Heart of The Night (The Night, #2)

25 | I’d just keep you

25 | i’d just keep you

CARA

The ballroom’s atmosphere subtly shifted as the final applause for the soft-voiced singer faded into a contented murmur of appreciation. The earlier performances had set a serious tone, focusing on the poignant mission of Terry Lakewood’s organisation – to provide medical aid to war-torn and disaster-stricken regions. But as the comedian stepped into the spotlight with his sharp wit, the mood gradually lightened. His act sliced through the room’s formal veneer, reminding everyone that joy could be found even in the darkest of times and in simplicity.

When the comedian concluded his set, the lights dimmed to a soft glow, signalling a change in tempo. A lively band took the stage, their upbeat tunes enticing the guests onto the dance floor.

‘Excuse me, sir,’ a male voice suddenly said. William and I leaned back in our chairs, our heads turning toward the source. Between us stood a middle-aged man with dark-grey hair, his hand resting on his chest as he inclined forward slightly. ‘I’m sorry to disturb you, but I couldn’t help wondering – are you William Night by any chance?’

William cast me a quick glance, his expression blank. ‘I am.’

The man smiled faintly, extending his hand. William accepted it, and as they shook hands, the man introduced himself. ‘I’m Nigel Ashcombe, General Counsel at Gastronomy Group.’

I froze with shock. The director of the entire legal department at Gastronomy Group was here? And he had approached William directly? I swallowed a lump in my throat, my heart racing. Nigel’s recognition of William meant only one thing – the complaint William had sent to the CMA had not only been noticed but had found its way to Nigel’s desk, reaching the highest echelons of the company.

Was this a chance encounter turning into an informal confrontation? I tried to mask my unease as I observed their interaction. William, composed as ever, managed a polite nod.

‘I’m aware,’ he said. ‘How can I help you, Mr Ashcombe?’

Nigel’s smile remained, though it took on a more measured quality as he replied, ‘Well, I was interested to meet the legal mind behind such a meticulously crafted complaint. Your concerns have certainly sparked a thorough review within our ranks.’

William’s eyes narrowed slightly. ‘I’m pleased to hear it’s been received in the spirit of constructive critique.’

‘Indeed,’ Nigel replied, his voice smooth, yet with a sharp undercurrent that might have been missed by a less discerning ear. ‘At Gastronomy Group, we consider it imperative to address any… discrepancies that may arise, internally or externally. It helps us refine our strategies and, of course, ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.’

‘There are few things more reassuring than a company that takes compliance seriously,’ William said, his tone polite but firm. ‘Especially when potential conflicts are identified proactively.’

Nigel nodded, his gaze steady on William as he reached into his black jacket. ‘Proactivity is the cornerstone of effective management. However, we must also be sagacious in choosing our battles, wouldn’t you agree? It’s the unnecessary conflicts, after all, that tend to divert us from truly productive endeavours.’ He pulled out a white business card and extended it to William. ‘Perhaps it would be most beneficial for all parties to address the concerns raised through a more direct dialogue, away from the burden of formal proceedings.’

William accepted the card, his eyes briefly flicking down before meeting Nigel’s gaze again. ‘Open dialogue is always preferable,’ he said, ‘as long as it leads to substantive outcomes. It’s paramount that such discussions are rooted in genuine resolve to address the concerns raised.’

Nigel’s eyes held a glint of challenge, a subtle acknowledgement of William’s firm stance. ‘Indeed, Mr Night. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further, at your convenience. I hope we might facilitate a resolution that obviates the need for any further escalation.’

William pocketed the business card, his smile tight but polite. ‘Thank you, Mr Ashcombe. I’ll take that under advisement.’

Nigel gave a nod, his expression remaining composed. ‘Of course, Mr Night. I do appreciate your prudence, though I hope you’ll make the right decision. In our profession, the line between oversight and overreach can be quite thin – and the consequences of crossing it … unexpectedly severe.’ He held William’s gaze, his eyebrows creasing slightly.

