Chapter 53 Shattered Truths

Katelyn’s POV The sterile scent of antiseptic filled my nose before I even opened my eyes. The white noise of beeping monitors, distant voices, and rustling gowns pulled me slowly out of the darkness. My body felt impossibly heavy. My limbs were numb. My eyelids fluttered open, and at first, everything was a blur, just pale ceiling tiles and fluorescent lights. Then I saw Ethan. Sitting by my bedside, elbows on his knees, head bowed, hands clasped as if in silent prayer. I blinked a few times, unsure if I was dreaming. But when his head lifted and our eyes met, the pain in his gaze was undeniable. “You’re awake.” His voice was soft, hoarse, almost reverent. He sat up straighter, reaching out tentatively like he wasn’t sure if I’d let him touch me. I didn’t move. He exhaled slowly. “You fainted. You lost a lot of blood. Internal bleeding… The doctor says it is severe.” There was a tremble in his voice. I’d never heard Ethan sound so… raw. So human. “My father?” I asked weakly, my throat