The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 526

Time seemed to stand completely still.

Franco's tense fingertips hovered just above the bite marks on her arm.

Every single indentation revealed the brutal force she had used against her own flesh.

She had always been someone who was terrified of pain.

Yet, she seemed entirely numb to it now.

Her depression had never truly improved.

A suffocating wave of despair washed through Franco's dark eyes as he looked up at Petty's face. She had opened her eyes at some point, but there was no struggle, no panic at having her self-inflicted wounds discovered.

Her gaze held no pretense—only a profound, hollow deadness.

Petty released Abacus's hand and propped herself up to sit, but Franco was faster, his hands catching her shoulders to steady her.

The moment she was upright, she silently pulled her sleeve down, hiding the damaged skin.

"I'm fine," she murmured.

Franco stood up, casting a tall shadow over the edge of the bed. He swallowed hard before asking in a low voice, "Do you want to sleep a little longer?"

Before Petty could answer, he added, "It's still early. Let's talk."

Petty turned her head to look at the sleeping Abacus.

After a month of meticulous care, his body was getting stronger. His cheeks had filled out, and his complexion was glowing again.

His blood test today showed all his levels were returning to normal.

He had successfully passed all the post-bone marrow transplant hurdles.

His tiny hands were still clutching Franco's white dress shirt.

His cheek was pressed against the small pillow, his pink lips slightly parted. A faint glisten caught the light—he was probably drooling in his sleep.

From every angle, it was the best place for Abacus, plus Jackson was there, and he was incredibly meticulous when it came to taking care of people.

But this meant that she either had to move into Misty Vale to be with Abacus day and night, or live elsewhere and sacrifice her time with him.

Franco saw her eyes rimming with red. He frowned slightly, fighting the urge to pull her into a tight embrace, but he couldn't stop himself from leaning a fraction closer to her.

He said patiently, "That isn't what you need to worry about right now."

Petty looked up at him.

The last thread of Franco's self-restraint snapped. He reached out, the pad of his thumb gently brushing away the tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. It was a fleeting touch, and he pulled his hand back just before she could turn her face away.

"I mentioned before that once Abacus was stable, we would spend a few days at the private island. Do you remember?"

Silence stretched between them for a long moment before Petty finally spoke. "I never agreed to that."

"I took your silence as a yes." Franco's dark, unwavering gaze locked onto hers.