William maintained eye contact, his expression unreadable. ‘Your caution is noted. Rest assured, my actions are always measured and in accordance with the law.’ His tone was steady, betraying no hint of the unease that Nigel’s words might have intended to stir.

Nigel’s eyes narrowed slightly. After a brief moment, he straightened up, offering a curt nod.

‘Very well, Mr Night. It’s been enlightening speaking with you. Enjoy the rest of your evening.’ With that, he turned crisply on his heel and walked away, blending into the crowd.

‘That was less than reassuring,’ I said, my chest tense with anxiety. ‘It was essentially a threat wrapped in the guise of civility.’

William chucked softly, his gaze lingering on the spot where Nigel had disappeared. ‘Well, if anything, he just revealed I’m onto something substantial. They’re clearly panicking.’

I bit my lip, the tension from Nigel’s words still palpable. ‘Do you think it’s safe to continue, Will? I’m worried you’re stirring up one hell of a hornet’s nest.’

William faced me, his gaze soft. ‘Cara, while there are risks, I’m on solid legal ground. As I said, Nigel’s remarks are just indicators that I’ve touched a nerve. I need to maintain this course.’ He took my hand, his grip firm and comforting. ‘I know it’s worrying, but I can’t let their intimidation tactics sway my path.’

‘All right,’ I said, though my anxiety lingered. ‘Just promise me you’ll be careful.’

He raised my hand to his mouth, kissing the back of it as he held my gaze. ‘I promise,’ he said, his eyes spilling with affection. As he lowered my hand, he looked sideways, his mouth bending in a smile. ‘Shall we dance?’ he asked.

I hesitated, my gaze drifting to the dance floor. It buzzed with energy, couples spinning and swaying to the lively beats, their movements a vibrant blur. A knot of intimidation tightened in my stomach. At least the dim lights offered some solace, masking any potential missteps in a forgiving shadow.

‘If you hate it, we’ll stop,’ William said, his tone patient and understanding. Meeting his gaze, I saw the anticipation there, the excitement he’d barely contained as he spoke of this moment over the past few days. I couldn’t bear to disappoint him.

‘Yeah, okay.’

His fingers clenched around mine and he pulled me to my feet, a bright grin lighting up his face. He led me onto the dance floor, where I tentatively positioned my left hand on his upper arm and raised my elbow, recalling the steps he had shown me during that magical night in his penthouse.

‘Good,’ he said, his eyes shining with pride as he stepped closer. His arm encircled me, hand resting gently on my shoulder blade. His action, though not intended to stir the waters of intimacy first and foremost, undeniably cast us deeper into that sea. Heat flushed my cheeks, and I stared at his chest, my heart thrumming a wild, uneven beat.

‘Honestly,’ I said, my brows knitting, ‘if I hadn’t done a twelve-week course with Livy back in college, there’s no way I would have set foot on this floor. It would have been a complete disaster.’

William stiffened briefly. ‘You did a twelve-week course with Livy?’

I looked up then, seeing his surprise in the curve of his brow. ‘Yes, but it wasn’t exactly ballroom. Not this type, anyhow. It was Cuban Salsa – Casino, as it’s called.’

His eyes glimmered with amusement. ‘Cuban Salsa? Really?’

‘Yes.’

He chuckled softly. ‘And I suppose you wore the trousers, then? Since you mentioned you struggle with following?’

‘Yes. It was my present to her for her eighteenth birthday.’

‘How sweet of you.’

I shrugged. ‘Yeah, she was quite happy with it.’

He tilted his head, studying me. ‘Your friendship is very amusing to me.’

I frowned, puzzled. ‘Why?’

‘Well, because you’re an obstinate realist, and she’s a hopeless romantic.’

My lips twisted into a faint smile. ‘Is that so? And what are you, Will?’

