New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 304 Magazine Cover

Abigail was wheeled into the hospital, her parents pushing her chair like it was some kind of royal chariot. The hospital smelled like disinfectant and stale coffee, and Abigail couldn't help but wrinkle her nose at it.

Her leg still throbbed where the doctors had fixed it up, but she didn't care. Today was about Alexander. He'd been there for her when she was in a coma, and now it was her turn to return the favor.

She had packed a bag full of goodies: juicy fruits and a container of his favorite food. "I know how bad the hospital food is," she thought, imagining his face when he saw what she brought. Just thinking about him made her cheeks heat up.

There was so much she wanted to tell him, especially about her feelings, but she figured maybe, just maybe, one day would be the right time. Today wasn't it. She couldn't mess things up while he was still healing.

As they approached his room, Abigail knocked on the door, her heart racing. Her parents nudged it open, and there he was-Alexander, lying down and staring blankly at the ceiling like he was trying to figure out the meaning of life. When he turned his head toward them, he tried to sit up but winced in pain.

"Hey, you! Lay down!" Abigail called out, her voice a mix of teasing and concern.

He leaned back against the headboard, looking a bit sheepish. "What are you doing here? I thought you were still recovering?" he asked, a faint smile creeping onto his face.

"I wanted to see you," she said, her voice softening. "I was worried."

Just then, Abigail's mom, Mary, chimed in. "What happened to you, Alexander? Your parents said you were in an accident!"

Alexander hesitated. The last thing he wanted was to spill the whole story, especially when it involved how much he'd messed up. He glanced at Abigail, who was watching him with those wide, trusting eyes. "I wasn't careful," he said simply, keeping it vague.

His mom had kept the details under wraps, and he was grateful for that. He wanted to be the one to explain it to Abigail, but maybe today wasn't the day for heavy stuff.

"Just... be careful next time, okay?" Abigail said, biting her lip. "I brought you something." She thrust the bag of food and fruits toward him like a peace offering. "This is for you! I know hospital food can be worse than cardboard!"

He chuckled, the tension easing a bit. "You're a lifesaver, Abi," he said, smiling as he took the bag from her. "Thank you."

She froze for a second, surprised to see Abigail and her parents. "Oh! What a

beamed. "We thought we'd drop by! Alexander has been so great to Abigail; we wanted

smile on her face. "You kids are quite the caring pair. Are

laughter that followed was infectious. Abigail's face turned a bright shade of crimson, while Alexander simply sighed

they'd make a cute couple?" Mary joked, nudging her husband

please don't say that." Abigail said, shaking her head,

staring at the world outside. His thoughts wandered to Claire's earlier words: "I don't do second chances." The pain in his chest made him feel heavy, and he wondered

cut through his thoughts like a warm knife through butter. He turned back to her, seeing genuine concern in her

off the gloom.

a whole buffet next time," she joked, grinning as she leaned closer. A few

stood in front of

dress Talia had picked for her was... well, "provocative" was putting it mildly t hugged her figure like it was tailor-made, the white fabric looking almost too

The halter-style top showed off

evident. "You're going to turn heads, Claire. This is exactly what you need for a horse race competition

look like I'm ready for a magazine cover

you've got it, flaunt it," Talia teased, twirling a finger in the air. "And you, my dear, have got

at herself again. The dress did

a touch of elegance, with its delicate decorative detail matching her outfit. Her accessories were minimal but refined-a bracelet on her left wrist, a watch on he right and a necklace she'd snagged at an auction last week. And to top it all off, she carried

handbag that tied

grin, her nerves settling a bit. She let her hair fall loose behind her back, giving herself a

bad?" Talia exclaimed, hands on her hips. "You look drop-dead gorgeous! Seriously, Claire, if I wasn't already your best friend, I'd be asking for your autograph." Claire laughed, shaking

said with a

She was already dressed, of course,

Her