Chapter 128: Who... Are You?

Daniela gently patted Sylvia’s head. "Stop crying. Amelia won’t be happy if she sees you crying."

Sylvia slowly pulled away and took a shaky breath. "Fine, that’s true." She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, forcing herself to calm down.

Daniela gave her a small smile. "Let’s go in now, okay?"

Sylvia nodded, and they walked back into the room,, and her eyes immediately found Amelia.

Sylvia sat beside her,keepingping the bag she was holdong on the bedside table, before she carefully took her hand. She rubbed her thumb over Amelia’s knuckles, watching her face.

Just ththe doorthe door suddenly slid open.

The doctor entered with three nurses behind him. He carried Amelia’s medical chart, while one of the nurses brought a small tray of equipment.

They went straight to the bed. The doctor first checked the monitor, studying the readings for a few seconds.

"How are her vital signs?"

"Stable, Doctor," one of the nurses answered.

"Blood pressure?"

"Stable."

"Oxygen?"

"Withinrange," onege," one of the nurses replied.

The doctor nodded ancloser. closer. He checked Amelia’s pulse, counting silently before looking at the nurse.

"Pulse is regular."

The nurse recorded it.

The doctor then leaned toward Amelia. "Amelia."

There was no response.

He called her name again. "Amelia, can you hear me?"

Her eyes remained closed.

He took a small penlight and carefully checked her pupils, moving the light from one eye to the other. "Her pupils are responding."

He put the penlight away.

"Check her temperature."

One of the nurses immediately took the thermometer.

While she waited for the result, the doctor placed his stethoscope against Amelia’s chest and listened to her breathing and heartbeat.

After checking both sides of her chest, he straightened. "Her breathing is stable."

The nurse looked at the thermometer. "Temperature is normal, Doctor."

"Good."

His attention moved to Amelia’s bandages. "Let’s check her wounds."

A nurse carefully examined the dressing while the doctor inspected the area around it.

"Any bleeding?"

"No, Doctor. Everything is clean."

"Leave the dressing in place. Change it only if necessary."

"Yes, Doctor."

He then checked the IV line and the fluid hanging beside the bed. "Is the IV running properly?"

"Yes, Doctor."

"Good. Keep monitoring it."

"Okay."

The doctor returned his attention to Amelia and gently pressed her fingers, checking for a response. He repeated the check on her other hand before examining her feet.

Sylvia watched quietly until she could no longer hold back her question.

"Doctor..."

He looked at her.

"Is she okay?"

"She’s stable," he said. "The surgery went well, and there are no signs of immediate complications. Her body needs time to recover."

Sylvia nodded, but her eyes remained worried.

"She’s still unconscious," the doctor continued. "So we’ll keep observing her."

He turned toward the nurses. "Check her vital signs regularly. Keep an eye on her blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, and temperature."

"Yes, Doctor."

"Continue the medication according to the schedule. And make sure the IV line remains clear."

The third nurse nodded. "Understood."

The doctor looked through Amelia’s chart once more.

"When she starts waking up, don’t rush her. She may be confused at first."

Sylvia’s fingers tightened slightly around Amelia’s hand. The doctor’s words reminded her of what Camila had told her earlier.

The doctor continued, "Ask her simple questions and give her time to respond. Don’t overwhelm her."

"Yes, Doctor."

"If she develops breathing difficulties, severe pain, vomiting, unusual movements, or any sudden change in her condition, contact me immediately."

"We will."

The doctor closed the chart. "She needs a quiet environment. Let her rest."

Sylvia nodded. "Okay."

He gave Amelia one final check before stepping away.

The nurses finished checking the equipment and medication before following him toward the door.

Just before leaving, the doctor turned back.

"She can have someone stay with her, but try to keep the room calm."

"I will," Sylvia said.

The doctor nodded and left with the nurses.

The door slid shut behind them.

Sylvia looked down at Amelia’s hand. She gently held it between both of hers.

For the first time since the doctor entered, the room felt quiet again.

Sylvia stared at Amelia’s face. "Please wake up," she whispered.

She didn’t know when Amelia would open her eyes. She didn’t know what she would remember when she did.

But all she could do was stay beside her and wait.

The room remained quiet after the doctor and nurses left.

Sylvia stayed beside Amelia, her hand still wrapped carefully around hers. Daniela remained nearby, while Camila stood closer to the edge of the bed, watching Amelia with a worried expression.

Dominic was also still in the room. His attention remained on Amelia, though his expression gave little away. Cameron stood beside him.

The only sounds were the soft beeping from the monitor and the faint movement of people outside the room.

Sylvia occasionally glanced at Amelia’s face.

She still couldn’t bring herself to look away for long.

Amelia looked peaceful now, but Sylvia knew how easily that peace could disappear. Too much had happened in such a short time, and she still had Camila’s words sitting heavily in her mind.

The thought made her fingers tighten around Amelia’s hand.

Camila noticed but said nothing. She understood that Sylvia needed time.

Dominic’s eyes moved toward the hospital window.

The sky outside had become darker. The bright lights inside the hospital reflected faintly against the glass, making it difficult to see much beyond it. He had been there for hours.

