Love Doesn't Take Permission

The quiet hum of the heart monitor had faded into the background, a steady rhythm like a heartbeat matching the relief in the room.

Emma was awake—truly awake this time—and though the heaviness of what had happened lingered, the warmth in her eyes soothed the ache in Alex's chest.

Claire was the first to break the comfortable silence, her gaze shifting between the two of them.

She crossed her arms, raising a brow. "Alright, since Emma's finally awake… don't you think you should eat something, Alex?" she said looking at him in a questioning manner.

Alex blinked, clearly caught off guard. His thumb was still gently brushing Emma's knuckles, his attention solely on her. He shook his head slightly. "I'm fine, really. I'm not hungry."

But just as he said that, at that exact moment, a loud, undeniable rumble echoed from his stomach. He cleared his throat while trying everything to avoid looking into Emma's face.