Bryce quickly filled her in. “When I returned, I smelled alcohol. It seems Mitchel had been drinking, then slipped and fell in the bathroom, and that's when he passed out.”

Raegan observed his pallor, a wave of anxiety washing over her.

Normally, a healthy man wouldn't faint from just a fall. There must be some underlying condition that hadn't been addressed properly.

This man...

The attending doctor quickly examined Mitchel and administered a dose of specialized medication.

Almost miraculously, Mitchel's complexion began to look less deathly within moments.

As the ambulance pulled up, the attending doctor turned to Stefan and explained, "I've made a preliminary diagnosis. It appears there's an infection in his knee implant, but we'll need further tests at the hospital to confirm."

At this, Raegan felt as if she was in the midst of a surreal story, her head spinning slightly from the revelation.

Thankfully, Stefan was there to support her.

The paramedics loaded Mitchel onto the stretcher and hastened to the hospital.

Collecting herself, Raegan looked at Stefan and began, "Stefan, I..."

Before she could finish, Stefan cut in, “Let's go together."

Raegan nodded emphatically.

At the hospital, while waiting outside the examination room, Raegan's thoughts wandered. She had assumed that after the wedding day, Mitchel would have left. Yet, he had lingered in Aurora for over a week, staying at the hotel so close to the Clifford family's manor.

Why was he still here?

Raegan struggled with her thoughts, reluctant to delve into the nature of their relationship. It felt almost as if Katie's curse was manifesting once more. If not for Bryce's timely intervention tonight, Mitchel might have just been another forgotten casualty in some hotel room.

Seeing Raegan's distressed expression, Stefan felt a twinge of pain in his heart. He gently said, “Raegan, I had told him the other day that I could ensure his safe departure, but he chose to stay."

Raegan hesitated, her thoughts tangled. "He..."

As Raegan fell silent, Stefan continued, "There's something else. Today, when we were at the park, I noticed a black SUV following us. I had it checked out. Mr. Dixon was inside. It seems he might have misunderstood something and turned to alcohol to cope."

Stefan was always candid. He believed Mitchel's behavior was tied to Raegan, and he felt it was her right to know the truth.