Chapter 36

Irene'S POV Still sitting on the hospital bed, I glanced at the clock for the tenth time. Two days had passed already, and I was finally being discharged. I had expected Leon to come and pick me up, to be there with a reassuring smile and a warm embrace. But as the minutes ticked by, anticipation gave way to disappointment. He didn't show up. The nurse entered the room with a kind smile. "Miss Irene, you’re all set to complete your discharge paperwork. You can head to the front desk whenever you’re ready." I forced a smile in return, nodding as I stood up. “Thank you.” She left, and I looked toward the door again, hoping to see Leon walk through it. But he didn’t. The ache in my heart deepened, and I bit my lip to keep the tears at bay. Carter, noticing my distress, walked over to me. "Hey, Irene. I’m sure Leon’s just caught up with something urgent. You know how pack matters can get." Emma, who had been sitting quietly beside me, nodded in agreement. "He wouldn’t leave you here on pur