Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 50

Audrey’s POV

The first thing I noticed was the steady beeping of hospital monitors, followed by the antiseptic smell that seemed embedded in Mayo Clinies walls. My eyes felt heavy as I tried to open them, and that’s when I became aware of the warmth around my hand.

James Collins sat beside my bed, his usually impeccable appearance showing clear signs of having spent the night in that uncomfortable hospital chair. His suit jacket was draped over the back, his sleeves rolled up, and his tie loosened a rare sight for someone who maintained soch careful composure.

“Audrey, for god’s sake, you’re finally awake. Relief flooded his voice. How are you feeling?”

I tried to shift position, but even that small movement sent a dull ache through my body. James’s grip on my hand tightened slightly.

“Is your stomach still hurting? Any other discomfort? His brown eyes were intense with concern. “Do you have any idea how worried I was last night? The doctor said if I hadn’t gotten you here when I did…”

“Then I’m glad you came in time, I managed softly, attempting to withdraw my hand from his grip. But my body felt too weak to manage even that simple movement. “I’m much better now.”

Maybe sensing my movement, James tightened his hold on my hand even more and moved closer to me. The moment I saw this, I subconsciously frowned.

tone I rarely heard from him. “You know, while

and a different kind of pain bloomed in

“I want to be more than just friends, Audrey. I want to be

discomfort through my stomach. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the ache of having to

trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ve

my condition, I

know!” His voice cracked slightly. “I don’t care how much time you have left. I want to be there for

pull my hand free from his grip. The effort left me breathless, and I had to lean back against the pillows, fighting a wave of

my hand, but when he saw the red marks on my hand caused by his tight grip just now, he withdrew his outstretched hand

through his disheveled hair.

cut him off, my voice soft

followed was heavy with unspoken words. The steady beeping of the heart monitor seemed unnaturally loud

staring

carefully. “Among my friends, you’re the only