Andrea blinked in surprise as she saw Lucas standing in the doorway of her hospital room. The tension between them had reached its breaking point, and they had been avoiding each other for days. She couldn't fathom why he would choose this moment to come to her side.

"Lucas," she stammered, her voice betraying her confusion. "What... what are you doing here?"

His usually composed expression seemed softened, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and uncertainty. He took a tentative step forward, ...