Can't Win Me Back

Landon raced to the hospital in his sports car, the engine's roar piercing through the air like lightning. He burst out of the vehicle and sprinted toward the VIP ward. Jasper, Alyssa, Jonah, and Julien waited outside.

"How's Lauren?" Landon asked, breathless and sweaty.

"Grandpa Newton and Javier are with her inside," Alyssa replied, her joy tempered by worry. "But she still needs time to recover from her internal injuries. Her body is weak, and there's a risk of relapse."

Julien added, "She protected her head during the assault. However, her prolonged submersion led to a lung infection. She also had severe cerebral hypoxia, which caused her to be in a coma."

Frowning, Julien continued, "Tomorrow, I'll conduct a detailed brain examination to assess any potential cranial nerve damage and plan her treatment accordingly."

Jonah observed Julien's fatigued appearance, expressing his gratitude with a loving touch. "Thank you for your hard work these past few days."

"It's nothing when I have you by my side."

Julien then tugged at the corner of Jonah's suit and leaned so closely near the latter's ear that Jonah could feel the warmth of his breath. Julien whispered, "Though... if you do think that I've worked hard, reward me when we get back."

Jonah's gaze intensified, though he maintained a composed demeanor. Julien's touch ignited warmth within him, despite his apparent stoicism. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Observing Jonah's reaction, Julien couldn't help but find his partner's modesty endearing. It was one of the many qualities he cherished in him.

"I." Landon's voice faltered, his lips dry with regret before he fell silent.

Jasper could tell what he was thinking. He said reassuringly, "You can go in to see Lauren after Grandpa and Dad come out. I believe you're the one she most longs to see."

Landon's heart clenched with pain, his breaths coming heavier.

"Doctor! Where's the doctor?" Javier's urgent voice interrupted, bursting through the doors, his cheeks flushed with anxiety. "Why isn't my daughter speaking? What happened?"

As a doctor, Julien reacted quickly. He rushed into the ward immediately.

Jasper and Alyssa followed closely behind. Landon's chest tightened. He was about to enter when the door closed in front of him.

There was a twitch in his eye. He pressed his palms on the door. His head hung low as his heart pounded. He dared not enter.

Landon was deeply worried about Lauren. He was eager to see her. However, his ankles felt as if they had been chained down; he wasn't able to take even another step forward.

Then, a warm hand rested on his shoulder, and Landon turned to see Jonah, tears welling in his eyes.

"Don't be afraid, and don't doubt yourself. You are the right person for Lauren. No one can replace you," Jonah reassured him.

"Jonah..." Landon struggled to speak, overwhelmed with emotion.

"No one can define your relationship. It's up to both of you," Jonah affirmed with a warm smile. "Go in and see her. I believe she's been waiting for you, even while unconscious."