The morning started like any other. Riley sat at the kitchen table, a steaming cup of coffee warming her hands. Adrian was across from her, engrossed in his newspaper. The quiet routine had become comforting. Then, her phone rang.
"Hello?" Riley answered, recognizing the number immediately.
"Riley, it's about Brian," came the urgent voice of Brian's sister, Julia.
Riley's heart skipped a beat. "What happened?"
"He had a heart attack. He's in the hospital."
The world seemed to tilt. Riley gripped the edge of the table. "Is he...is he okay?"
"He's stable now, but it was serious. You should come, Riley. He needs you."
Riley hung up, her mind racing. She looked up to find Adrian watching her, concern etched on his face.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his tone gentle yet firm.
"It's Brian. He had a heart attack," Riley said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian's expression hardened. "Riley, you don't owe him anything. Remember what he did to you."
"I know," she said, biting her lip. "But I need to see him, Adrian. I need to make sure he's okay."
Adrian sighed, frustration and worry mingling in his eyes. "I don't like this, Riley. He hurt you. You can't just drop everything for him."
"I know," she repeated, standing up. "But I have to do this. For my own peace of mind."
Adrian nodded reluctantly. "I'll drive you."
The drive to the hospital was silent, the tension thick in the car. Riley's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She knew Adrian was right; Brian had hurt her deeply. But she couldn't ignore the part of her that still cared, that needed closure.
They arrived at the hospital, and Adrian parked the car. He turned to her, his expression serious. "Riley, just...be careful. Don't let him get to you."
"I won't," she promised, leaning in to kiss him softly. "Thank you for understanding."
Adrian nodded, his eyes softening. "I'll wait here. Take your time."
Riley walked into the hospital, her heart pounding. She found the room number Julia had given her and paused outside the door, taking a deep breath before pushing it open.
Brian lay in the bed, pale and weak. He looked up as she entered, surprise flickering across his face. "Riley," he said, his voice raspy.
"Hi, Brian," she replied, forcing a smile. "How are you feeling?"
He shrugged, wincing slightly. "I've been better."
She pulled up a chair and sat down, her eyes scanning his face. "Julia called me. She said it was serious."
"It was," he admitted, looking away. "They said I was lucky to make it."
Riley swallowed hard, the reality of the situation sinking in. "I'm glad you're okay, Brian."
He looked back at her, his eyes filled with regret. "Riley, I...I'm sorry. For everything."
Her heart ached at his words. "Brian, it's in the past. Let's not talk about it now."
"I need to," he insisted, reaching out to take her hand. "I know I messed up. I know I hurt you. But seeing you here...it means a lot to me."
Riley pulled her hand away gently. "Brian, I'm here because I care. But things have changed. I'm with Adrian now."
Brian's face fell, and he nodded slowly. "I know. I just...I needed to tell you I'm sorry."
"You've told me," she said softly. "And I appreciate it. But I need to move on, Brian. We both do."
The visit was shorter than Riley had expected. She stood up, giving Brian a small smile. "Take care of yourself, Brian."
"You too, Riley," he said, his voice filled with sadness.
She walked out of the room, feeling a strange sense of relief. As she made her way back to the car, she realized that this visit had given her the closure she needed. She had forgiven Brian, but she was ready to leave the past behind.
Adrian looked up as she approached, concern etched on his face. "How did it go?"
"It was hard," she admitted, getting into the car. "But I'm glad I went. It reaffirmed my decision to move on."
Adrian took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm proud of you, Riley. It took a lot of strength to do that."
"Thank you," she said, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Let's go home."
The drive back was quiet, but the tension had lifted. Riley felt a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. She had faced her past and come out stronger. And she knew that with Adrian by her side, she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they pulled into the driveway, Riley felt a renewed sense of hope. She was ready to embrace the future, to build a new life with Adrian. And as they walked into the house, hand in hand, she knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together.
The past was behind her, and the future was filled with endless possibilities. Riley was
ready to embrace every moment, knowing that she and Adrian would face it all together.