Alexander's POV
Wan State, On the Road, 11:40AM
I tapped the seat lightly. "Stop here."
Sebastian slowed the car and parked just outside a small flower shop. I stepped out without another word and walked in. The soft scent of fresh flowers filled the air, and behind the counter stood an elderly couple. They looked up at me with warm smiles.
"What can we get for you?" the woman asked kindly.
"A bouquet of sunflowers," I said.
The man nodded and began arranging them carefully while the woman watched me with a gentle look. "For someone special?" she asked.
I didn't answer immediately. My eyes lingered on the bright yellow petals before I nodded once.
She smiled. "She must be very lucky. Sunflowers are warm… bright. Just like the sun."
The man handed me the bouquet, neatly wrapped. "We hope your relationship shines just as bright."
A faint smile touched my lips. "Thank you."
I took the flowers and walked out, then got back into the car. "Drive," I said, and Sebastian nodded as the car pulled away toward the hospital.
****
At the Hospital, 12:10PM
I didn't wait the moment I got down from the car. I walked straight to her ward.
The moment I stepped in, my eyes found her. Elena lay on the bed, her skin pale, her body still. Something tightened in my chest, but I kept my expression steady as I walked closer.
She turned her head slightly when she noticed me. "Alexander…"
Her voice was soft.
I stepped closer to her bedside.
"What happened?" I asked.
She hesitated, then her fingers tightened slightly against the sheets.
"Piper Redding… she tried to kill me yesterday."
For a moment, everything inside me went still. Then my mind raced but I didn't let it show.
Instead, I reached for my hand and slowly removed the ring on my pinky. I took her hand gently and slid it onto her middle finger.
"This will keep you safe," I said quietly. "And I will find whoever did this… and make them pay."
She looked at the ring, then back at me. A small smile formed on her lips.
I lifted the bouquet slightly. "For you."
Her eyes softened when she saw the sunflowers. "They're beautiful…"
I watched her closely. Taking in every small reaction.
Sebastian's phone rang behind me. He stepped out of the ward to answer it, leaving us alone.
I looked back at Elena, my gaze lingering longer this time. Her beautiful green eyes were bright and beautiful.
Then the door opened again. Sebastian stepped in and leaned closer, whispering something into my ear.
My expression didn't change.
He stepped back and left immediately.
I looked at Elena again and straightened slightly. "I have to go."
She didn't speak, but her eyes followed me.
I leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "I love you," I said quietly.
Her eyes filled with tears.
I lifted my hand and wiped them away gently with my thumb, then placed my handkerchief in her hand. "Keep this."
For a moment, I stayed there.
Then I pulled away.
****
Outside the Hospital, 12:25PM
I walked out with Sebastian beside me.
"Call Stone," I said. "He should have recovered by now."
Sebastian nodded immediately. "Yes, master."
We reached the car. He opened the door, and I stepped in. A minute later, he joined me.
"The message has been passed," he said.
I nodded once. "Drive to Silent Hill Mansion."
****
Silent Hill Mansion, 1:10PM
The car came to a stop, and I stepped out the moment the door opened. I didn't slow down as I walked past the guards, Sebastian following behind me.
We moved through the halls and up to the second floor.
The moment I stepped in, her voice came through.
Zero Veil turned slightly in her chair, her eyes fixed on me, calm but sharp.
"I have something you need to see."
I stopped.