‘Me?’ He pulled me closer, his hand sliding further down my back as he stared into my eyes. ‘I’m head over heels.’

His words sliced through the music, leaving a stunned silence in my mind. The air hitched in my throat, my heart throbbing.

He tittered at my facial expression. ‘Anyway, I won’t do anything too complicated. Just follow my lead.’

Regaining my senses, I took a deep breath to steady myself. ‘I’ll do my best.’

‘It’s a quick tune,’ he warned, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, ‘but we can slow it down a bit if you’d prefer.’

‘Depends,’ I said, cocking my head from side to side. ‘How many of your toes would you like to keep?’

He laughed softly. ‘For a dance with you, I’d be happy to sacrifice them all.’

I rolled my eyes, my lips still bent in amusement.

Almost immediately, William began to move, the closeness of his hold making it somewhat tricky to keep pace. We had barely started when I accidentally trod on his shoe.

‘See? That’s one down,’ I joked, though I felt my cheeks redden with embarrassment.

‘Step on me all you like, chérie .’ He grinned, clearly unfazed. ‘I’m having a blast either way.’

His word choice drew a chuckle from me, easing the tension as we tried to find our rhythm. When we finally began to move in sync, he pulled me even closer, guiding our steps with gentle precision. His head dipped slightly, his eyes holding a striking intensity as he stared into mine.

‘You look radiant tonight, Cara.’

‘Well…’ I smiled at him, my eyes wandering over his handsome face – his heart-shaped mouth, his strong nose, his piercing eyes. ‘My nan always said that in a woman’s features, you see her lover’s character.’

William’s lips twitched, betraying that he enjoyed the poetic take. ‘Hm.’

‘You treat me like a diamond,’ I said, leaning into his embrace, ‘so I shall shine like one.’

His hand tightened around mine, his fingers splayed against the small of my back. Our steps slowed, the music weaving around us like an intimate secret. William’s gaze never wavered from mine as he slowly lowered his head, his breath warm against my skin. With a tenderness that made my heart ache, his lips brushed against mine, a soft, lingering kiss. The subtle scent of his cologne filled my nose, the kiss igniting a fire that seemed to consume all my senses.

As he pulled back slightly, the warmth of his breath still mingling with mine, I saw the flicker of desire deepen in his eyes, a silent plea for another kiss. But as he glanced over my shoulder, taking in the crowd, his frustration was palpable. With a barely audible groan, he tightened his embrace momentarily, a silent lament for the privacy we lacked.

Then, as if enjoying some private joke, his expression shifted from frustration to playful determination. With a mischievous grin, he gently pushed me away and spun me around. Caught off guard by his sudden move, I found myself swirling under his steady hand, a laugh escaping me as I regained my footing.

‘Keeping me on my toes, are you?’

Chuckling, he tugged me closer again. ‘If it were up to me, I’d just keep you. Full stop.’

I drew a shallow breath, my chest suddenly churning with pain. I’ll stay , I wanted to say – anything to put him out of his misery.

‘Mind if I cut in?’ Alex suddenly asked from behind me, his tone light yet respectful.

I quickly glanced at him, then back at William. He gave Alex a smirk, amusement flickering in his gaze.

‘Not at all,’ he said, stepping back a pace as he gently released me. ‘Cara might, though.’

I turned to Alex, my features twisting with a hint of embarrassment. ‘I’m not sure you realise what you’re asking,’ I said. ‘I’ll probably destroy your toes – your shoes at the very least.’

Alex grinned and rolled his broad shoulders. ‘I think I can handle it.’ He opened his palm, inviting my hand.

I took it with a faint shake of my head. ‘Well, there go your rights to sue me for damages.’

A soft chuckle drifted from Alex as I put my hand just beneath his shoulder. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said. ‘I’ve got excellent insurance.’

William smirked at us, his gaze shifting between our faces before settling on mine. ‘I’ll be back by the end of the next song,’ he said. ‘Try to survive until then.’

