The next day, the hospital was quiet and warm, the scent of antiseptic replaced by the mild aroma of fresh sheets. Rose was up early, packing up her belongings into a small hospital bag. The bruises on her face had faded slightly, but her movements were still slow and calculated, her body healing but sore. She was determined to leave.
The door to her room suddenly flung open, and Daniel stormed in. His expression was a mixture of relief, frustration, and confusion.
"You're up?! Rose! What the hell? No one told me you were awake! I had to find out from a nurse on the hallway!"
Rose turned to him with a small smile. "Calm down, Daniel. I'm okay."
Daniel shook his head and pulled her into a gentle hug, careful not to hurt her. "I've been losing my mind here."
"I know. I'm sorry. I didn't want you worrying more than you already have."
He helped her finish packing in silence, occasionally muttering under his breath about the hospital's poor communication. Together, they left the hospital and made their way home.
Back at the house, Aunty Adeline opened the door. Her eyes widened in joy when she saw Rose. "Oh, my baby! You're back!"
She pulled Rose into a tight hug, so tight that Rose winced a little. "Easy, Aunty."
Adeline laughed. "Sorry, sorry. I didn't even know you left this morning."
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "You were literally crying two days ago, worried sick about her."
Adeline blinked, clearly confused. "Was I? Oh... Maybe I was just dreaming."
Rose gave Daniel a sharp look. "Don't. Don't bring up the incident again around her."
Daniel nodded slowly. "Got it."
Then, he remembered. "Oh! Stella wanted to talk to you."
He reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and dialed a video call. "She's been bugging me nonstop."
Stella's face popped onto the screen. The moment she saw Rose, her face crumpled. "Oh my God! Rose! Are you okay?!"
Rose smiled, holding back tears. "Hey, Stells. I'm alright now. Just got discharged."
"I was so scared. I didn't believe you were really in trouble until Daniel video-called me. Seeing you there on that hospital bed... it broke me."
Rose nodded. "I'm healing. Not too many bruises. The doctor just said I shouldn't stress myself too much."
Stella sighed in relief. "I'm happy you're safe. I really am. I'll be back soon, okay?"
"I'll be here," Rose said, grinning. "Just don't take forever."
They shared a smile before ending the call. Rose handed Daniel back his phone and stretched a little.
"You know what? I'm actually hungry."
She headed toward the kitchen, and to her surprise, found the table already set. Steam was rising from a pot, and the smell was mouthwatering.
She turned to Daniel, suspicious. "Did you cook this?"
Daniel chuckled. "With my own two hands. Found a recipe online. Put some love in it too."
Rose raised an eyebrow. "Should I eat it or call the ambulance in advance?"
" C'mon " Daniel said.
They both laughed.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Rose walked over, confused. She opened the door and was greeted by a sharply dressed man holding two large takeaway bags.
"Delivery for Miss Rose. From Mr. Carter Jr."
Rose blinked, stunned. "Julian?"
The man nodded, handing her the bags politely. Daniel came over to help carry them.
Rose muttered, "Well, thank God. I won't be eating poison tonight."
She looked down at the bags, feeling strangely touched. Julian had sent her food. Not just any food, but food from an expensive restaurant.
Outside, the man returned to the sleek black car where Julian sat in the back seat. "She accepted the food, sir."
Julian gave a single nod, staring out the tinted window as the car pulled away into the street.
Inside, Rose still stood by the door, takeaway bags in hand, her heart fluttering in ways she didn't quite understand.