Chapter Forty-one.

The silence between them slowly began to dissipate as Lina broke the stillness. "Do you need anything?" she asked, her voice softening slightly as she gazed at Arnold's pale face. His eyes, though tired, lingered on hers, searching for something beneath the surface.

'Water, please,' he responded, his voice low and husky from the pain. Lina nodded and poured a glass from the pitcher beside his bed, the liquid flowing smoothly into the glass.

As she handed it to him, their fingers touched briefly, sending a subtle spark of awareness through the air.

'Thanks,' Arnold muttered, taking a small sip before wincing in pain. Lina's concern deepened as she watched him struggle to swallow.

'Does it hurt?' she asked, her voice filled with empathy. Arnold's expression twisted, a mixture of pain and frustration crossing his face.

'Just my pride' he said, a wry smile playing on his lips, attempting to lighten the mood.

Lina smiled slightly, seeing a glimmer of the old Arnold, the one who used to make her laugh with his quick wit and sarcastic humor. "I'm sorry," she said unexpectedly, the words tumbling out from her heart.

Arnold's expression sobered, his eyes narrowing slightly. "For what?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Lina hesitated, unsure how to articulate her regret. She couldn't help but think about the things she had done to hurt him, things that had driven him to drink and ultimately to the accident.

'For everything,' she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. Arnold's gaze searched hers, seeking truth and understanding.

'You don't have to apologize. I.... am deeply sorry for my outburst.' He said softly, his voice filled with a mixture of understanding and redemption.

'You had every right to lash out. I am indeed selfish. I'm sorry, I made you feel like a pushover. It wasn't my intention.' Lina proclaimed, pulling the chair beside his bed to sit.

'It's okay.' Arnold smiled, reaching for her hands clutched together by the side of his bed, giving her a firm and reassuring grip.

As they talked, the tension between them began to dissipate, replaced by cautious understanding. The beeping of the machines and the sterile hospital smell faded into the background as they connected on a deeper level.

'How did you even know I was here?' Arnold asked suddenly, his eyes piercing hers.

Lina's expression softened. "The emergency responders contacted me," she replied, her voice gentle. "I was the last person you'd...called, apparently."

'I don't remember much,' he said quietly, frustration and vulnerability evident in his voice.

Lina's heart went out to him, seeing the uncertainty in his eyes, the fear of not knowing what had happened or what the future held.

'You don't have to beat up yourself about it.' Lina said calmly, taking the glass of water she handed to him earlier.

She set it down on the pitcher and proceeded to give him a reassuring grip this time.

'Just take it slow and steady as it comes. You'd get through this.' She added, and Arnold mouth curved into a smile.

Without even realizing it, Lina let out a deep breath and said, "You can't even imagine how scared I was when I heard you were involved in an accident."

Lina's words unearthed a depth of emotion in Arnold that he had been struggling to keep buried.

The soft glow of the hospital room lights enveloped them, casting a warm ambiance over the space.

Lina's eyes never left Arnold's face, observing the subtle changes in his expression. His eyes, though tired, held a depth of emotion that drew her in.

Arnold's gaze slowly rose to meet Lina's, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, the connection between them palpable.

Lina's heart beat faster as she leaned in, her face inches from Arnold's. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin, and her lips tingled with anticipation.

The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Lina's eyes locked onto Arnold's. She saw the spark of attraction in his gaze, the hint of longing that mirrored her own feelings. Her hand rested on the edge of the bed, her fingers inches from his.

Just as she was about to bridge the distance between them, the door swung open, and Christopher walked in, his eyes scanning the room before landing on the pair. "Hey, Lina. I'm here now." He spewed in one breath, changing the atmosphere. 

He had seen them from this glass partition and was certain that Lina should not be doing that right now.

At least not now that she isn't willing to commit to anyone, and Arnold must not be caught up with this. He had been through enough already.

Lina jerked back, her face flushing with surprise, as Arnold's gaze flickered to Christopher before returning to hers, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. The moment was shattered, the connection between them broken.

Lina's eyes dropped, her heart still racing from the almost-kiss. She felt a mix of emotions: disappointment, frustration, and a hint of embarrassment.

Christopher's presence had ruined the intimate moment, leaving her wondering what might have happened if they had been alone.

As Christopher approached the bed, Lina forced a smile, trying to compose herself. "Hey, Chris," she said, her voice a little too bright. Arnold's gaze met hers, and for a fleeting moment, they shared a look of understanding, a look that spoke volumes about the connection they had formed.

'Uhmmm hmmm..' Christopher cleared his throat, ensuring to break up the gaze Lina and Arnold shared.

'How are you feeling now?' He directed his question to Arnold after getting both their attentions. 

'I'm better. Thank you.' Arnold spoke, a nervous tremble edged in his tone.

'I'm surprised you're here.' He added, his astonishment quite evident. 

'Lina and I came to the hospital together, but I needed to make a call when she came to you.' Christopher answered.

As he spoke, his eyes roamed the room with a stern intensity, as if daring them to make another move.

He watched Arnold nod in acknowledgement before he proceeded. 

'Can I talk to you for a moment?' He muttered, his gaze shifting to his sister's. 

Lina and Arnold exchanged a quick glance, as though they both knew what Christopher was going to say to her.

'Now, sister.' Christopher added as calmly as he could, but his clenched jaw betrayed his emotions.