Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 73655 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73655 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
"Mr. De Rossi," he greets.
"Is she okay? Can I see her? What's the prognosis?" The questions fall from my mouth with a breath. My heart is banging against my ribs painfully as he looks at me then Mario before meeting my questioning gaze.
"The surgery went well," he tells me, and I let out the breath I'd been holding. "There was a little bruising as we suspected, but nothing serious. She'll need time to heal, but give or take a few weeks, she'll be able to start physical therapy. The paralysis is likely a temporary reaction to the crash."
Another breath expels from me and relief washes through my veins. Mario's hand on my shoulder squeezes in solidarity. He's come to care for her as well, and I don't blame him. At least I know if anything were to ever happen to me, she'll be safe.
"Thank you, doctor."
" She’s in recovery now. She'll be out for another few hours, but you'll be able to go in and sit with her," the man informs me, before he offers his hand, and we shake on it. Once he's gone, I flop back into the chair and drop my head, my focus on the ceiling as my stomach unknots itself.
"Told you she'll get through this," Mario says, and I can hear the smile without looking at his face. The white of the walls are no longer stark and cold, but offer a promise, just like the bright blue sky on a warm summer's day.
"We have a wedding to plan," I tell him, before we both laugh out loud, and I pull my phone from my pocket to send an email. Life is about to change once more. And I want to be prepared for it.
A new home.
A beautiful wife.
A family that means more to me than I could ever have imagined.
Chapter 34
Luna
Two weeks later
I'm still sore when I move, but the tingling has come back into my legs, reminding me that I'm alive. I've never been more thankful for the men in my life—the two doctors who made sure that I'll be able to dance again.
But more importantly, when I opened my eyes and saw Enzo waiting for me at my bedside, my heart swelled with emotion. My throat clogged up and I couldn't speak for a long while as he professed the things that he did to my uncle and the man who hurt me.
It turns out my uncle hired someone to kill me. And even though it shouldn't hurt because I knew he was a bad person, it still stung that someone I grew up around wanted me gone forever. All because he had so much hate in his heart, he couldn't think straight.
The warmth of the sun bathes me in its golden light as a gentle breeze sweeps through the bedroom. For a moment, I think of my mother and what she would make of everything I've been through. Perhaps she's looking down at me right now. But I no longer believe in heaven and hell because I've seen things that would make me believe hell is on earth with devil's walking around, running clans and organizations.
My bedroom door opens, and the nurse that Enzo hired comes in with a tray of breakfast. He's been home every day since I got home. It's been two weeks since I opened my eyes in the hospital bed and found him in the chair, his eyes locked on me.
"Thank you," I say to her as she sets down the food, and my stomach rumbles in response to the delicious smells.
"Today, the doctor will be doing a checkup," she tells me. "You're doing really well, so we foresee you walking normally in a couple of weeks of therapy at the minimum."
"I can't wait to dance again." My body has been healing, and with every step I take, I know it's in the direction back to the studio. I've been focused because I have to get back to doing what I love. And I also need to be able to walk down the aisle.
"You will," she assures me with a smile. "I spoke with Dr. Peterson, and he did say as long as you continue your daily walks, massages, and rest, you'll be able to get back to normal soon."
She bids me a farewell and I dig into the buttery toast on my plate. I close my eyes and savor the savory goodness before picking up my cup of green tea. I've always loved the taste, but I remember how Dad would scrunch his nose when he took sips just to annoy me.
"You look like an angel lying there," Enzo's voice drags me from my memories, and I smile when I see him in casual clothes. The man in a suit is mouthwatering, but when he's relaxed in a pair of gray sweats and a black tank, it's even more breathtaking than I could ever have imagined.