Helen's POV
The next few days blurred into hospital visits, hushed arguments with doctors, and stolen nights with Derick. Mom remained trapped in her coma, and every day Silas's presence felt more like a noose tightening around my neck. Each time I walked into that sterile room, the weight of guilt pressed heavier on my chest. I had encouraged her to marry that monster. I had thought I was giving her a second chance at happiness. Now she lay there, pale and unresponsive, while machines kept her alive.
Sloane stayed by my side at the hospital, bringing coffee and forcing me to eat. "You look like a ghost, Helen. You can't help her if you collapse."
"I know," I muttered, staring at Mom's still face. "I just… I had told her not to marry him. I would have been good to her".
"Don't do that to yourself."
"I need to go right now, please take care of yourself".
*****
My phone pinged. Another unknown message: Matteo Volkov sends his regards.