With a playful wink, he turned and walked away. As I watched him disappear toward the gents, my heart rate accelerated, and the tension in my shoulders increased. Alex’s hand found my back, drawing me closer. His scent enveloped me – a dark, seductive fragrance that was almost as intoxicating as William’s. Caught off guard, I felt a tangle of attraction and resistance, my cheeks warming. I knew I was only human, but it still felt odd to be enticed by another man’s scent.

‘You are quite the blusher,’ Alex remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he began to move.

Brilliant. He’d noticed.

‘Unfortunately,’ I muttered, feeling the heat intensify.

‘So is Ivy. Apparently, it’s very annoying.’

‘It is.’

He chuckled softly. ‘I find it rather charming, actually. It’s an honest trait.’

‘You mean because we can’t control it?’

‘Yes. Your words may say one thing, but your body tells a different story.’

His take coaxed a small smile from me.

‘You make a good pair, you know – you and Will,’ he said then, his gaze earnest. ‘You’re the perfect match for him, from what I can tell.’

His compliment, meant to reassure, instead added a layer of complexity to my feelings.

‘Thanks,’ I murmured, turning my gaze away. Just then, I noticed Oliver passing by. Our eyes met briefly, and we exchanged a quick smile.

‘I’m sorry about what you’re going through, though,’ Alex murmured.

The mention brought back an unwelcome rush of reality: William and Francesca had taken the test on Wednesday, and the result was due Monday. That same night, William and I had a long talk, deciding to temporarily suspend the looming concerns. We agreed to live in the present, to pretend as if the pregnancy didn’t exist until the result would force us to confront it, creating a bubble of blissful ignorance to shield us until then.

I sighed, wondering for a moment if Alex had asked me to dance solely to gauge my feelings about Francesca’s pregnancy – whether I planned to stay with William or leave. If that was his motive, I was certain William hadn’t suggested it. Still, I could understand Alex’s curiosity. He was likely just worried about his friend and trying to look out for him.

‘I’m sorry, too,’ I said, meeting Alex’s gaze. ‘But at least on Monday, we’ll finally get some clarity.’

‘Yes.’ He paused, his expression thoughtful. ‘You know, I’ve known Will my whole life, and he’s always been deeply committed to everything he does. But with you, there’s a certain peace, a contentment that’s hard to miss. It’s as if he’s found a missing piece. He’s better with you. It’s clear to all of us.’

A lump formed in my throat, my heart aching. Hearing how much I meant to William from his best friend’s perspective was overwhelming. I nodded slowly, trying to mask my vulnerability.

Alex shifted slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbing and betraying his discomfort. ‘It’s rare, Cara, to find someone who complements you so completely. No matter what the test results are, just know that he’s never loved anyone quite like he loves you.’

I inhaled sharply, feeling both honoured and terrified by the magnitude of what he said. It wasn’t just the words – it was the earnestness behind them, a mirror reflecting what I sometimes doubted I deserved.

‘Thanks, Alex,’ I murmured. ‘I appreciate that.’

Seeking a respite from the intensity of the conversation, I looked away, my eyes finding Ivy. She was seated at a table across the room, laughing with Beatrice.

Turning back to Alex, I forced a lighter tone. ‘Speaking of finding someone who complements you, how are things going with Ivy?’ I asked, hoping to steer our conversation toward safer shores.

He sighed heavily, his eyes flickering in her direction. ‘Not great. I’m still trying to work out how to show her I’m interested without overstepping the professional boundaries. Honestly, at this point, I’m starting to wonder if her obliviousness is just an act – hoping I’ll back off before things become awkward between us.’

‘Well, you’ve known each other since you were kids. Maybe she’s afraid to change your dynamic, fearing it might sour. She could be hesitant to take the risk, worried it might mean losing you if things don’t pan out.’

