Chapter 17
Apr 30, 2025
Miranda’s POV
A soft beeping sound pulled me from the depths of unconsciousness. My eyelids felt heavy, but I managed to pry them open, squinting against the sterile white light overhead. The unmistakable scent of antiseptic filled my nostrils, and it didn’t take long to realize I was in a hospital room.
Turning my head slightly, I spotted Damon pacing near the window, his hands running through his hair in agitation. The usually composed and confident man appeared anything but at that moment. I attempted to sit up, a groan escaping my lips as a sharp pain shot through my temples.
Hearing me, Damon was at my side in an instant, his strong arms gently helping me into a more comfortable position. “Easy there,” he murmured, concern etched deep in his features. “You gave me quite the scare.”
“What… what happened?” My voice came out hoarse, throat parched.
“You collapsed,” he explained, his eyes searching mine. “After we got caught in the rain, you lost consciousness. I brought you here immediately.”
I nodded slowly, the memories trickling back. The rain, the cold seeping into my bones, the dizziness. “I’ve always been sensitive to cold and rain,” I admitted. “It weakens me.”
A flicker of frustration crossed his face. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I offered a weak smile. “Didn’t think it would matter. Thought I could handle a little rain.”
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “We should call your parents. They need to know.”
“No,” I said quickly, reaching out to grasp his hand. “There’s no need to worry them.”
His brow furrowed. “Miranda, they have a right to know. What if something more serious had happened?”
“I don’t want to burden them,” I insisted, squeezing his hand. “Please, Damon.”
He pulled his hand away, standing up straight. “This isn’t right. They should be here.”
“Don’t,” I pleaded, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I’m fine now.”
His jaw clenched. “Hiding things from them isn’t the solution.”
“I’m not hiding anything,” I shot back, feeling a surge of irritation. “I just don’t see the need to alarm them over something that’s already been handled.”
He ran a hand through his hair again, clearly agitated. “You’re being reckless.”
“Don’t talk to me like that,” I snapped. “I’m not your assistant anymore, Damon. You don’t get to boss me around.”
His eyes flashed with anger. “Fine. Do whatever you want.” Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room, leaving me alone with the steady beep of the heart monitor.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling within me. Damon had always been protective, sometimes to the point of being overbearing. But I hadn’t expected him to react so strongly.
A few minutes passed in silence before the door burst open, and my mother and father rushed in, their faces etched with worry.
“Miranda!” my mother exclaimed, rushing to my side. “Are you okay? What happened?”
I blinked in surprise. “Mom? Dad? How did you know I was here?”
“Damon called us,” my father explained, his eyes scanning me for any visible injuries. “He said you were in the hospital.”
I sighed, a mixture of frustration and gratitude bubbling up. “He didn’t have to do that.”
My mother cupped my face gently. “Of course he did. We’re your parents. We need to know when something happens to you.”
“I’m fine, really,” I assured them. “It was just a little spell. The doctor said I can be discharged soon.”
They exchanged a glance before my father spoke. “Let’s go see the doctor together, just to be sure.”
I nodded, not wanting to argue. Together, we walked to the nurse’s station, where the doctor confirmed that I was stable and could go home. My parents stayed close, their presence both comforting and slightly suffocating.
As we left the hospital and headed to the car, I couldn’t help but ask, “So, Damon told you?”
My mother nodded. “Yes, he said he had urgent business in LA but wanted us to be here for you.”
I looked out the car window, processing everything. Damon had his flaws, but his heart was in the right place. Even if his methods were sometimes infuriating.
