Without uttering a word, the man continued to look at her. His eyes filled with many emotions, rendering them indecipherable.

His silence triggered Rosalynn to settle back down, concern furrowing her brows.

“Are you feeling unwell? Can you hear me?"

Mummed as ever, the man merely Looked at her, his eyes locked onto hers.

Growing slightly frustrated, Rosalynn probed further, "Sir, are you mute?"

But the man did speak to her before, which baffled her.

The man parted his lips, a wordless attempt at communication, but no sound emerged.

His grip on Rosalynn's hand tightened in response, causing her to glance at their entwined hands.

She heaved a resigned sigh.

"Could you let go of my hand, please?"

His grip remained firm, making her wonder about his intentions.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Brian sauntered in.

“Rosalynn, you're awake," he greeted.

Turning to face him, Rosalynn responded with a warm smile.

"Hmm, where were you? I didn't see you when I woke up."

“I was in the kitchen," replied Brian, approaching her. His gaze swiftly scanned the room, resting on the stranger's hand, still circling Rosalynn's. His features hardened, and his voice dropped a few degrees.

"Let her go."

The man's gaze flicked from Brian to Rosalynn and back to Brian, his eyes reflecting a shadow of sorrow.

With Brian's hand going for him, he finally released Rosalynn's hand.

Brian extended his arm and enveloped Rosalynn in his embrace.

His gaze transformed into a glacial stare, his eyes narrowing into piercing slits as he interrogated, “Who are you?"

The audacity to hold his wife's hand unnerved Brian.