My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 1325

Emily nodded, murmuring her relief, before asking, "Does my mom know?"

"No," Elizabeth replied. "I didn't dare tell her about the kidnapping. I was terrified the shock would be too much for her heart. Since you're back now, it's up to you if you want to break the news."

"Let's keep it from her," Emily decided. "I won't be discharged for a few days anyway. I'll just tell her I'm on a business trip. There's no point in making her worry."

"Got it," Elizabeth agreed.

With that settled, Emily finally shifted her gaze to Tristan, who was standing quietly off to the side.

His face was an abstract canvas of bruises, smeared with medicinal ointment, but his expression was incredibly somber. His dark eyes were locked onto her, unblinking and intense.

Meeting her stare, he walked over, took a seat on the edge of the bed, and gently took her hand.

Conscious of the audience, she felt a flicker of self-consciousness and glanced at Elizabeth and Rose.

Catching the hint instantly, Elizabeth grabbed Rose by the arm and practically dragged her out the door.

In a matter of seconds, they were completely alone.

Emily squeezed his hand back, opening her mouth to speak just as he did.

"Are you okay?"

"Does it still hurt?"

The overlapping questions made Emily pause.

Tristan lowered his head with a bitter laugh. "What a stupid question. Of course it hurts."

Emily looked down, her thumb tracing his knuckles. "Let's not dwell on that. I'm just glad to be back. What about you? What did the doctor say about your injuries?"

He clasped her hand securely in both of his. "Nothing major. Just need some ointment and rest."

A heavy silence settled over them.

It was painfully obvious that he was brooding. Emily was about to ask what was wrong when he beat her to it.

"I failed to protect you this time."

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