Chapter 59: Seven Days
Ruby sat quietly beside Stefan’s hospital bed, her eyes glued to the slow rise and fall of his chest.
Even though the doctors had said he would be fine, she couldn’t stop the tight feeling in her chest. It had been ten long days since the accident, and though he had finally woken up yesterday, she still couldn’t shake the fear that something might go wrong especially since, the day of the surgery had come.
She watched as the nurses came in and gently started prepping him. The oxygen tubes, the IV lines, the machines—all of it made her heart pound. Stefan held her hand and gave it a light squeeze.
"You look more scared than me," he said with a weak smile.
She tried to smile back, but her lips trembled. "I am scared."
He ran his fingers lightly over her knuckles, trying to calm her. "I’ll be fine. I can feel it."
But Ruby didn’t feel it. Not completely. Her heart felt like it was tied in knots. Guilt was eating her up inside. She hadn’t told him the truth yet. That she wasn’t Ivy. That she was Ruby. That the baby growing inside her was theirs. Not just some lie or mistake—but theirs.
And now, he was going into surgery, and she hadn’t told him. She’d missed her chance when he woke up. She’d chickened out. She told herself he needed rest. That it wasn’t the right time. But the truth was, she was scared. Scared of what he’d say. Scared he’d hate her for lying. Scared to spoil everything and not be with him during this period.
"I’m sorry," she whispered, brushing a hand over his forehead.
"For what?" he asked, his eyes searching her face, though still unable to see her.
"For everything," she said softly.
He chuckled weakly. "You worry too much."