See? She s really okay, she assured him, hoping to calm his nerves before his worry could overwhelm him again.

Jeffery struggled to sit up fully, and slowly, his blurred vision began to clear. At last, he could make out Alicia lying peacefully in the adjacent hospital bed.

The sight of her safe and breathing brought tears to his eyes.

Alicia he breathed, his voice ragged with relief and anguish.

Gripping the edge of his blanket, Jeffery tried to push himself out of bed. Startled, Linsey quickly held him back. Your back is still injured don t strain yourself! You ll reopen the wound.

Jeffery didn t shift his gaze. His eyes were locked on Alicia, as if afraid she might vanish the moment he looked away.

I just want to be closer to her, he pleaded. Linsey, please help me over there.

But Linsey shook her head firmly. No. You can see her from here. If you tear your wound, you ll make things worse for yourself and for everyone taking care of you.

She paused, then added seriously, You need to rest and recover. We re already doing everything we can for Alicia. If you push yourself now, we ll have to split our focus, and that helps no one.

Jeffery s breath caught at the logic in her words. After a pause, he finally relented, nodding faintly. Alright. I ll stay here.

His gaze drifted toward Dolores and Dustin, a weary smile touching his lips. Why are all of you here? Thank you for coming.

Dolores quickly waved her hand, flustered. No no, this was our fault. Dustin and I should have done more to prevent this from happening.

Jeffery looked confused. What do you mean?

Dustin, seated at his bedside, leaned forward slightly, his voice solemn. We knew Joanne s mental state had become unstable. We planned to monitor her closely last night, but she still managed to escape. She came straight to the hospital Alicia and you paid the price.

Jeffery s brow furrowed, concern deepening across his face. But why would Joanne

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Linsey stepped in, choosing her words carefully. She claimed to be your junior when you studied abroad.

Jeffery blinked, then frowned slightly in confusion. My junior? You mean she studied at my college?

There was a brief pause before he said plainly, I ve never met her before.

Linsey froze. From Joanne s own words, she and Jeffery had supposedly known each other during their time overseas. Yet Jeffery s expression held no recognition, no trace of familiarity.

Linsey slowly realized that Jeffery was telling the truth he had absolutely no memory of Joanne.

Suddenly, everything Joanne had said felt suspect. Had she fabricated their entire connection in her mind, driven by obsession and insecurity? Was it possible that she had admired him from afar, too afraid to approach him, and created memories to justify the fantasy?

Linsey exhaled softly, her heart tightening with unease.

Now that Joanne was gone, her secrets had died with her and there would never be a way to truly know the full story.

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Message from Noah: Have a great night, loved ones. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. ?(? ? C ? ) ?

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