Chapter 434

Lily lay in the hospital bed, surrounded by silence. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Xavier standing outside the operating room with his back to her while the doctor's words echoed in her mind. She knew some things were beyond her control, yet she couldn't stop herself from overthinking about it. Lost in thought, she drifted in and out of sleep until the sound of the door opening jolted her awake. After reaching over to turn on the light, she sat up and looked toward the entrance. Xavier walked in, dressed in a black shirt, his woolen sweater and overcoat draped over his arm. His steps were light, his breathing deliberately quiet. The sudden brightness of the light made his dark eyes narrow momentarily. "Why are you back?" Lily asked, puzzled. "Did you forget something?" His gaze adjusted to the light before meeting her slightly dazed eyes. "Where else would I go if not here?" "Xyla…" Lily pressed her lips together, the sharp edge she had during the day when criticizing