"Babe, just relax and take in a deep breath."
Jake's voice was calm, but his eyes betrayed his fear. He signaled the nurses, and one of them pressed the switch. A low mechanical hum filled the room as the heat machine activated.
Then it began.
"Ahhhhhh!" I screamed so loud, the pain tearing through me like a thousand needles dancing beneath my skin. My cries echoed down the hallway. The nurses tried to remain calm, but Jake… Jake was falling apart inside.
"Look at me, sweetheart. Look into my eyes." He leaned in closer, holding my hand firmly, his grip reassuring. "Breathe. Deep breaths. In and out."
I tried, I really did, but the heat was too much. It felt like my blood was boiling, like fire was crawling under my skin, and there was no escape.
"Jake!" I cried, clutching his hand like my life depended on it. "Please make it stop! I can't take the pain anymore." He gently raised my chin, his eyes misty but steady. "You have to hold on, love. Just a little more. This pain… it's healing you. I promise it will pass."
I bit my inner cheek hard, willing the tears to stay in, but it was useless. They fell anyway hot and heavy, blurring my vision. I squeezed his hand tighter, pressing into his palm with everything I had left in me.
And then…
"Sir, we're done." Just like that, it was over.
I exhaled sharply, as though my lungs had just remembered how to breathe. My body was trembling from the torment. Jake quickly helped me sit up and handed me a bottle of water. My hands were weak, but I drank slowly, grateful.
"You can take her home now," the nurse said softly. "Just take very good care of her."
Jake gave her a firm nod. "Of course I will."
Another nurse wheeled in a chair, but Jake stood up immediately.
"No," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "She won't be needing that. I'll carry her myself." He took off his jacket and gently helped me into it. Before I could protest, he scooped me up in his arms like I was the most fragile thing in the world.
"Awww," the nurses chimed in unison, some even smiling as they watched the scene unfold. Jake," I murmured, cheeks flushing. "You really don't have to do this. I can use the wheelchair."
"Shhh." He pressed his index finger against my lips. "I want to do this. Let me."
My heart melted. He carried me through the hallway, and I could feel all eyes on us. There were whispers, murmurs behind hands, but none of it mattered. All I could hear was the rhythm of his heart beneath my ear and feel the warmth of his arms around me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, savoring the moment.
Outside, his men were already by the car, the door opened wide. He gently placed me in the backseat before sliding in beside me. The drive was quiet, smooth. I leaned against his chest, and his arm wrapped around me protectively.
Back at the mansion, Sadash stood waiting by the steps, her expression warm and motherly. "How have you been, dear?" she asked, her voice soft.
"I'm fine, Sadash," I whispered, managing a tired smile. She gently held my hand as we walked inside.
And then I saw them my parents.
Dad was pacing, his hands locked behind his back, a deep line of worry etched into his forehead. Mom was murmuring something under her breath, her arms crossed tightly.
The moment her eyes found mine, she dashed toward me and pulled me into a tight embrace.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice cracking as she stroked my hair. "Yes, Mom. I'm okay," I assured her softly.
Dad stepped forward, his eyes searching mine. "Are you sure?" he asked. Yes, I am," I replied shortly, unsure what had triggered this sudden warmth from them. Was it fear of losing me? Regret? Or something else entirely?
Either way, it was strange… but maybe, just maybe, this pain had opened a door that had long been sealed shut.