Chapter 252
“Will he be alright?” Rain asked softly as she and Alexander sat in the car, heading to the ancestral mansion. The doctor had reassured them that William was stable and would wake up soon. He had passed out from emotional shock and a sudden drop in blood pressure after hearing the devastating news.
Alexander sighed, the tension clear in his eyes. “No, he’s not alright. When he wakes up, he’ll be shattered. I’m just relieved Sanya is there with him.” He reached for Rain, pulling her close in the confined space. “Just like you were there for me when I first heard the news. Thank you for that… for staying p>
He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before resting his face against the crook of her neck. His voice trembled as he spoke. “I don’t know if I can stay with William and watch him break down. I just p>
Rain felt the dampness of his tears against her skin and ran her fingers soothingly through his hair. “We’ll get through this together,” she whispered. “Everything will be alright p>
Her heart ached for both Alexander and William, but they all had to stay strong and show Father Rock that he didn’t need to worry about them.
Sanya sat at William’s bedside, watching intently as he stirred and slowly opened his eyes. “How are you feeling?” she asked softly.
William’s eyes met hers, filled with confusion and a glimmer of hope. “I was just dreaming, wasn’t I? Alexander and Rain weren’t really here, right?” His voice was fragile, laced with denial, as if pleading for her to confirm that none of it had been real.
Sanya took a deep breath, her heart aching as she reached out and gently held his hand. “No, William,” she said softly, “Alexander and Rain were here, but they left once the doctor confirmed you were stable. You passed out from the shock of the news about your father p>
William’s body tensed, and his eyes brimmed with tears before they spilled over. He let out a shaky laugh, swiping at his damp cheeks. “Ah, this is embarrassing,” he said, his voice breaking. “I can’t seem to stop crying like a child p>
Sanya’s expression softened, and she offered him a gentle smile. “It’s not embarrassing at all. You know, it’s brave to show your feelings. You’re not made of stone. Let it out. Don’t hold back p>
She stood to fetch him a glass of water, but before she could take a step, William’s hand shot out and gripped her wrist. His touch was firm, almost desperate, and he whispered, “Please, stay. Don’t leave me p>
“I’m not going anywhere,” she reassured him softly. “I’m just getting you some water.” But he didn’t release her. Instead, he tugged her closer, and she stumbled forward, landing before him, her heart pounding at the raw vulnerability in his eyes.
William pulled her closer, his grip unwavering as if afraid she would vanish if he let go. Before Sanya could steady herself, he buried his face against her chest, his body shaking with silent, unrestrained sobs. The weight of his grief pressed into her, each tremor echoing through her own heart.
Sanya wrapped her arms around him, one hand cradling the back of his head, fingers threading through his hair. She held him tightly, offering the warmth of her embrace as his walls crumbled. “It’s okay, William,” she whispered, her voice tender and soothing. “Let it all out. I’m here, and I’m not leaving p>
His tears dampened her shirt, but she didn’t mind. All that mattered was that he felt safe enough to unravel in her presence. Sanya could feel the pain radiating from him. Unknowingly, she pressed a gentle kiss to the top of his head, murmuring soft reassurances as he clung to her like a lifeline.
The room was quiet save for the sounds of his muffled cries and her steady, calming words. The storm inside him slowly began to ease, and his breathing, though still ragged, started to even out. Yet, Sanya held him without question, knowing that at this moment, he needed someone to be his strength.
As William’s cries subsided, he lingered in Sanya’s embrace, his breaths coming in shuddering waves. He pulled back slightly, just enough to meet her gaze, their eyes locking in an unspoken understanding that transcended words. The vulnerability that hung between them felt electric, filling the space with an intimacy that neither of them had anticipated.
His hands found her waist, fingers curling around her as he drew her even closer. The warmth of her body and the softness of her presence made him feel safe in a way he hadn’t known he could. With his heart racing, William leaned in, his lips brushing against hers with a hesitance that was quickly overtaken by an overwhelming need to feel her.
Sanya’s breath hitched as she felt the warmth of his lips against her own. It was tentative at first, as if they were both testing the waters, but the kiss soon deepened, fueled by the raw emotion of the moment.
He poured his heart into that kiss, a silent apology, a plea for understanding, and a declaration of something unnameable that had been simmering between them for far too long.
When they finally pulled apart, both breathless and wide-eyed, William’s heart raced, and a hint of mischief flickered in his gaze. “I’m not sorry for kissing you,” he murmured, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smirk. “But I will apologize since I didn’t ask permission first p>
Sanya raised an eyebrow, a playful smile spreading across her lips. “Well, I suppose I should be offended. You didn’t think to check if I was okay with your sudden assault on my lips p>
William chuckled, a sound that warmed her heart. “I thought it was a pretty good assault,” he replied, his voice lightening the mood. “And look how much better you feel now p>
“True, you did make a compelling case,” she teased, leaning back slightly to look at him. “But I guess I’ll let it slide this time, just because you’re emotionally compromised p>
His grin widened, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to lift from his shoulders. “Emotionally compromised? Is that your way of saying I’m a mess p>
“Maybe just a little,” Sanya replied, her tone playful yet sincere. “But it’s okay to be a mess sometimes. It’s part of being human p>
He nodded, his gaze softening as he held her gaze, the light teasing replaced by something deeper. “You make it easier to be a mess,” he confessed, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I feel safe with you p>
He was on the verge of breaking down again, but having Sanya’s presence around somehow gave him the strength to hold it together. p>