Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 182

Elena: POV

I glanced one last time at the operating room where my mother was fighting for her life, the red light above the door glowing ominously. The surgeon had

said it would be at least two more hours.

Looking at his weakened state, something twisted painfully in my chest. His fingers found mine, trembring slightly as he whispered, “Could you stay with me

for a while?” The vulnerability in his voice-so unlike the commanding Julian I knew-made it impossible to refuse.

So I followed the nurse who had wheeled him out, my heart heavy with conflicting emotions, as she led me down the sterile corridor to his room.

The nurse pushed open the door to room 318 and carefully maneuvered Julian’s wheelchair inside. He was still groggy from the anesthesia, his head lolling

slightly as the medication made him drowsy. The room was small but comfortable, with pale blue walls and a large window overlooking the hospital’s

courtyard garden.

“Let’s get you into bed, Mr. Sterling,” the nurse said gently, positioning the wheelchair beside the hospital bed. She was middle-aged with kind eyes and

steady hands.

I moved to his other side without thinking. ‘I’ll help,” I said quietly.

Together, we carefully supported Julian as he struggled to stand on unsteady legs. His good arm wrapped around my shoulders for balance, and I could feel

how heavily he was leaning on me.

“Easy, I murmured as we guided him toward the bed. “Take your time.”

But as Julian tried to sit down on the edge of the mattress, his legs gave out slightly. His good arm tightened around me reflexively, and suddenly I was

being pulled down with him.

I landed partially across his chest, my hand accidentally pressing against his bandaged shoulder.

He let out a sharp hiss of pain, his face going white.

“Oh god, I’m sorry-” I started to scramble away, but his arm held me in place with surprising strength for someone who’d just been shot.

“Mr. Sterling, let me check your bandages,” the nurse said, stepping forward with concern. “That might have pulled at your stitches.”

୮

“No,” Julian said firmly, his voice still slurred but determined. His arm tightened around me protectively. “I’m fine. She’s here–that’s all I need.

The nurse paused, looking between us with a knowing smile. ‘Well, if you’re sure…” She glanced at me with gentle amusement. Just be careful not to put pressure on his left shoulder, okay? And make sure he doesn’t try to be too heroic–he needs rest.”

I nodded, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

‘I’ll be back to check on you in an hour,” the nurse said, gathering her supplies. ‘Press the call button if you need anything.”

After she left, lulian finally loosened his grip enough for me to shift carefully to his uninjured side.

The hospital bed was narrow, forcing us closer together than I would have liked.

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4:29 pm

Chapter 182

PP

His eyes were heavy with medication, but he was looking at me with such intensity that it made my breath catch.

“Thank you,” he said softly, his voice rough with emotion and exhaustion.

“For what?”

“For staying with me.” His good hand found mine, fingers intertwining weakly but deliberately. “For being here when I woke up. I was afraid you’d leave-

that you’d walk away and I’d never see you again.”

I stared at him, my emotions a complete mess I couldn’t begin to sort through. The afternoon light streaming through the window cast shadows across his

face, highlighting the exhaustion and pain written in every line.

This man whose blood was still drying on my clothes.

This man who’d thrown himself in front of a bullet meant for me.

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