He frowned, and I saw him drifting miles into his mind, pondering. ‘What do you reckon I should do, then?’ he asked.

‘I’m not sure.’ I grimaced. ‘You’ll have to decide if pursuing her more openly is worth the potential fallout.’

Before we could analyse the issue further, Andy and Chloe arrived next to us.

‘Where’s Will?’ Andy asked.

‘Gents,’ I said.

‘Right. Might as well inspect the facilities myself, then,’ he said.

‘I’ll come with you,’ Chloe said, grabbing his arm. ‘I’ve got to powder my nose.’

‘Your nose is perfect, darling.’

She rolled her eyes. ‘It’s oily now. You dance like a madman, so my face got flushed straight away.’

Smirking, Andy glanced at us. ‘Back in a bit.’

As he and Chloe started toward the corridor where William had disappeared earlier, I saw Ivy striding toward us.

Averting my eyes, I warned Alex quietly, ‘Ivy’s heading towards us.’

He stiffened noticeably. Was he holding his breath?

‘Alex,’ she called, stopping beside us.

He spun to face her, his eyes alight with hope. ‘Yes?’

Her cheeks turned pink as she gazed up at him. ‘Beatrice swayed my mind.’

‘You’d like to dance?’ Alex asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

Ivy’s blush deepened, and she glanced down shyly, nodding slightly. ‘If you’d like, we could give it a try.’

‘Really?’

Did he need me to pinch him?

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I’d like to get better at it.’

Alex immediately reached out, opening his palm to her. ‘I’d love to.’

Her hand trembled as she reached for his. Poor thing. She was evidently extremely shy.

Alex wrapped his fingers around hers, tightly, then turned to me. ‘Will you be all right by yourself, love?’

‘Absolutely.’ I waved them away. ‘But please crush his toes, Ivy. It would make me feel better about crushing Will’s.’

She met my gaze, her bashful smile transforming into a grin. ‘I promise.’

Chuckling, I went back to the table where I’d left my drink, sinking into the chair with a sigh. As the minutes ticked by, I started to wonder what was taking William so long. Frowning, I looked at the corridor leading to the toilets, expecting to see him return any moment. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a sudden rush – a group of security guards was sprinting toward the toilets. What the hell?

A wave of trepidation washed over me as I watched them dash inside. Could there be an emergency in there? Was that the reason for William’s delay? Perhaps someone was having an allergic reaction to the food, or worse, maybe someone had suffered a stroke.

I sat up, my arms crossed tightly over my chest as I glanced around the room. Only a handful of other guests seemed to have picked up on the disturbance. Like me, they looked around with furrowed brows before their attention returned to the corridor.

I flinched when a cold hand suddenly gripped my shoulder. Turning, I gazed into Chloe’s wide, brown eyes. Her face was ashen, her expression haunted, as if she’d seen a ghost.

Seeing her so shaken, my concern deepened. ‘Chloe? Are you okay?’

Her grip shifted from my shoulder to my arm, sending a shiver through me. ‘Cara, it’s important you stay calm.’

‘What’s happened?’ I asked, my chest tensing in alarm.

Her eyes grew shinier. ‘It’s Will.’

My heart skipped a beat, then seemed to stop altogether.

‘He’s been attacked in the gents,’ she said. ‘Andy told me to fetch you.’

I surged from my seat, the world around me shattering into disjointed shards of reality. Her words echoed through the chaos of my mind, a relentless drum that beat with no rhythm nor reason. I couldn’t grasp them, couldn’t make sense of their terrifying implication as they spun around me like a dark cloak of mist. I was a ghost in my own body, a spectator to my own nightmare, every sensation felt through a veil of thick, suffocating fog.

