Amy's pulse pounded in her ears as she tapped Alexander's contact, her instincts screaming at her. It was strange how fear could heighten every sense, making the world sharper, clearer.

The faint sound of his ringtone carried through the air from where he had disappeared. Her palms were clammy, her grip on the phone unsteady.

Her gaze remained fixed on the path he had taken, her fingers tightening around her phone despite herself.

Alexander stopped dead in his tracks. Though Amy had long since buried her feelings for him, her heart hammered wildly in this crucial moment.

He pulled out his phone, his expression darkening when he saw her name flash across the screen.

Then, Victoria's voice shattered the tension. "It's Ms. Sinclair calling," she murmured weakly, forcing a fragile smile. "Lex, you should answer. Liam needs his mother. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. It's not like I have much time left anyway."

Alexander's eyes flickered before he ended the call. "I'm taking you to the hospital first," he said flatly, dismissing everything else as he scooped Victoria into his arms and strode away.

In that instant, Amy's mind went numb. It felt like a sledgehammer had slammed into her chest. The world tilted, her vision blurred, and then—nothing.

"Did you see? That woman brought in earlier—wasn't that Victoria Langley, Alexander's ex?"

"Yeah, that's her. You should've seen Mr. Blackwood when he carried her in. He looked absolutely devastated. Tragic, really. They were supposed to be soulmates."

"I heard his wife only married him because she schemed to break them up."

"I saw the way he looked at Ms. Langley. So tender. I know it's wrong, but part of me wishes they could be together."

The whispers faded as Amy stirred, consciousness creeping back.

"Oh, she's awake," someone murmured, cutting off the gossip.

"Ms. Sinclair, how are you feeling?" a nurse asked gently.

Amy blinked, her head throbbing.

"A little dizzy," she admitted.

The doctor nodded. "Minor injuries, mild concussion, and a slight sprain in your ankle. You'll need a few days of observation. Call your family to handle the hospital fees."

Family? Her family was probably gathered around Victoria's bedside right now.

A bitter smile touched her lips. After a moment, she dialed a number.

Alexander drove home only after ensuring Victoria was stable and finally asleep. By the time he arrived, midnight had long passed, and the house stood dark and silent.

Exhausted, he rubbed his temples as he pushed open the bedroom door. Darkness greeted him.

Once, no matter how late he returned, Amy would always leave a light on for him. She'd wake up to ask if he'd eaten, if he needed anything.

But since she had left, everything felt different. At first, he hadn't noticed. But tonight, the emptiness was suffocating.

He flicked on the light.

The room remained empty.