Tim rushed into the hospital room, panting as if he had run miles. His heart pounded in his chest, not just from exertion but from fury.

“I know who did it!” he blurted out, his voice low and seething.

Eric, who had been keeping a quiet vigil by Lily’s side, glanced up and immediately motioned for Tim to follow him outside. “Shhh. Let’s talk out here,” Eric whispered, leading the way into the hallway.

Once outside, Tim was practically vibrating with anger. “It was her—Stacey Cruz.”

Eric’s eyes widened. “The magazine model?”

Tim nodded, his jaw clenched. “Yeah, that’s her. We met last year. She got too clingy, thought we were dating, but I was clear from the start that it was casual. When I ended it, she didn’t take it well.”

Eric ran a hand through his hair, his expression a mix of disbelief and anger. “I don’t understand why she would hurt Lily, though.”

Tim’s hands balled into fists at his sides. “I don’t either, but I swear I’m going to find her, and when I do, she’ll regret ever laying a hand on Lily.”

“Calm down,” Eric said, placing a hand on Tim’s shoulder in a firm but understanding gesture. “We need to be smart about this. I’m just as angry as you are, but we can’t rush in blind.”

Tim’s voice rose with frustration. “Why don’t we call the gang leader, get them to pick her up? We can question her and handle it from there.”

Eric’s eyes darkened, but he remained the voice of reason. “It’s not that simple, Tim. This is a woman we’re talking about.”

“I don’t give a damn if she’s a woman!” Tim shot back, his voice harsh. “She’s still evil. She tried to kill Lily!”

“Lower your voice,” Eric warned. “We’re in a hospital, and we don’t need to make a scene.”

Tim took a deep breath, though the anger still pulsed beneath the surface. Eric continued, his voice steady. “Let’s do this the right way. We’ll collect the evidence from the hospital cameras, pay Stacey a visit, and if she refuses to cooperate, then we’ll take it to the next level.”

Tim sighed heavily, knowing Eric was right. “Fine,” he muttered. “We’ll do it your way—for now.”

As they hashed out a plan, a faint voice drifted from Lily’s hospital room.

“Hello…where is everyone?”

Tim and Eric rushed inside, their hearts leaping at the sound of Lily’s voice. Tim was the first to reach her, grabbing her hand gently.

“I’m here, silly girl,” Tim said softly, his eyes filled with relief. “Don’t move. You’ve been through a lot.”

Lily, still groggy from the anesthesia, furrowed her brow in confusion. “What happened to me? Why do I feel so awful?”

Eric hugged her carefully, his voice full of warmth. “Shhh, it’s okay. We’ll explain everything once you’ve rested a bit more. I’m just happy you’re awake.”

Lily tried to sit up, her limbs heavy and weak. “Ahhh… I can’t move. Everything feels…so heavy.”

Tim gently helped her into a more comfortable position. “It’s normal. The doctor said you’d feel that way for a while. Just take it easy.” He smiled down at her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “I’m here with you.”

Lily smiled weakly, her words slipping out before she realized their weight. “Thank you, my love.” She froze, her cheeks flushing pink. “I mean…Tim.”

Eric couldn’t help but chuckle. “It’s okay, Lily. I know you and Tim are dating.”

Lily’s blush deepened. “Oh, I see.”

Tim grinned and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “I told him everything,” he said, his voice tender. “He’s okay with it—for now.”

Lily’s heart swelled with happiness at the touch of Tim’s hand on hers. She glanced over at her brother, a smile creeping onto her lips. “Thank you, Eric.”

Eric shrugged, though his eyes twinkled with affection. “I’ve known you liked my best friend for a long time now. How could I get in the way?”

“Brother, shut up,” Lily mumbled, embarrassed but laughing weakly.

Tim chuckled. “Silly girl, did you really think I didn’t know? Now shush and rest.” He leaned down, placing another kiss on her forehead. “When you wake up, I’ll explain everything.”

Eric cleared his throat dramatically. “Hey, I’m still standing here!”

Lily laughed, her voice soft and tired. “Get over it!” She glanced back at Tim, her eyes searching his. “You’ll stay with me, right?”

Tim’s voice was gentle, full of promise. “Yes. I’ll be here with you all night.”

Eric sighed, realizing his presence was no longer needed. “Alright, alright. I can see when I’m not welcome. I’ll leave you two alone.” He turned to Tim. “I’ll call you in the morning.”

“Okay,” Tim replied.

Eric left the room, and silence filled the space once again. Tim sat by Lily’s side, his thumb brushing softly over her hand as she drifted in and out of sleep.

Tim’s gaze never left her face, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him. The fear of almost losing her still haunted him, but now there was something else—something stronger.

Lily shifted slightly in her sleep, and Tim smiled down at her. She may have always been the sweet, quiet girl he’d known, but today had shown him just how strong she really was.

“I was so worried about losing you,” Tim whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Lily, half-asleep, murmured, “I’m still here… I’m not going anywhere.”

Tim leaned down, his lips brushing against her hand. “Promise me you’ll stay with me—always.”

Lily smiled sleepily, her heart swelling with happiness. “I promise,” she whispered, her voice barely audible as she drifted off again.

Tim sat there, watching over her, his heart aching with the intensity of his feelings. He had never felt fear like he had today, but it had also opened his eyes. Lily wasn’t just someone he cared for—she was someone he couldn’t live without.

And now, with Stacey lurking in the shadows, there was a new fire burning inside him.

He would protect Lily at all costs, Tim vowed to himself. Stacey Cruz had made her move, but she had no idea the hell that was coming her way.