Driven by a visceral, primal instinct, I rushed toward the gents, my heart thundering against my ribs like a wild thing caged. The corridor seemed to stretch endlessly before me, each step a battle against the tide of fear rising within. A cluster of security guards were stationed outside the toilets, barring entry. My gaze locked onto Andy, who stood amongst them, his features etched with lines of sheer panic. Seeing him so unravelled sent a shockwave of dread straight to my core. My heart, already pounding, catapulted to my throat.

‘Andy,’ I called. His gaze slid to mine, and the anguish written across his face was like a blade to my heart.

‘Cara,’ he choked out, his voice a broken sob, his form sagging as if he might crumble to pieces.

Never had I felt fear like this – raw and consuming. Seeing Andy so utterly undone magnified my own horror. Tears carved silent paths down his cheeks, his gaze barely holding onto mine.

‘No,’ I breathed, closing the distance between us in desperate strides. ‘What’s happened? Tell me what’s happened. Where’s Will?’ I stared at the blood staining his clothes, an icy chill creeping into my marrow. Was it William’s?

‘Miss,’ a security guard intervened, ‘we’ve got the situation under control. The paramedics are on their way.’

But his words were a cold comfort. I searched his brown eyes, my own pleading for more information.

‘Please, tell me what’s happened,’ I begged. ‘Is the blood William’s? Is he all right?’

He turned to Andy. ‘Do you know who she is?’

Andy’s gaze flickered to me. ‘Yes, sir. It’s his girlfriend, Cara Darby,’ he said, sealing the dreadful truth – it was William in there.

The security guard faced me again, his features transforming into a mask of sympathy I didn’t want to see, didn’t want to need. ‘Cara,’ he said gently. ‘May I call you that?’ His softened tone confirmed my worst fear. In that moment, I knew – the blood on Andy’s shirt was indeed William’s.

‘Please, tell me he’s going to be all right,’ I choked out.

‘He’s got a pulse, but he’s unconscious. That’s all I can say for now.’ He moved closer, his arm a band of strength around my shoulders, guiding my reeling form to slump against the cool wall of the corridor.

‘Please, may I see him?’ I begged, gripping his uniform.

‘I’m afraid I can’t let you in.’ His tone was gentle, yet it fell on my ears like a verdict. ‘We’ve got someone trained in first aid tending to him till the paramedics get here.’

Despair washed over me, threatening to pull me under. The world tilted, reality blurring at the edges as panic clawed at my throat. The uncertainty was maddening. Yes, he had a pulse now, but what of the next heartbeat? What if it faltered? He was already unconscious.

Has his head been struck? Was that why? Then, what if his brain had been injured? What if he woke up changed, or worse, didn’t wake up at all?

Numbness crept through my veins, a cold, paralysing tide that left me hollow. My gaze fixed on the wall ahead, seeing nothing.

Who would do this to him?

Time seemed to warp, each second elongating into an eternity as I sat frozen. Then, abruptly, the police appeared, pulling Andy aside for a hushed, urgent exchange. Moments later, a rush of paramedics swept past.

As they dashed into the gents, I saw William’s legs, eerily still amidst a pool of blood. He lay there, face up, his body unnervingly limp as the paramedics swarmed around him, probing for life amidst the chaos. The sight ripped the breath from my lungs. I trembled uncontrollably, the world spinning around me.

Andy moved to sit beside me, his arm a comforting weight around my shoulders. ‘He’s going to be all right, Cara,’ he murmured.

‘I don’t understand,’ I whispered, my gaze fixed on the unsettling stillness of William’s legs. I wished they would move. I wished he would show some sign of life, no matter how small.

‘He’s going to be fine,’ Andy repeated, and I wondered then who he was really trying to convince.

‘Who did this to him?’

‘I don’t know. I’ve never met him before.’

‘Did you see him?’

‘If I saw him?’ His jaw clenched. ‘I thought I would kill him.’

‘What happened?’ I asked, dread threading through each word.

