Chapter 197

Silvia By evening, the doctors were cautiously optimistic. Noah was still incredibly weak, but his vitals had stabilized, and he could stay awake a little longer without drifting off. He hadn't said much, just a few words here and there, but his eyes followed movement now, and he squeezed my hand when I spoke. That felt like a win. He looked pale and fragile under the hospital lights, his skin almost the same color as the sheets, but he was there. Really there. A nurse came in quietly, set a tray on the table, and gave me a quick nod before slipping back out. "Here," I said, spooning up some broth from the hospital dinner they'd brought him. "It's not exactly gourmet, but it's something." Noah grimaced but opened his mouth. "This tastes like dishwater." "Well, it's either this or an IV, so eat up," I teased. He took another reluctant spoonful. "Only for you, Silvia." The way he said my name made me stop. His voice was soft, almost too soft, and there was something in it I couldn't quit