Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2580

It wasn’t until late the next afternoon that Sylvia finally woke up, blinking at the sight of Eugene sitting faithfully by her bedside.

He’d been there since the night before, not sleeping a wink. His eyes were rimmed with fatigue and filled with worry. “Does it still hurt?” he asked gently.

“A little, but it’s much better,” Sylvia replied, her voice still faint. “What happened to me?”

“It’s nothing serious,” Eugene reassured her. “The doctors said you got here just in time. It’s a mild case, no complications. Give it a few days, and you’ll be well enough to go home. Don’t worry.”

Sylvia nodded lightly. Her usually vibrant face was softened by illness, giving her an unexpected calmness and grace. “Why are you here?” she asked quietly.

Eugene let out a soft laugh. “The hospital staff thought I was your boyfriend and called me. Good thing I came.”

Sylvia pressed her lips together, almost embarrassed. “Sorry for the trouble.”

“Trouble? You’re my girlfriend—how could that be trouble?” Eugene’s warmth shone through his smile.

“Can I have some water?” Sylvia asked hopefully.

Eugene shook his head. “Not just yet. Are you very thirsty?”

“Not really, it’s fine,” she said, letting it go.

Just then, a nurse bustled in to check on her. Spotting Sylvia awake, she beamed. “Well, look who’s finally up!”

“Thank you,” Sylvia replied, managing a grateful smile.

“No need to thank us—thank your boyfriend,” the young nurse teased. “He’s barely eaten or slept since last night, just sitting here watching over you. We've all been so moved!”

Sylvia glanced at Eugene, her eyes full of gratitude.

After the nurse left, Sylvia said softly, “I feel much better now. With the nurses here, you should get some rest.”

He’d made up his mind—he was going to stay by her side. He couldn’t bear the thought of her falling ill or in trouble, with no one by her side, no family to call her own. From now on, he would be her family.

“Our lives are still ahead of us,” Eugene pleaded. “Don’t let your past hold you back from happiness. Please, just give us a chance. Let me show you a life you’ve never known.”

Sylvia’s hand clenched weakly in his. She closed her eyes, feeling a deep ache somewhere inside her, as if every nerve in her body had been stretched to the breaking point.

With great effort, she gave a tiny nod.

“All right. I’ll give it a try.”

As the words left her lips, it felt as though something inside her snapped—a taut string breaking with a silent, resounding twang.

For a moment, she felt her very soul ebb away, leaving her hollow and adrift. She couldn’t tell if it was relief or emptiness that filled the space inside her now.