Cameron glanced at his phone. A few missed calls were still visible on the screen.

He hesitated before approaching Dominic.

"Sir."

Dominic turned his head slightly. "What is it?"

Cameron lowered his voice so he wouldn’t disturb Amelia. "Your grandmother has been asking about your whereabouts."

Dominic’s expression changed slightly.

It was barely noticeable, but Cameron knew him well enough to see it.

"She called again?"

"Yes, sir." Cameron nodded. "She wants to know where you are. She has been asking for you for some time."

Dominic looked back toward Amelia. His eyes settled on her face.

Cameron waited patiently. "Sir, should I tell her that you’ll be coming home soon?"

Dominic didn’t answer immediately. His gaze remained on Amelia.

Camila noticed the exchange and turned toward them.

"You should go," she said calmly.

Dominic looked at her.

Camila folded her arms loosely. "Your grandmother is waiting for you. We’ll handle things here."

Dominic’s expression remained serious. "No. I want to see her when she wakes up."

His answer came without hesitation.

Sylvia looked up at him. And so did Daniela.

Even Camila seemed surprised by how quickly he had answered.

Dominic looked back at Amelia.

"I brought her here," he said quietly. "I want to know that she’s okay before I leave."

Camila studied him for a moment.

She had always known Dominic as someone who rarely allowed personal matters to interfere with his decisions. He was usually direct, controlled, and difficult to read, but tonight, he had stayed.

He had waited through the surgery. He had remained until the doctor confirmed Amestable,s stable and now he wanted to wait for her to wake up.

Camila finally nodded. "Then stay."

Cameron looked at Dominic. "Sir, your grandmother may become more worried if you don’t speak to her."

Dominic finally looked at him. "Call her."

Cameron nodded. "I’ll explain that you’re safe."

"Tell her I’ll come when I can."

"Yes, sir."

Cameron stepped away and moved toward the door so he could make the call without disturbing anyone.

Dominic remained where he was.

Camila glanced at him before returning her attention to Amelia.

Daniela stood quietly beside Sylvia.

The atmosphere in the room had changed.

There was still worry, but the panic from earlier had eased a little now that Amelia was stable.

Sylvia lowered her eyes again. She gently moved her thumb over Amelia’s hand.

"I’m here," she whispered, but Amelia didn’t respond.

Sylvia’s eyes stung. She quickly blinked the tears away.

Daniela noticed her expression and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Sylvia gave her a small nod.

After some minutes, Cameron returned.

He walked back to Dominic and lowered his voice. "I spoke to your grandmother."

Dominic nodded. "What did she say?"

"She was worried. I told her you’re safe and that you’ll come back as soon as you can."

Dominic gave a small nod. "Good."

Cameron remained beside him. "She asked me to make sure you eat something."

Dominic looked at him without expression.

Cameron paused. "I told her I’d make sure you did."

Daniela heard him and almost smiled despite the situation.

Dominic noticed and looked at her. "What?"

"Nothing," Daniela answered quickly.

Camila looked toward Cameron. "You should probably get him something to eat."

Cameron nodded. "I’ll arrange it."

Dominic shook his head. "Not now."

"Sir..."

"I said not now."

Cameron stopped.

Dominic’s attention returned to Amelia. "I’ll eat later."

Cameron sighed quietly but didn’t argue.

He knew better. Instead, he moved to stand near the door.

The room settled into silence again as time seemed to move slowly.

Sylvia looked at the clock on the wall. Another few minutes had passed. She looked Amelia,t Amelia and her expression softened.

"You have to wake up soon," she whispered.

Her voice trembled slightly. "I still have so much to say to you."

Amelia remained quiet.

Sylvia lowered her head. She knew Amelia couldn’t answer her yet. Still, talking to her made the room feel a little less frightening.

Then Amelia’s fingers moved slightly inside Sylvia’s hand.

froze,ia froze and her eyes widened.

She looked down immediately. For a second, she wondered if she had imagined it.

Then Amelia’s fingers moved again.

"Sylvia?" Daniela whispered.

Sylvia didn’t answer. She was staring at Amelia.

Camila stepped closer. Dominic’s attention immediately shifted toward the bed. Even Cameron straightened.

Sylvia leaned forward. "Amelia?"

Amelia’s eyelashes trembled.

Sylvia’s heart began pounding. The doctor had told them not to rush her. But seeing those small movements made it difficult to remain calm.

Amelia slowly moved her head against the pillow.

Her eyebrows tightened as though she were struggling to understand what was happening.

Sylvia held her hand carefully. "I’m here."

Amelia’s eyelids slowly opened. She stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, blinking against the bright light.

Cameron moved toward the door. "I’ll get the nurse."

Dominic nodded as his eyes stayed on Amelia.

Sylvia leaned closer. "Amelia..."

Amelia slowly turned her head toward the sound of her voice. Her eyes finally settled on Sylvia.

Sylvia’s heart stopped for a moment.

She searched Amelia’s face desperately. She waited for recognition.

For anything.

Amelia simply stared at her in confusion.

Sylvia’s smile slowly faded.

Amelia’s lips parted slowly as she frowned.

"Who... are you?"