Day in and day out, Adrian would look after Cassidy in the hospital.

Much to his and everyone else's relief, she is recovering steadily, though she remains unconscious for the next days come. Gilmore said that she could wake up at any time - by yet another miracle, it would be a speedy recovery just like before. Even then, she was riddled with wounds and had a few broken bones. So, she would still take a while to heal, which also meant that she would not be able to go back to work for quite some time.

Now, a couple of weeks has passed since the whole madness with Grisham and Dylan ended.

Adrian entered with a bouquet of flowers, not surprised to find the place filled with gift baskets, balloons and other 'get well' presents. It paints the plain white room with colors and makes it look somewhat alive. Cassidy has been receiving a lot of things ever since she was sent there - usually from their family members, friends and close acquaintances.

"Good morning, Cassidy. I'm here again,

" he greeted his sleeping wife as he made his way to the side of her bed.

For her comfort and therapeutical benefits, he had her occupy a spacious, sumptuous private room that looks a lot more like a house than a hospital. It has a lounge set, a small kitchen, a television and other home furniture, which will be useful to her when she wakes up.

While there had been no incidents so far, there are at least three bodyguards outside. He decided to tighten the security to make sure that she is safe whenever he is away, though she is hardly by herself.

Just like Adrian, his siblings and nephews would visit everyday. Asher would also come with Aira and Bryan.

"It's been very cold around here lately, though the weather this morning is a little bit better than yesterday. New Year is just several days away,

" he continued as he briefly took a look outside the window before turning back his attention to her.

She lays on her bed with a dextrose attached to her along with some other tubes. There are also these machineries around her that serve as her temporary life support. Her face looks peaceful. Too peaceful. He misses seeing her make all sorts of expressions - her smile most of all.

"I decided to take a longer absence from work. Edward and Charles have it handled. I swear, I owe them a lot of trouble. I just keep depending on them...

" he went on to say as he sat on the chair beside her bed.

"Dylan and Grisham had been dealt with as well. I promise they won't harm you again.

"

Despite the solemn look on Adrian's face, there lies a dark, grim tone in his words. He doesn't know what Cassidy will think of him from now on, but at this point, he just can't afford to put her in any more danger - he can no longer find it in himself to let go of those who hurt her.

He leans against the side of her bed and holds her hand. It's warm. He raises it and draws it close to his face before planting a fond, gentle kiss on its back.

Relishing in her touch, he shuts his eyes closed. His lips linger on her skin for what feels like a long moment. In silence, he wishes for her recovery.

'Please, wake up soon, Cassidy. I miss you dearly.'

Gilmore had told him that it would do better for her if they talk to her since she could hear it. That's why Adrian has taken it upon himself to tell her all the things that're happening - every single day and every chance he gets, he talks to her even though he never gets any response.

"It's alright. Everything's fine now. You don't have to worry about anything anymore...

" he told her softly while he stared at her and gently held the side of her face.

"Things are gonna be okay from now on.

"

As he continues to behold Cassidy with a tender gaze, he keeps brushing his thumbs on her skin affectionately. Adrian then inches his face closer and kisses her forehead lovingly before doing the same on the tip of her nose.

He wants to cherish her more properly. Even though all the misfortunes that befell them were not his fault, he still couldn't help but blame himself. He failed to protect her over and over again - it was like a never-ending cycle.

Perhaps, it's because he's born a Millicent. Perhaps, it's because he hasn't worked hard enough or suffered enough. Perhaps, he should've paid more for taking her for granted all those times.

Perhaps, Cassidy will be better off without him.

'You'll probably get mad at me for having such thoughts again...' Adrian then came to realize as he recalled that those things were exactly what Cassidy had kept trying to talk him out of.

'Not that I haven't believed in them before. I still do think that you deserve someone much better than me, but I'm afraid I can't let you go despite that. I need you in my life, Cassidy. I will never be able to bear it if I lose you again. Forgive me for being selfish.'

Adrian has always thought that he's the worst, yet even then, she still continues to love him for who he is. That's mainly why he keeps falling for Cassidy, deeper and deeper - at his worst, she's still able to love someone like him.

This time, for sure, he'll take better care of her. He'll always stay by her side, and he'll never leave her on her own. No matter what it costs him, he'll definitely protect her. He'll do anything and everything for her -

Even if he has to shed some blood and dirty his hands.

"I love you, Cassidy. So, so much...

" he breathed out as he leaned his forehead on hers, their noses brushing against each other.

"Much more than you can ever imagine.

"

From thereon, all that Adrian does is behold Cassidy's beauty, uttering sweet-nothings from time to time but otherwise stays silent and showers her with kisses.