Andy swallowed hard, avoiding my eyes. ‘I walked in…’ He paused for a while, staring at the wall. ‘I… William was already on the floor, blood streaming from his arm. The man was kicking him in a furious rage, but not a sound came out of Will – he was already gone. I intervened, yelling to Chloe to fetch help, to fetch you.’ He shut his eyes, teeth grinding in suppressed fury. Drawing a shaky breath, his face twisted with the effort to hold back tears. ‘Security brought him out the back door just before you got here.’

My eyes flicked to the door at the end of the corridor, where I imagined the vile creature responsible for this horror being apprehended by the police. As I looked back to the scene of the crime, I saw two paramedics carefully position William onto a spinal board.

I couldn’t bear it. I folded over at the waist, my hands pressed tightly over my face as sobs racked my body, the tears streaming down my cheeks. I just couldn’t comprehend that it was him. But I knew it was. Even if I hadn’t seen his face yet, I recognised that body. I would have recognised it anywhere. His form was as familiar as my own heartbeat.

‘You should go with them,’ Andy said. ‘Chloe and I will meet you at the hospital. Don’t worry about letting the others know – I’ll call John and Jason on my way there.’

He pushed himself to his feet, his hand gripping mine to pull me up alongside him. My legs trembled, making standing feel like an impossible feat. Andy noticed my struggle and wrapped an arm securely around my waist, anchoring me to his side.

As I looked up at him, I saw the raw pain etched across his features, the immense effort it took him to hold himself together – for me, for William. More tears broke free, flowing down my cheeks as I clung to him, trying to return even a fraction of the solace he provided. The horror of finding William, his brother in all but blood, so cruelly beaten – it must have shattered him.

We held each other tightly as the paramedics emerged, carrying William between them. The sight of him stole the breath from my lungs. A head immobiliser and a cervical collar secured his head and neck, and his face – his beautiful, handsome face – was a map of bruises and blood, barely recognisable. Above a deep wound in his left bicep, a tourniquet was tightly wrapped, preventing him from bleeding out.

‘Excuse me,’ I choked out, staring helplessly at William. I could scarcely believe this battered figure was the man I loved. ‘May I please go with him to the hospital? I’m his girlfriend.’

‘Yes,’ the female paramedic responded. ‘What’s your name, Miss?’

‘Cara.’

‘I’m Bruna,’ she said, but I didn’t look at her. I feared that if I did, I might miss William’s last breath.

‘He’s sustained a severe injury to his left arm,’ Bruna informed me, her voice steady despite the urgency of the situation. ‘It appears the cephalic vein was severed. We’ve applied a tourniquet and stopped the bleeding for now, but he’ll require vascular surgery immediately upon arrival at St Mary’s.’

As her words sank in, tears blurred my vision, rendering William’s form almost indistinguishable.

She continued, ‘He’s got a steady pulse at the moment, and his breathing is stable, but he’s also suffered a significant blunt trauma to the head, which is why he’s unresponsive at present. He’s unconscious, but there’s hope it’s only temporary.’

Numbly, I nodded, following them mechanically into the ambulance, where I was granted the small mercy of sitting beside him. They told me I could hold his hand, and I did, cradling his cold fingers gently, terrified that even the slightest pressure might break him. He seemed so fragile, so unlike the strong and vibrant man who had laughed with me just minutes ago.

Slowly, I lowered my head to his hand, pressing my lips softly against it, each kiss a silent prayer for his return to me. My thoughts drifted to mere hours ago, when he had arrived to escort me to the gala, both of us unaware of the horror we had in wait. The way he’d looked at me, love radiating from every glance… If I had known then what I did now, I would have confessed my feelings for him. The regret was a sharp ache in my chest. Why had I ever held back? What I had with him couldn’t be replaced. There would never be anyone else for me – not like him. No one could ever compare – not in this lifetime, not in a thousand others.

‘Darling, please wake up,’ I begged as I kissed his limp hand. I leaned closer to his ear, my voice breaking with sobs as I whispered, ‘William, I love you. ’