**Stefano’s POV**

I don’t know how many hours I spent glued to that chair. The hospital reception was silent, except for the steady, buzzing hum of the fluorescent lights above. The sound was sharp and constant, as if mocking the chaotic mess of my own pulse. I looked at the clock. 1:30 a.m.

I couldn’t believe this was really happening.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw it again —Elena’s small body jerking on that bed, her head snapping against the pillow.

My hands were cold. My ...