New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 455 Next to Him

"He's in a coma," the doctor continued gently. "We can't say for certain when or if he will wake up. It could be days, weeks, or even longer. But he's stable for now, and that's a good sign."

Claire felt her knees buckle slightly, and she grabbed the nearest wall for support. Tears welled up in her eyes and spilled over as the weight of the doctor's words hit her like a freight train.

"A coma?" she whispered, her voice cracking.

The doctor nodded, his tone sympathetic. "It's too early to tell what the long-term prognosis will be. Right now, we're monitoring him closely."

Claire wiped her cheeks hastily, though the tears kept coming. "Can I see him?"

"Of course," the doctor said, stepping aside.

Claire pushed the door open slowly, her heart pounding in her chest. Matthew lay on the hospital bed, pale and still, with various monitors beeping softly around him. Tubes and wires surrounded him, a sight that made Claire's chest ache even more.

She approached the bed, her hand trembling as she reached out to touch his. "Matthew," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You better wake up, you hear me? You're not allowed to leave me like this." Her tears fell freely now, landing on the edge of the blanket. "You're my right hand. My partner. My-" Her voice cracked again, and she shook her head. "You're my best friend, Matthew. You're not allowed to give up. Not now."

Behind her, Officer Daniels stepped into the room quietly. "Ms. Peterson, I understand this is overwhelming, but if you're ready, I'd like to explain what happened."

Claire straightened, her jaw tightening as she swiped at her cheeks. "Fine. Talk," she said, her voice firmer now.

The officer nodded. "From what we've gathered, Matthew's car was run off the road. It wasn't an accident -it looks deliberate."

Claire's eyes widened. "Deliberate? Are you saying someone tried to kill him?"

"It's a strong possibility," Daniels admitted. "We're investigating leads now, but we wanted to inform you as soon as possible, given your close relationship with him."

beneath her grief. "Who

I can't disclose too much at this stage, but we'll

her gaze softening again. "Matthew, you idiot," she muttered, though her tone was laced with affection. "Always in the middle of something

to have some time with him. If you think of anything that might

not taking her eyes off Matthew. As the officer left, she pulled up a chair and sat beside

told me I worked too hard?" she said softly, her voice trembling. "You said I needed to take a break before I burnt out. And

monitors. Claire sat there for what felt like hours,

as resolve set in. "Whoever did this

they'd regret ever crossing her. For now, though, all she could do was sit by Matthew's side

left Matthew's

up camp in his hospital

to collect herself

beeping of the monitors

background music, a constant

of the

couldn't escape.

Adrian's calls? Not because she wanted to, but because she couldn't handle explaining everything-not yet. The moment she saw his name light up

second day, her resolve broke. When Adrian called again, she sighed and picked

through, filled with concern. "Why

Claire said, her voice shaky. "It's... Matthew. He

turning in Adrian's head. "What? Matthew? How... how did that happen?" His voice was thick with disbelief, mixed with

a moment. "At least, not the kind you think. Someone's trying to kill him. This...

Claire replied, her tone firm. "And before you ask, yes, the police are investigating. But let's be honest-" she let out a humorless laugh, "-they're not going to find

breath. "I can't believe this. Claire, are you okay? How are