Chapter 239

Looking around the lobby, I sought Timothy's reassuring presence, but he was nowhere to be seen. A sense of unease prickled at the edges of my consciousness as I turned to Aria.

"What happened to Timothy?" I asked, my voice breaking.

Aria's expression shifted, a furrow forming on her brow. "He was taken to the hospital to get his wound checked out," she replied, her tone laden with concern.

The image of Timothy's injured shoulder flashed before my eyes, sending a chill through me. I swallowed hard.

"Is he okay? Is it serious?"

Aria placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "He's going to be fine, Evie. Let's go to the hospital and check on him."

Relief washed over me at Aria's words, and I let her guide me toward the exit.

As we hurried out of the police station, Lucas bid us farewell, offering words of reassurance. "I’m glad you're alright, Evie. Take care."

With Lucas heading off, Aria and I rushed to her car, the urgency to reach the hospital driving us forward.

As we pulled up to the hospital, a surge of apprehension gripped me. Aria offered a comforting smile, a silent assurance that we were in this together. We hurried through the hospital corridors, seeking solace in the promise of reuniting with Timothy.

Finally, we reached the room where Timothy had been attended to. My heart pounded in my chest as I entered, my eyes immediately searching for his familiar face. Relief flooded through me as I spotted him, sitting on the edge of the hospital bed, his expression weary but relieved.

The relief that washed over me upon seeing Timothy safe and sound at the hospital was immeasurable. I rushed toward him, my heart pounding.

"Timothy, are you okay?" I blurted out, my voice laced with worry as I closed the distance between us.

He met my gaze with a soft smile, though his eyes told of his own exhaustion. Without a word, he pulled me into his arms, enveloping me in a tight embrace.

"I'm alright, Evie. I'm fine," Timothy murmured against my hair, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

He looked up, a tired yet comforting smile gracing his lips at the sight of me. "Evie, I'm alright. It's just a graze," he reassured, his voice soft yet filled with sincerity.

Aria offered a supportive smile before excusing herself to give us some privacy. Timothy and I exchanged a wordless glance, an unspoken understanding passing between us.

"Thank you for coming, Evie. You didn't have to," Timothy spoke softly, his gaze earnest.

I shook my head, a faint smile gracing my lips. "Of course I did. I needed to make sure you were alright."

The hospital room seemed to cocoon us in a bubble of quiet intimacy, the chaotic outside world momentarily fading away. Timothy's gaze held a warmth that melted away the remnants of my worry, grounding me in the present moment.

"I was so worried. I'm just glad you're okay," I admitted, my voice quivering with residual concern.

Timothy reached out, taking my hand in his, a gentle yet reassuring gesture. "I'll be fine. I was more worried about you."

Relief flooded through me at his words, a weight lifted off my shoulders. Before I could say anything more, he closed the distance between us, his touch gentle as he cupped my face, his thumb grazing my cheek in a tender caress.

His lips met mine in a soft, hesitant kiss. The world around us seemed to fade into insignificance, leaving only the fleeting warmth.

My heart fluttered in my chest as our kiss deepened, and he wrapped his arms around me, almost protectively. I placed my hand on the nape of his neck and teased the fine hairs with my fingers,

As our lips parted, a breathless silence lingered in the room. Timothy's gaze was tender and vulnerable, mirroring the emotions swirling within me.

"Evie," he began, his voice soft and earnest, "I thought I was going to lose you. That hurt more than anything."

His words were a tender confession that resonated within me. My heart swelled and I pulled him closer.

"Timothy, I..." I paused, my voice catching in my throat as I searched for the right words. “I’m right here, okay?”

He gently took my hand in his, massaging my knuckles with his thumb. "That’s all I need right now."

When we pulled away, his gaze lingered on mine, a depth of emotion shimmering in his eyes. "I just want to go home."

A pang of concern fluttered within me, but I nodded. “Of course.”

I helped Timothy gather his things before walking with him outside. Aria was waiting by the door, scrolling through her phone.

“You’re sure you’re okay? They don’t need to do any tests or anything?” I asked once more, and Timothy laughed lightly.

“All I need were some stitches. Not the first or last ones I’ll be getting probably,” he told me, placing a hand on my hip.

I still had my reservations, but I would hold off on doting on him since he looked tired.

Suddenly, a fleeting worry creased his brow. "I left my car in the other town," Timothy admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of panic.

Aria put away her phone and stepped forward with a reassuring smile. "Lucas brought it over for you. It's parked outside."

Relief flooded Timothy's features, a grateful smile gracing his lips. The weight of worry seemed to lift from his shoulders.

"Thank you, Aria," Timothy said earnestly, then turned to me, offering his hand with a gentle smile. "Let me drive you home, Evie. It's late."

I glanced at Aria. "You wouldn’t mind right?’

She shook her head rapidly. “Oh no. You two probably have a lot to discuss. I’ll see you later, okay?”

I gave her a hug, and she snuggled into my cheek. “Thank you for everything, Aria. Goodnight."

"Take care, Evie. Call me if you need anything."

With that, Timothy and I made our way outside, hand in hand, the night air crisp around us. The familiarity of his touch offered a sense of comfort amidst the remnants of the night's turmoil. As we approached his car, parked just outside the hospital, Timothy held open the passenger door for me with a gallant gesture.

"Thank you," I murmured, slipping into the seat, the warmth of the car embracing me.

Timothy slid into the driver's seat, a sense of quiet determination emanating from him. He turned to me, his gaze softening as he started the engine. "Are you alright, Evie?"

I nodded, my gaze meeting his, a silent exchange of understanding passing between us. "I am now, knowing you're okay."

He offered a faint smile, a subtle acknowledgment of the bond that had grown between us amidst the chaos. The car glided through the quiet streets, the soft hum of the engine breaking the silence.