and attention. Zoe, I love you."

With her hands in mine, I rest my head against them, the warmth of her touch a lifeline in the darkness. Tears stream down my cheeks unchecked as I wait, hoping against hope that somehow, someway, we can find a way back to each other.

"That was very sweet of you. Can you please tell me everything that happened between you two?" As I snap back to reality, I suddenly remember that her family is here. My heart races with embarrassment as I notice her sister standing against the wall, her expression unreadable. I feel a pang of guilt for pouring out my feelings in front of her, unsure of how she might react. With a sheepish smile, I gather my composure and approach her sister, hoping to explain myself and make amends for any discomfort I may have caused.

"And I'm sorry that I yelled at you back there; I was just worried about my sister," she says. With a heavy heart, I begin to explain everything that has transpired between Zoe and me over the past year. I recount the ups and downs of our relationship, expressing my remorse for any pain or confusion my actions may have caused. I lay bare my vulnerabilities and mistakes, hoping for understanding and forgiveness.

As I speak, I feel a weight lifting off my shoulders, knowing that I'm finally being honest about my feelings and intentions. I glance at Zoe's sister, her eyes filled with a mixture of sympathy and concern. I realize that she may not fully comprehend the complexities of our relationship, but I'm grateful for her willingness to listen.

With each word, I strive to convey the depth of my love for Zoe and my earnest desire to make things right. I promise to do whatever it takes to earn back her trust and prove my commitment to her happiness. And as I finish speaking, I can only hope that my sincerity shines through, bridging the gap between us and paving the way for reconciliation.

"Listen, as long as this relationship doesn't interfere with your studies or hers, I'm fully supportive. But keep it low-key around school; we don't want to tarnish her dad's reputation. And please, take good care of her," her sister says. I nod earnestly, absorbing Zoe's sister's words with a sense of gratitude and determination. I understand the importance of maintaining focus on our studies and respecting the reputation of her family, especially her father's. With a renewed sense of responsibility, I assure her that I will prioritize both our academic pursuits and discretion in our relationship.

"I promise to take care of her," I say, meeting her sister's gaze with sincerity. "I'll ensure that our relationship doesn't interfere with our studies or tarnish her family's image. Thank you for your support and guidance. I won't let you down."

I step out of the room, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. As I approach the others, I can't help but hope for their comfort and understanding in this trying time. With a deep breath, I recount the events that unfolded inside the room, sharing both the gravity of the situation and the doctor's reassuring words. Their expressions soften with relief as they absorb the information, and I feel a weight lifting off my shoulders knowing that my words have brought them some measure of comfort. Together, we stand united in our support for Zoe, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead with strength and resilience.