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."

froze for a second, surprised

Alexander has been so great to Abigail; we

a knowing smile on her face. "You kids are quite the caring

that followed was infectious. Abigail's face turned a bright shade of crimson, while Alexander simply sighed and rolled his eyes. "Oh, please, not this again," he muttered

make a cute couple?" Mary joked, nudging her

her

the laughter settled down, Alexander turned his gaze to the window, 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

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

thinking," he replied, trying to shake off the gloom. "About how horrible this place

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

front of

figure like it was tailor-made, the white fabric looking almost too sleek and too

the dress. The halter-style top showed off her shoulders and arms, and she felt

she insisted, her excitement evident. "You're going to turn heads, Claire. This is exactly what you need for a horse

ready for a magazine cover

teased, twirling a finger in the air. "And you, my dear,

The dress did look

were minimal but refined-a bracelet on her left wrist, a watch on he right and

that tied everything

bad," she said with a small grin, her nerves settling a bit. She let her hair

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

try," Talia said with a

dressed, of course, having gone through her

earlier. Her light