The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 525

A dull ache pierced Riley's chest the moment she laid eyes on her. A heavy lump formed in her throat, and hot tears quickly pooled in her eyes. It took everything she had to keep them from falling.

Standing beside her, Mrs. Higgins let out a heavy sigh. "She's barely awake, and even when she is, she can barely string a few words together."

Riley turned her head slightly, discreetly wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, then handed the thermos over. "This is oatmeal. She can have some of this. When she wakes up, see if she'll eat a little."

"I will," Mrs. Higgins said, taking it. "That's very thoughtful of you, Ms. Vance."

Riley stood by the bed for a long moment, silently praying for the older woman to recover, before looking back at Mrs. Higgins. "I need to get back to work. If you need anything at all, please let me know."

"I will."

Just as Riley turned to leave, a weak voice called out from behind her.

"Riley."

She spun around to see Eleanor awake. The older woman's eyes looked so weary and aged, a sight far more heartbreaking than when they had been closed. The tears she had just suppressed broke free without warning.

She frantically wiped them away, her voice cracking. "I'm so sorry... I..."

Eleanor's hand twitched on the bedsheets.

Riley quickly stepped forward and took her hand. It was cold, lacking the warmth of a healthy person, which only made Riley feel worse. The tears kept coming, no matter how hard she tried to stop them.

"Don't cry... I'm right here..." Eleanor murmured weakly.