Chapter ninty nine

Sophia exhaled deeply as she lay on the hospital bed, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling the air, mingling with the faint aroma of flowers from a nearby vase. The soft beeping of machines created a rhythmic backdrop to their conversation. Dalton sat beside her, leaning back in the chair, his casual demeanor a stark contrast to the clinical surroundings. He animatedly recounted stories from his high school days, his voice light and teasing, as he gestured with his hands, bringing the tales to life.

Sophia's expression shifted continuously as Dalton mentioned different incidents. Her eyes sparkled with delight when he talked about school parties, picturing the laughter, colorful decorations, and the thrill of dancing under the disco ball. But her smile faded to a frown when he recounted tales of the school bullies, the laughter replaced by a sense of unease.