Chapter 25
It had been a week since Caleb was discharged from the hospital. He had stopped by to visit Kassia earlier that morning, a brief but comforting presence. There was no doubt he had a mountain of work to catch up on, yet he made time for her—just as he always did when it mattered.
Charity, thankfully, had left with Caleb. She had been hovering since the accident, always nearby, always watching. Kassia appreciated her concern, but the constant attention had started to feel suffocating. Charity usually visited only once in a while, but since the crash, her presence had been near-constant—until now.
Cain had delivered news that changed everything.
"Chicago is no longer in a coma," he had said.
The words had struck like a bolt of lightning. Kassia had barely breathed after that. Relief, disbelief, hope—it all surged through her at once.
Christy had also been in touch. She was coming to visit that afternoon, bringing more notes from school. Kassia had been studying diligently. Caleb had generously left his MacBook for her, and she had been attending online lectures. She refused to fall behind, not now.
Each day she pushed herself to walk a few more steps. Her nurse guided her through the exercises, offering steady encouragement. And today, for the first time in three weeks since the accident, Kassia made a decision.
She was going to see Chicago.
With her nurse's assistance, she made her way down the hall. Every step felt heavier than the last, not from pain—but anticipation.
When they reached Chicago's room, the nurse offered a supportive smile and quietly stepped outside, giving the sisters a moment of privacy.
Kassia entered slowly.
"Hi, baby," she whispered, voice trembling. "How are you doing? You've been sleeping for so long now."
She pulled a chair beside the bed and took Chicago's hand gently into her own.
"When do you plan on waking up?" she asked softly, tears slipping silently down her cheeks. "I miss you so much. You're missing so much in school already."
Her voice cracked as she leaned closer.
"Come on, baby... please wake up."
And then, something happened.
Chicago's fingers twitched—just slightly, as if trying to squeeze her hand back.
Kassia gasped and quickly pressed the call button. Moments later, Dr. Sylvia entered the room.
"Dr. Sylvia—she just squeezed my hand! Look, she's doing it again!"
A nurse gently guided Kassia outside as Dr. Sylvia began her assessment.
An hour passed. It felt like a lifetime.
Then, the door opened.
Dr. Sylvia stepped out, removing her gloves. Her expression carried a spark of hope.
"She's awake," the doctor said.
Kassia's breath caught. "What…?"
"She's fully awake," Dr. Sylvia repeated with a warm smile. "You can go in and see her."
Kassia stood frozen for a moment, heart pounding.
"I've already called Mr. Mysia. He's on his way," Dr. Sylvia added.
Kassia nodded, tears forming again—this time from joy—and stepped quietly back into the room.
Chicago's eyes were open, unfocused at first, but aware. Kassia moved closer.
"Baby…" she said softly.
"Kas…sy?" Chicago murmured, her voice faint. "Why are you crying?"
Kassia gave a shaky laugh, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "Oh, I've missed your voice so much."
Chicago blinked. "Why am I in the hospital, Kassy?"
Kassia hesitated. "You… you don't remember?"
Chicago shook her head slowly. "No."
"Well, maybe that's for the best," Kassia said gently, brushing her sister's hair away from her face. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. Just tired," Chicago replied, her eyes fluttering.
"Okay, baby. Go back to sleep for now," Kassia whispered. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise."
Chicago nodded softly and drifted back to sleep.
Kassia stepped out of the room quietly and found Dr. Sylvia waiting outside.
"Dr. Sylvia," she called, her voice laced with worry. "My sister… she doesn't remember the accident. Is that normal?"
"Yes, it's completely normal," the doctor replied reassuringly. "I examined her before you went in. It's not uncommon for patients to forget traumatic events. Her vitals are strong. She's doing well."
Just then, Dr. Sylvia glanced behind Kassia and offered a polite nod.
"Mr. Mysia," she said as Cain approached.
Kassia turned and saw him standing quietly nearby, his tall frame casting a shadow in the hallway.
"Dr. Sylvia," Cain greeted, his deep voice calm but purposeful.
With a professional nod, the doctor excused herself and left them alone.
"She's awake," Kassia said shakily, as if the words still didn't feel real.
"I know," Cain replied. "The doctor called me earlier."
"She's sleeping again now," Kassia added.
Cain gave a short nod. "I see."
There was a moment of silence, weighted but not uncomfortable.
"Thank you… for everything," Kassia said. "I went to the accounts office to ask about our medical bill, but they told me someone had already paid it."
Her eyes met his.
"I'm guessing that someone was you?"
Cain gave a faint hum, a small nod. "It was."
"I don't even know what to say," she whispered.
He looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I didn't do it for free."
Kassia tilted her head, confused. "Oh? Then what do you want in return?"
Cain took a slow step forward, eyes locked on hers.
"Marry me," he said.
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Author's note
"Okay, I'm still in shock. 😲 What the hell? Why did Cain just drop that bomb on Kassia?"
See all in the next chapter
Xoxo
CC