Chapter 33 Fragile Bonds: A Second Chance

The hospital's sterile corridors echoed the shuffling of footsteps as Eleanor and Lucas emerged through the sliding doors, blinking in the sunlight. The weight of unspoken tension hung between them like an invisible veil. Eleanor hesitated for a moment before finally voicing her thoughts, her voice tentative yet laden with a hint of resignation. "If you want, I won't come next time," she offered, the words slipping out almost inaudibly. Lucas, his expression unreadable, continued holding onto her hand, his grip firm but not forceful. "What are you talking about?" His voice carried a mix of concern and confusion, the lines on his forehead deepening with worry. Trying to retrieve her hand from his grasp, Eleanor attempted to break free, but his hold remained resolute. "It seems you didn't like my visit," she murmured, her tone tinged with a trace of hurt. The concern in Lucas's eyes intensified as he probed, his voice gentle yet searching for answers. "What makes you say this?" Elea